Guide to graduation day

Graduation ceremonies are held in The Great Hall, Building 1 (UTS Tower), Level 5, 15 Broadway, Ultimo (View map).

The Great Hall is accessible via stairs, escalators and lifts. Bathrooms, including a parent's room, are located on Level 5.

We encourage the use of public or active transport, as on-campus parking is limited. For accessible parking enquiries, please contact the UTS Security Office.

Upon arrival, please head to the Graduate Gowning room (Building 1, level 5) to register via the onsite QR code and collect your academic dress. Staff will assist with fitting and gowning. Guests must not enter the gowning room or wait with graduates in the queue.

Once you're gowned, visit the photobooth, Level 4 Foyer or Alumni Green to capture photos with family and friends!

Late arrivals

If you're running late, please contact the UTS Student Centre on 1300 275 887 or submit an Ask UTS enquiry as soon as possible with your estimated arrival time. Upon arrival to the Level 5 Foyer, please see a UTS staff member.

Accessible seating is available in The Great Hall for guests with mobility or accessibility needs.

To request an accessible seat, please submit an Ask UTS enquiry at least 2 weeks before your ceremony. Requests made within 2 weeks or on the day of ceremonies are subject to availability.

Guests enter The Great Hall via the yellow doors. Please ensure digital tickets are available on each guest's own device, as graduates will use a separate entrance. 

Pending availability, additional tickets may be available for purchase on the day at a cost of $30 each. For ticket enquiries or issues on the day, please visit the GFP help desk outside The Great Hall.

Graduates

• Seating is allocated, and your seat number will be confirmed on the day.
• Please be seated 30 minutes before the ceremony for the mandatory graduate briefing. This is especially important for PhD graduates, as your degree is one of the first presented, and you have a PhD-specific briefing.
• Please enter The Great Hall via the Graduate entrance (signage marked) and leave flowers, jackets, gifts, and/or large items with your guests.

Guests

• Seating is unallocated however ushers will direct you to fill the available seats. Please follow staff instructions and treat them with respect.
• If you wish to be seated together, your whole party will need to enter the Hall at the same time, as you won't be able to save seats.
• Guests must be seated 10 minutes prior to ceremony commencement. Late arrivals may be seated at the back of the Hall, subject to availability.

Children are welcome to attend graduation ceremonies, however they must be supervised by a parent/relative at all times.

• Children under 2 may sit on an adult's lap without a ticket.
• Children aged 2 and over require a ticket to have their own seat in the Hall.

For safety, prams aren't permitted in the Hall and must be parked in the designated pram area outside.

For safety reasons, luggage or large bags can't be brought into The Great Hall or left unattended in the foyer. 

Sydney Central Station Baggage Storage provides secure storage for large items and suitcases.

Ceremonies usually run for 60-90 minutes, though we recommend allowing up to 2 hours.

Out of respect for all graduating students, fellow guests, and University representatives, please remain seated for the duration of the ceremony.

When directed to stand and prepare to cross the stage, please leave your personal belongings on your seat. You'll return to your seat after crossing the stage (except for PhD graduates).

Before proceeding to the ramp onto the stage, staff will assist with you adjusting your gown.

When your name is called, you'll cross the stage and take a photo with the Presiding Chancellor. Stage photos will be available for purchase in the Level 5 foyer after the ceremony.

PhD graduates

After taking your photo with the Presiding Chancellor, you'll take a seat on the stage as a member of the Academic Procession. Directions on where to sit will be provided during the mandatory pre-ceremony briefing.

Bachelor, Graduate Diploma and Masters graduates

• Your testamur will be presented to you after you exit the stage, unless you've already received it.
• If you already have your testamur, you're welcome to bring it for photos before or after the ceremony. The testamur isn't required during the ceremony. 

PhD graduates

• Your testamur will be presented onstage, unless you've already received it.
• If you already have your testamur and would like it presented to you onstage, please give your testamur (in the sleeve) to a staff member upon entry to the Graduate Gowning room.

All ceremonies are livestreamed so friends and family can enjoy your special day from anywhere.

Graduate names and awards are listed in the official graduation program. 

Programs are prepared based on conferral and not graduating season (please refer to the disclaimer on the back of the program).

Flash photography and tripods aren't permitted inside the Hall.

If you feel unwell, please notify UTS Security or a staff member immediately.

In the event of an emergency, please follow the directions of UTS Security and staff. The nearest evacuation point is opposite TAFE NSW on Jones Street.

Graduates will exit the Hall first, as part of the academic procession. Guests should remain at their seats until directed by staff to exit from where they entered.

Lost property left in the Hall will be taken to the Security Office on Level 4.

Light refreshments will be served in the Level 5 foyer where you can reunite with your graduate to continue celebrating their achievements.

Academic dress hire is included in your graduation fee and must be returned within 60 minutes of ceremony conclusion. Late fees may apply.

Bachelor, Graduate Diploma and Masters graduates can keep their trencher (graduation cap) although must return all other items. PhD graduates must return the bonnet and gown.

Academic dress can only be purchased outside of graduation season.