Your Ceremony
Curious about what your participation during the ceremony looks like? Read below for more information about the proceedings!
Introduction: Following introductory remarks, the Chair of Senate will rise and ask graduands to rise. They will then ask the Chancellor to confer the degrees. Please remain standing (if able) until the Chancellor takes their seat after conferral of the degrees.
Proceed to the stage: On a row-by-row basis a Marshal will lead you to the stage. Please walk out of your row and line up against the auditorium wall so the other graduands and guests seated behind you can still see the stage clearly.
On the stage: The Marshals will guide you up the stairs and onto the stage. You will hand your name card to the Orator who will read your name aloud — feel free to indicate quietly the proper pronunciation of your name.
Proceed to centre-stage as follows:
- Diploma, Bachelor and Master graduates — remain standing as the Chancellor confers your degree with a hand over heart gesture.
- PhD graduates - The Chair of Senate will take your PhD hood from your left arm as you sit down facing the audience. (A Marshal will demonstrate the correct way to carry the PhD hood on your left arm to allow this process to go smoothly.) The Chair will then place the hood over your head and you will stand and move to where the Chancellor is standing.
The Chancellor will then confer your degree with a hand over heart gesture.
Proceed to the far side: Once your degree has been conferred, you will proceed to the far end of the stage and you will have the opportunity for a photo with your respective Dean.
Proceed off the stage: Walk down the stairs and back to your seat.
PhD recipients are invited to remain on stage and take a seat alongside the faculty; the Grand Marshal will direct you.
Finale: At the end of the ceremony the Marshal will lead you out of the auditorium and to the lobby.