Graduation

We’ve put together the below list of frequently asked questions to help you with graduation.

Where can I get tickets?
Graduating students can request tickets for guests on the reply slip at the bottom of their invitation to graduation. There is limited seating and in fairness to other graduating students, the final number of guest tickets allocated may have to be adjusted once all replies have been received. All tickets are sent out in the mail.

As seating is limited, entry to the graduation ceremony is by ticket only.

When should I arrive?
Holy Trinity will be open for gown pick-up and registration two hours prior to the start of each ceremony. Guests should arrive to be seated in the auditorium at least 30 minutes before the start of the ceremony.

Make sure you bring your tickets as seating is limited and entrance to the auditorium is by ticket only.

Where can I park?
Please do not park on the grass at Holy Trinity. See the Venue, Directions and Parking page to find out more about parking.

Where will I sit?
As a guest you can choose your seat in the auditorium or on the balcony on a 'first come, first served basis'. Assistance is available for visitors with disabilities.

Where will graduating students be sitting?
Students will be seated in assigned seats in programme groups, at the front of the auditorium for easy access to the stage.

What happens during the ceremony?

• Students and visitors stand as academic staff proceed into the auditorium. Everyone remains standing during the karakia and the singing of the national anthem.
• Shortly before the presentation of the awards, ushers guide graduating students from their seats around the back of the auditorium to line up on the side of the stage.
• When the Head of School calls their name, the students cross the stage towards their programme leader. S/he hands them their certificate and shakes their hand as their photo is taken.
• When prompted, graduates leave the stage via the front steps and return to their seats.

Please respect graduates and fellow guests - DO NOT leave the auditorium during the ceremony as this is very disruptive.

• At the end of the ceremony the staff on stage will file out of the auditorium first, while students and guests are expected to remain in their seats.
• Graduates then proceed out of the auditorium.
• Guests leave last. Ushers will be on hand to assist.

The ceremony should last no longer than two hours. Refreshments are served afterwards in the foyer and there'll be an opportunity for more informal interaction and for photographs to be taken.

You'll receive a graduation handbook outlining the ceremony procedures and listing the names of the graduates.

As this is a formal occasion, all students and guests are expected to remain seated until the end of the ceremony. Please respect graduating students and fellow guests in this matter.

Please ensure all mobile phones are turned off before entering the auditorium.

Can I awhi/ celebrate my graduating family member/friend?
Yes. We welcome you to celebrate and express your pride in your graduating family members and friends.

Is there any help for people with disabilities?
If you have a disability and require special assistance on the day of the ceremony please contact the respective administraton team leader or our Events Co-ordinator Nicole Richardson ph: 07 571 0190 ext. 6165. You can free call the Polytechnic on 0800-BOPPOLY (267 7659).

Can I take photos during the ceremony?
Yes you can take photos and video as you like. A professional photographer will take an image of each graduating student on stage, which is available for purchase a day or two after the ceremony (more information below).

Can I take something to drink into the auditorium?
You can take water bottles into the auditorium with you but no other food or drink is allowed.

What happens if I am late for graduation?
Seating at Holy Trinity is limited and available on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. If you're late for the ceremony we cannot guarantee seating inside the auditorium, even if you have tickets. If you are late please don't enter the auditorium through the main doors as this is very disruptive.

Can we have family photos taken after the ceremony?
Wendy Dillon from Ambient Photography will be present throughout the graduation to capture the graduates on stage and for formal portraits afterwards.

• During the ceremony each student will be photographed on stage as they receive their certificate.
• Before and after the ceremony there'll be opportunities for individual portraits, family and class photographs. There'll be a studio on the mezzanine floor in the foyer of the Holy Trinity complex.

Where can I purchase the photos taken by the photographer?
Photographs can be viewed and purchased online at www.ambientphotography.co.nz by clicking on Event Gallery, within 48 hours after your ceremony