Graduation at Founders' Theatre

Parking

Please note there is no parking available in the Founders' Theatre car park, however several public car parks are available within walking distance in the central city.

Graduation Procedure

All graduands are asked to make their way to the marquee at the rear of Founders' Theatre.

You should arrive at least half an hour before your ceremony is due to commence. Please leave all coats and other personal belongings with friends or family.

When you arrive at the marshalling tent there will be a number of boards in the tent with marshalling lists on them. It is important that you look up your name, which will be listed in alphabetical order under the qualification you are receiving. Next to your name will be a letter and a number. This letter and number is your graduation number. The graduation number refers to the order in which you will go on to the stage to have your qualification conferred. It is important you find your graduation number as soon as you arrive at the marshalling tent. It will assist you to find your correct place in the marshalling lines. Marshals will be there to help you.

Five minutes before the ceremony is due to commence, the procession will be led from the marquee, proceed to the middle auditorium exit on the Tristram Street side of the Theatre and will wait there until the processional music commences.

The procession will then enter the Theatre.

Marshals will guide graduands to their places in the front blocks of the Theatre. You will remain standing until all members of the procession have reached their seats and "God Defend New Zealand" has finished. The assembly will then be seated.

Each row of graduands will take its cue to rise from the Marshal in the aisle who will lead each row (in strict numerical order) to the steps at the foot of the stage on the left-hand side of the Theatre.

The Dean will call the graduands for a particular qualification (e.g. "to the Degree of Bachelor of Arts").

When the Dean calls your name, cross to the centre of the stage to the Chancellor. Graduands should hold their trenchers in their left hand held right side up with the front towards the Chancellor. Pass it to the Chancellor who will cap you with your own trencher and then shake hands. As a graduate you will then walk across the stage to the Vice-Chancellor who will hand you your certificate and shake your hand. It is at this point you will have your photograph taken. Proceed down the stairs and return to your seat.

Those receiving diplomas or certificates will be called in the same way as for degrees and will shake hands with the Chancellor, receive the diploma or certificate from the Vice-Chancellor, shake hands and then walk back to their seats. The Chancellor does not 'cap' diploma or certificate recipients.

At the conclusion of the ceremony a marshal will indicate to you when you are to process out of the theatre.

Refreshments

All graduating students and their guests are invited to an informal social gathering after each of the ceremonies. Light refreshments will be served and you can mingle with academic staff and other graduates. There is no admission fee.