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Graduation

Your graduation day

Congratulations – the day is almost here! Many graduates are excited and nervous on the day of their ceremony. To help you get ready, we’ve put together a list of what you can do in preparation, as well as what to expect on the day.

On the day – before the ceremony

Students sitting with their graduation robes and caps on During and after the ceremony

Preparing for your graduation

Location

Your ceremony will be held in the .

Travel and parking

There may be traffic and parking delays around the 精东传媒, so please allow additional travel time.

Free parking is available for graduating students in  and  carparks on campus.

We encourage you to travel with all your guests in one vehicle. If the P4 and P5 carparks becomes full, security staff will advise you of alternative parking locations on or around campus. 

If you submitted accessibility requirements for both yourself and/ or your guests during the registration process, parking will be made available to you in the carpark under the Sports Hub – you will need to provide your name to the parking attendant at the Sports Hub carpark to gain access. 

You will be required to bring identification (eg. drivers licence, student card) which will be sighted at the registration desk.

A graduation ceremony is a formal occasion with smart casual wear being the minimum standard for graduates and their guests. 

You will be required to wear the approved 精东传媒 of 精东传媒 academic dress over your clothes when taking part in a graduation ceremony. The graduation fee covers the hire of your academic dress (gown and hood), as well as a trencher (hat) or bonnet to keep. 

When selecting what you're going to wear, keep in mind:

  • The academic gown is three-quarters in length and opens at the front, so your clothes will be visible.
  • The gown is made of heavy material, so you may wish to leave your jacket with your family or friends.
  • You will be wearing an academic trencher or bonnet on your head so we recommend a hairstyle that allows this to sit comfortably.
  • You will be walking onto stage via a ramp, so we recommend that you consider this when selecting your footwear.
  • You are welcome to enrich the colour of the ceremony with garments from your cultural tradition.

Purchasing academic dress 

If you wish to purchase academic dress for graduation, you can do so at any time of the year from the Unishop. However, if for any reason a particular item may be out of stock, you must place your order no later than 6 weeks prior to the ceremony. Enquiries regarding the purchase of academic dress may be directed to the鈥�.

If you purchase your academic dress you will you will need to collect your purchase from the Unishop prior to your graduation ceremony and bring it with you to the venue.

Please note that if you purchase your academic dress, you are still required to pay the鈥� full graduation fee. 

Free personalised styling and clothing

Dress for Success Illawarra is offering free personalised styling and clothing to support women and gender-diverse students who are graduating from UOW.

Their volunteer stylists will help you create a look to wear under your gown – completely free of charge. Appointments are essential. To , select "Other occasion" and write "UOW graduation" in the referral space.

Morning ceremonies

Graduates to arrive by 8:15am

  • Registration opens at 7.30 am and closes at 9 am sharp
  • Doors will open for guests at 8.45 am
  • Ceremony commences 9.30 am

Late arrivals may not be able to be accommodated.

Afternoon ceremonies

Graduates to arrive by 1:15pm

  • Registration opens at 12.30 pm and closes at 2 pm sharp
  • Doors will open for guests at 1.45 pm
  • Ceremony commences 2.30 pm

We understand how important guests are to your graduation experience! Guest ticket allocation has been emailed to graduates on Tuesday, 24 June, 2025.

Children and prams

Children are warmly welcome to attend your ceremony and will require a ticket. Infants (under 3) can sit on an adult's lap during the ceremony.

Designated pram/stroller parking bays will be available within the Sports Hub. Activities will also be available for children outside of the Sports Hub in the Marquee.

Additional guests

Additional guests are welcome to watch the ceremony via live stream in the Sports Hub foyer or from an off-campus location. The live stream link will be available on the graduation website on the day of the event.

We are more than happy to accommodate special seating requirements, or any mobility or disability issues, including vision or hearing needs. 
 
If you did not advise of any special requirements during the online registration for graduation, please email details to askuow@uow.edu.au with ‘Graduation’ in the subject line as soon as possible so arrangements can be made.

Now’s the best time to organise your graduation photography!

Reed Graduation Services will have professional photo studio sessions available on the day of your graduation. Bring along your friends and family and let skilled photographers capture this wonderful milestone with a range of high-quality photos that you can cherish for years to come.

We recommend you with Reed Graduation Services. Those who book on the date will incur a $30 booking. Online bookings will be available soon.

You can also buy discounted merchandise such as photo products, degree frames and plaques.

On the day - before the ceremony

You must arrive by the specified time.

On arrival, please make your way to the graduation registration desk located on the鈥�ground floor in鈥�鈥痺hich is adjacent to the Sports Hub. Entry is via the western side of the UniActive building (closest to the Sports Hub). 

To avoid overcrowding, we ask that guests wait outside and do not accompany you to the registration desk – we suggest arranging to meet your guests in the graduation celebration area on the Hockey Field outside the Sports Hub after completing registration. 

Graduate registration

When you arrive at registration鈥痽ou will:

  • receive your graduation card, which will be marked with your name and allocated seat number
  • receive your guest tickets
  • get dressed in your academic dress
  • receive your trencher (hat) or bonnet (PhD graduates only)

UOW staff will select the appropriate academic dress for you and help you put the garments on. If you are an Honours graduate, please advise staff.

Once dressed and ready, you are encouraged to meet your guests at the graduation celebration area on the Hockey Field for photo opportunities, gifts, coffee, and more.

You will receive your graduation card at registration. This will be marked with your name and allocated seat number.

You must be seated in your allocated seat at least 20 minutes before the ceremony (unless you are told otherwise during registration). 

It is essential that鈥痽ou sit in your allocated seat as outlined on your graduation card received at registration. This will ensure graduates are presented on stage in the correct order.鈥�You must not swap or change your seat to be close to friends. 

Guest seating is not allocated but is separate from graduate seating.

PhD Graduates 

If you are a PhD graduate, please register and collect your academic dress and graduation card from UniActive (Building 13). You will then need to make your way to Building 36 to join the academic procession.

Guests of PhD graduates should find their seats in the Sports Hub and are not to go to Building 36. 

It is highly recommended that you arrive at the 精东传媒 with plenty of time to find parking, register, dress in academic dress, and take photos.鈥� 

If you arrive after the close of registration, please go directly to the graduate registration desk in UniActive (building 13) and we will do our best to accommodate you, but it is not guaranteed that you will be able to participate in the ceremony.  

You will be required to wait in the registration area until the Academic Procession has been seated on stage at the commencement of the ceremony. You will then be ushered to the Sports Hub to take your seats, and your name will be read out at the end of the ceremony. 

Arriving late will impact your graduation experience, as your name will be read out at the conclusion of the ceremony by the Executive Dean and we will be unable to have your name displayed on the screen. 

Please note that if you arrive late and we are unable to accommodate you within the ceremony, you will not be offered a refund. 

We invite you and your guests to enjoy the graduation celebration area on the Hockey Field, available before and after your ceremony.

This is a great place for your guests to relax while you complete registration and get gowned at UniActive, Building 13.

The area will feature a variety of photo opportunities, the UOW Graduation UniShop, the Aspire Coffee Cart, Postgraduate Studies, post-event celebrations, and Reed Events offering memorabilia, stage photography, and professional photo studio sessions for purchase.

Children’s Play and Gift Creation – Hosted by Early Start Discovery Space

Early Start Discovery Space will be hosting Children’s Play and Gift Creation from 11.30 am to 2 pm in the graduation celebration area

Discovery Space educators’ welcome children to join them to create a gift to celebrate their graduate and to participate in their pop-up play experience. All children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.

During and after the ceremony

The official proceedings of UOW graduation ceremonies includes: 

  1. Opening of Ceremony, including Smoking Ceremony*
  2. Welcome to Country 
  3. National Anthem 
  4. Opening and Congratulatory Address 
  5. Presentation of Awards 
  6. Musical Interlude 
  7. Presentation of Awards (cont) 
  8. Honorary Award/Emeritus Professorships Awards 
  9. Occasional Address and Vote of Thanks 
  10. Closure of Proceedings 
  11. Showing of UOW Graduation video 
  12. Event Concludes

Ceremonies are expected to be 2-2.5 hours in duration.

* The Smoking Ceremony will be led by our Indigenous Community Leaders to welcome graduates, guests, and the academic procession. There will be adequate ventilation in place within the sports hub to ensure the health and safety of our graduates and community.

Ushers will direct graduates throughout the ceremony. When it is time to commence the presentation of awards, ushers will direct graduates as follows: 

  1. The Presenter will ask all graduates to stand for confirmation of degrees. After this, everyone can be seated except the first row of graduates who will then be guided by ushers to the stage. 
  2. When it is your turn to make your way to the stage, an usher will ask you to stand and will direct you into position. Leave your booklets and other items on your seat. 
  3. An usher will check and adjust your academic dress. 
  4. When you reach the bottom of the stage ramp, you will collect your certificate from an usher. 
  5. You will be directed to ascend the ramp and stand on the side of the stage until your name is called. 
  6. When you hear your name, make your way to the centre of the stage towards the Presiding Officer. 
  7. The Presiding Officer will 'tip their cap' to you, and you can return the gesture by tipping your cap slightly downwards with your right hand. Please pause on stage while a photo is taken.
  8. After the photo, you can begin descending the ramp on the other side of the stage. 
  9. You will then make your way back to your allocated seat and remain there until the end of the ceremony. 
  10. At the completion of the ceremony, you will be directed to follow behind the Academic Procession and leave the venue. 

This information will also be provided to you again, upon registration on the day of your ceremony. 

Stage photos will be available immediately after the ceremony for viewing and purchase in the graduation celebration area on the Hockey Field.

If you would like to view and/or purchase your stage photos at a later time, a link will be available on the UOW website once all ceremonies are complete.

All ceremonies will be live streamed. A link will be available on the graduation website on the day of the ceremony.

Your academic dress must be returned to the gown returns area near the registration desk in UniActive (building 13) by the following times:

  • 1pm for morning ceremonies 
  • 6pm for afternoon ceremonies

At the conclusion of your ceremony, you and your guests are invited to join UOW dignitaries at the graduation celebration area to continue the celebration and enjoy some refreshments.  

It's a good idea to organise somewhere to meet your guests as it will be busy. 

will also be open after the ceremony if you'd like to continue the celebrations.

  • $15 bacon and egg roll with small coffee (vegetarian alternative: egg, cheese & hash brown roll with small coffee – all day)
  • $20 large coffee and gourmet toastie (all day)
  • $10 large coffee and graduation donut (until sold out)
  • $2 cinnamon donut (GF/VG) with any hot drink purchase (until sold out)

Lunch specials:

  • $5 bubbles
  • $10 Aperol spritz & $15 cocktails (from menu)
  • $5 blueberry mojito (non-alcoholic)
  • 3 tacos for $18 (beef brisket, BBQ mushroom, fried chicken, or beer-battered barramundi)

Award Winning Seafood Restaurant located right on the Lagoon.

Offer: 2 Course $50pp 3 Course $60pp plus Seafood Platter special
Available: Monday to Friday, lunch and dinner
How to book: online at or via phone (02) 42261677
T&Cs: Not available in conjunction with any other offers.

Coniston Hotel has it all! great food, premium accommodation, and amazing food. Our bistro menu boasts a variety of mouth-watering traditional local pub food and drinks, perfect for lunch or dinner. From juicy burgers to grilled steaks, our skilled chefs use only premium ingredients to ensure a delightful experience.

Offer: $26 lunch special and house beverage for all students and families on those days
Available: 15 –18 July from 11 am – 4 pm
How to book: Show your student ID to be able to receive this deal
T&Cs: Only items from our lunch menu will be included in this deal. And only house wine, beer and soft drink for the house beverage of choice.

Steamers Bar and Grill is an award-winning beachfront restaurant in 精东传媒, known for its panoramic ocean views, globally inspired menu of fresh local produce, premium meats, and sustainable seafood. With a vibrant bar, signature cocktails, and warm hospitality, it’s the perfect spot for everything from casual catch-ups to special celebrations by the sea.

Offer:

  • Graduates enjoy a complimentary drink and a celebratory gift when dining with us—cheers to your achievements with stunning ocean views and great food by your side
  • Snap & Share Prize Draw: Post a pic from your celebration at Steamers, tag us @steamerswollongong and use #SteamersGradWeek for a chance to win one of two $100 gift cards. Tuesday 15 July to Friday 18 July 2025. Winners will be selected at random and announced via Instagram on 20 July 2025.

Available: Offers valid during UOW Graduation Week, Tuesday 15th July to Friday 18th July 2025.
How to book: Mention “Graduation” in the comments when booking your table to redeem the Graduate’s Cheers offer.
T&Cs: Graduate’s Cheers offer available with any main meal purchase; graduate must be present and mention “Graduation” in booking comments to redeem. Celebration Menu – Steamers 45 available all day; no substitutions. Snap & Share Prize Draw entries must tag @steamerswollongong and use #SteamersGradWeek; winners will be selected at random and announced via Instagram on 20 July 2025. Not valid with any other offer. Management reserves the right to amend or withdraw offers at any time.

In the beating heart of the 精东传媒 CBD, Humber is a unique three-level bar, featuring a rooftop bar, cocktail lounge and open-air laneway area.

Offer: From Wednesday to Friday, enjoy our delicious mid-week food and drink specials.

  • Wednesday: $1 Dumplings and Martini specials
  • Thursday: 3-for-$9 Sliders and 2-for-1 Cocktails
  • Friday: $5 Tacos and $15 Margaritas + $6 Coronas
  • Happy Hour: 3 pm – 6 pm every day

Available:
Wednesday from 3 pm
Thursday from 3 pm
Friday from 3pm
Happy Hour 3 pm – 6pm every day

How to book: 

T&Cs: Pre-booking is advised. Please advise us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Il Bene at The Fraternity Club is the go-to destination for authentic Italian wood-fired pizza in the Illawarra. Our pizzas are made from scratch by skilled Italian chefs using the finest ingredients, delivering a true taste of Italy. Whether you're dining with us or collecting your meal via our handy drive-through, Il Bene offers a unique and satisfying experience. And don't forget — we also serve gelato, so you can enjoy a sweet treat after your pizza. Open to members and guests alike, Il Bene brings Italian flavour and flair to every visit.

Offer: Tuesdays just got better at Il Bene! Enjoy any of our authentic Italian wood-fired pizzas for just $17 – Tuesday nights. Dine in or pick up via our convenient drive-through (next to the kids' playground). Plus, finish your meal with a scoop of delicious gelato – the perfect way to end your Italian feast!

Available: Tuesday 15 July 2025

How to book:

T&Cs: Some pizza exclusions apply. See staff for details.

We are a craft brewery/ brewpub that is located 15 minutes north of the 精东传媒 Campus, in Bulli. Built off a historic railway house, Resin offers excellent beer, fantastic food and great vibes.

Offer: Free beer* with every main meal/burger.

Please note that we will still be running our normal events and deals throughout this week also.

  • Happy Hour (500ml for the price of 350ml) 4 pm – 5 pm Monday – Thursday & 4 pm – 6 pm Friday
  • $15 Schnitzels on Tuesday Lunch and Dinner
  • Trivia on Wednesday from 6.30 pm
  • $1 Drumettes (Chicken Wings) on Thursday Lunch and Dinner + Live music from 6 pm

Available: Tuesday 15 – Friday 18 July. The venue is open every day from midday, Kitchen opening times are:

  • Tues & Wed 12 pm –  2.30 pm, 4.30 pm – 8 pm
  • Thurs & Fri 12 pm – 9 pm

How to book: . Please add the code "Uni Grad" to your booking and flag with staff when ordering.

T&Cs: *Beer = 350ml of your choice or 500ml of Sandon Lager

Flavourful Indian located on pristine 精东传媒 Beach.

Offer:

1. 10% off the total bill for all graduates and their guests (minimum spend $60)

2. Free glass of wine/soft drink per guest with any main meal or

3. Complimentary dessert platter for tables of 4 or more with a booking: Guests can choose either one of the offers.

Available: Tuesday 15 July to Sunday 20 July 2025

How to book: – no code required.

T&Cs: Advance booking preferred.

Enjoy some of Australia's most beautiful food, as we bring to your plate the freshest local and sustainable seafood and produce. Located overlooking the iconic Belmore Basin on 精东传媒 Harbour, Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant is one of the best dining destinations across the South Coast. Open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week.

Offer: Choose Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant's Market Menu and treat yourself to a 2 or 3 course set menu. Sample the finest dishes, with the menu evolving daily using seasonal produce.

Available:

  • Lunch & Dinner Monday - Thursday (2 courses $55pp | 3 courses $65pp)
  • Lunch & Dinner Friday - Sunday (2 courses $65pp | 3 courses $75pp)

How to book: or call us - 02 4227 2999

T&Cs: Advance booking preferred.