Graduation Day Tips

We recommend you read over the university's "Proceedings at the Venue" webpage before the day.

Book your photos before the Ceremony

Booking online saves you having to register when you come to have your studio photos taken. You will receive a QR code confirmation via email, just remember to bring the print out or a screenshot on your phone with you on grad day. To pre-book, click here.

Print or Screenshot your Graduation Order

Ensure you have a printed or digital copy of your graduation order ready to show our staff on graduation day. The graduand will be seated earlier than the guests, therefore it is important that guests have their own copy of their ticket.

Prepare Early

Location: AIS Arena - 26 Leverrier St, Bruce ACT 2617

The AIS offers ample free parking for graduates and guests, and there are no security restrictions when entering the venue. The entrance to the University of Canberra graduation ceremonies will be at the entrance to the AIS Visitor Centre, by the wheelchair basketball sculpture on Leverrier Crescent.

Graduands will be required to register upon arrival by showing their ticket for scanning. Registration will be in the foyer, with ushers directing graduands on to gowning (if required). We recommend graduands arrive two hours prior to the ceremony commencing and guests at least one hour prior.

Photography will also be available from two hours before the ceremony starts and again once the ceremony concludes. A range of memorabilia of your graduation day will be available for purchase on the day from our stalls. You can also view and pre-book these items here.

Dress for a formal occasion

Corporate style attire can add elegance and professionalism to your look as opposed to runners and a t-shirt.
Graduates can choose to coordinate their clothing or accessories to the colour of their hood, which looks fantastic in photographs.
High heels can get uncomfortable after many hours on your feet and may spoil your special occasion. Consider wearing low-heeled or flat shoes and, if desired, swap them for higher heels for the ceremony and photographs.
When styling your hair, please remember that you may be required to wear a trencher cap on the day, so please style accordingly. Wearing your hair down or in a low pony, braid or bun will look neat with a trencher and will avoid any discomfort caused by elaborate high hairstyles under a trencher cap.
Traditional or culturally significant clothing or accessories are always welcome in photographs.
Your photographer can help arrange your academic dress on the day. Gowns can be tricky so let us help you.

We suggest that you:

Go to the Slam Dunk room to register and collect your regalia (if applicable) as soon as you arrive.
Visit the Reed Graduations service desk and book your studio portrait session if you haven’t already pre-booked
Have your studio photos taken in the Marathon Room or Guest Entrance Studio (up ramp).
Find your seat at the ceremony early. You need to be seated at least 30 minutes before the ceremony commences

Celebrate with your Guests

To celebrate your special day, immediately following your Ceremony, you and your guests are invited to an exclusive function with beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), canapés and entertainment provided. Guests of graduates need to provide a copy of their ticket upon entry. Graduates enjoy immediate access. The cost of entry and catering to the celebration function is included in the guest ticket price.

Enjoy Your Day

Your graduation is the culmination of years of hard work and commitment. Relax and enjoy the day with your family, friends and fellow graduates!