GRADUATION
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I know if I am eligible to graduate?
Check with your Faculty Academic Adviser after your final results are released.
How do I apply to graduate?
Complete a Finalisation of an Award - Graduation form. A request will then be sent to the Faculty PVC seeking approval for you to graduate.
What if I complete my degree mid-year?
You have the option to graduate in absentia or to attend the next available graduation ceremony (usually not until the following year).
If I do not submit an application form will the University confer my award?
No.
Please explain the titles 'graduand' and 'graduate' of James Cook University?
After you are approved to graduate and before the Chancellor confers your award you are a 'graduand'. After your award has been conferred either at a graduation ceremony or in absentia you are a 'graduate'.
After I am a graduate is there a way of keeping in touch with the University?
Yes...we encourage graduates to keep in touch with their university. Please register your details on the “Alumni” web pages
Can I have a printout of my official academic record with a notation stating that I have completed my award?
Yes… after the Pro Vice Chancellor has approved your graduation.
How do I apply for a printout of my official academic record before and after graduation?
Fill out the form: Statement of Academic Record.
Will I receive any information if I am attending a ceremony?
Yes, invitations including a graduation check list are mailed to those who have indicated that they will be attending a graduation ceremony.
If you have not received a pack three weeks before the ceremony please contact Ceremonies.
Can I graduate if I owe money to the University?
No, you will not be able to graduate until the debt is cleared.
If I can't attend a graduation ceremony this year, can I attend next year?
Yes - provided you have not had your award conferred in absentia (i.e. you have requested that the JCU University Council confer your award at a council meeting and not at a graduation ceremony)
How can I have my award conferred if I do not wish to attend a Ceremony?
Your award can be conferred in absentia at a University Council Meeting or a Graduation Ceremony.
How do I get my testamur (certificate) if I am not attending a ceremony?
The testamur will be mailed out after the University Council Meeting or Graduation Ceremony to the address nominated on your application form.
How do I replace my testamur (certificate) if it is lost, misplaced or damaged?
Contact: Examinations or fill out the Replacement Testamur form
Testamurs lost in the Mail: If a testamur is declared as lost in the mail, but is eventually delivered at a later date it must be returned to James Cook University - no cost
Can I order a testamur (certificate) with a new name after graduation?
No, please ensure that the name is correct no later than 2 weeks before you graduate.
Where are the Graduation Ceremonies held?
Townsville: Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre: Entertainment Drive (next to Jupiters Hotel & Casino).
Cairns: Cairns Convention Centre: Wharf & Sheridan Streets.
Can I attend either the Townsville or Cairns Ceremony?
Yes, but you must attend your faculty ceremony.
What if I decide on the day or before the ceremony not to attend?
Contact Ceremonies. Phone 47814771 or Examinations Townsville 47814236
Do I need to wear academic dress to the ceremony?
Yes, The wearing of Academic dress at JCU Graduation Ceremonies is compulsory
For information on hiring or purchasing undergraduate gowns contact the JCU Bookshop.
For information on hiring or purchasing PhD or Doctoral dress fill out the form: Purchase/Hire PhD or Doctoral Academic Dress
Is there a dress code for under the academic dress?
Smart Casual is recommended and please no thongs or singlets. Neck decorations and medals may be worn.
Is there a limit on the number of guests I can invite?
No..
If, as a graduand I have a mobility problem which will make it difficult for me to be seated with the graduand group, what should I do?
The venues have disability access and the presentation to the Chancellor is made at ground level. Graduates are seated in tiered seating, if this will prove difficult for you please advise the Ceremonies Office Phone 47814771 and alternate arrangements will be made for your seating during the ceremony.
If I need wheelchair access for a guest what do I do?
For Townsville: Guests with mobility problems should enter the auditorium via the ramp located in the Magnetic Room. Ushers will assist with seating.
Is there a cost for tickets for myself or guests?
No…Tickets for guests are not issued and seating is based on a first in, first served.
Can I sit with my guests?
No, you will receive (at the Registration Desk) a presentation card with your seat allocation and instructions re your presentation to Chancellor. You must sit in the allocated seat to ensure that you receive the correct testamur.
What time do I need to register at the Graduation Ceremony?
Registration Opens: 'one hour' before the start of the ceremony.
Registration Closes: '30 mins' before the start of the ceremony.
NB: Any graduand who arrives late may not be able to graduate with their group.
I am unfamilar with the venue. Is parking available close by?
TOWNSVILLE: Parking is available within walking distance of the venue. in the Rodeo Carpark at the end of Sir Leslie Thiess Drive. We recommend that you arrive early, two hours prior to the start of the ceremony as parking availability is dependant on whether any other major events are being held in the vicinity. The Gown hire and photography studios are open two hours prior to the commencement of each ceremony.
CAIRNS: Parking is available on the ground level of the complex as well as the surrounding streets
How will the Pro Vice Chancellor know who I am?
The seating/presentation card you will receive at the Registration Desk contains this information. You will pass this card to an usher and the Faculty PVC will announce your name before you are presented to the Chancellor.
Your name will be read out the way you have completed your ‘Finalisation of an Award’ form.
IMPORTANT
Can I take my personal belongings (eg handbags etc) with me while being presented?
No…as you do not return to the same seat, for safety and security reasons it is not possible for you to take any hand held items (handbags mobile phones etc) into the auditorium. Please arrange for a family member or friend to hold them for you before you register.
How long is a graduation ceremony?
Approximately 90 minutes, depending on the number of graduates presented. - allow extra time for photos.
Will there be a photo taken during my presentation to the Chancellor?
Yes each graduate is photographed being presented to the Chancellor
Can I have a photo taken before or after the ceremony with/without my family?
Yes…Silver Rose Photography have been contracted to provide photographic services for the Graduation Ceremonies. Information will be detailed in the graduation information pack.
Studios are open an hour prior to the start of registration and reopen after the ceremony finishes.
