Graduation

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

Is there anything I need to do before graduation?
You need to let your administration team leader know if you're attending graduation and if necessary, update your gown requirements. This needs to be done by 31 October so we're able to arrange your gown/stole/hood. We cannot guarantee the correct gown/stole/hood for you after that date.

When should I arrive?
Holy Trinity will be open for gown collection 2 hours prior to the start of the ceremony. You should arrive to pick up your gown at least 30 minutes before the start of the ceremony.

Where can I park?
Please don't park on the grass at Holy Trinity. See the Venue, Directions & Parking page to find out more about where to park for graduation.

What should I wear?
All staff are to wear academic regalia. This will be ordered for you (assuming you've informed us about your requirements before the 31 October) and can be collected from the old church hall at the Holy Trinity complex. Look for the signs in the foyer or ask at the registration desk for assistance. Don’t forget to return your gown after the ceremony.

It can get hot inside the auditorium especially sitting on stage, so keep this in mind when selecting your base outfit for the day.

Please don't bring any large bulky bags with you as we can't guarantee the safety of items left behind at the gown pick-up location.

Where will I be sitting?
Staff are seated on the stage. Individual seats are not assigned except for council members, the Chief Executive and Directors, Head of School, special guests and administrative staff who are helping out on stage. A graduation handbook outlining the ceremony procedures and listing the names of the graduates will be on your seat.

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 during the ceremony?

• Students and visitors are seated inside the auditorium before the ceremony starts.
• Staff line up in the foyer and on request proceed into the auditorium led by Council, the Chief Executive, Head of School, and special guests. Staff enter the auditorium in their clusters, in no particular order. Please make sure your mobile phone is switched off.
• Students and visitors stand as academic staff proceed into the auditorium. Everyone remains standing during the karakia and the singing of the national anthem.
• The Head of School will ask programme leaders and tutors to come forward to present the awards.
• Programme leaders stand on the marked spot on the carpet while tutors line up at the back of the stage to the right of the banner. Please don’t stand in front of the banner as this provides the background for the photographs.
• The Head of School calls each student’s name, and they cross the stage toward the programme leader. Programme leaders hand the student their certificate and shake hands as their photo is taken. Please turn towards the photographer as you shake hands.
• Students move to the back of the stage to shake hands with the other tutors. They then line up to the right of the tutors and wait for their fellow classmates to receive their certificates.
• When prompted, graduates leave the stage via the front steps and staff return to their seats on stage. Ushers will be on stage to assist.
• At the end of the ceremony the staff on stage file out of the auditorium first, while students and guests remain in their seats.
• Graduates proceed out of the auditorium.
• Guests leave last. Ushers will be on hand to assist.

The ceremony should last no longer than 2 hours. Refreshments are served afterwards in the Holy Trinity foyer and there'll be an opportunity for more informal interaction and for photographs to be taken.

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 your administration team leader or our Events Co-ordinator Nicole Richardson ph: 07 571 0190 ext. 6165.