Graduation Ceremonies - Australian Technology Network

Ceremony TraditionAcademic Procession and stagepartyThe traditional custom in which dignitariesof the university enter the graduation hallis known as the academic procession. TheUniversity of South Australia’s academicprocession is led by academic staff followedby higher degree graduates, members of theUniversity Council, and senior management ofthe University, including the Vice Chancellor.The Chancellor is the last to enter.Academics sit at the rear of the stage, withhigher degree graduates and Council membersin the second to front row. The front row isreserved for staff reading graduand names,the academic registrar, senior managers, theVice Chancellor, guest speaker, honorary awardrecipients, special guests, and the Chancellor.In some circumstances the Chancellor may berepresented by the Deputy Chancellor or ProChancellor.Academic DressAcademic dress usually reflects the highestacademic qualification of the wearer. Specialceremonial gowns are also worn and theserepresent the wearer’s position and title. TheVice Chancellor can be recognised by thedistinctive blue Fairford brocade gown adornedwith silver oakleaf lace, and blue bonnet withsilver tassel. The Chancellor’s gown is also blueFairford brocade but incorporates gold oakleaflace and notably this is worn with a blackbonnet finished with a gold tassel. If you lookcarefully you will see that this gown also has acombination of seven chevrons on each sleeveinstead of the three straight chevrons locatedon the Vice Chancellor’s gown.Senior management wear a black gownwith blue facing on the front and rear collar,and a black bonnet with silver tassel. Theacademic registrar wears a similar gownhowever you will note that the blue facingis not as wide and the collar is black, and ablack mortar board with blue tassel is worn.Readers wear the gown reflecting theirhighest award, as do Professors receivingthe honorary title of Emeritus Professor, andthose being awarded with Honorary Fellowtitles. Recipients of honorary Doctor of theUniversity awards wear the prestigiousblue University of South Australia honorarydoctorate gown trimmed with yellow andred facing, and a red, yellow, and blue hood.A black bonnet with black tassel is theaccompanying headwear.Council members are distinguished withblack silk-like gowns with red, blue, andyellow facing, and a black bonnet and goldtassel. Candidates graduating with a PhDwear a black Oxford-style gown with redfacing, and those receiving professionaldoctorates wear the same style gown butwith coloured facing representing theirdiscipline.End of CeremonyThe academic recession signals the end ofthe graduation ceremony and is led by theChancellor, followed by the stage party inthe reverse order to which it entered. Newlyconferred graduates join the recession,signalling their entry to the academiccommunity.