Graduation

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. What are the dates and times?

A. The St. Augustine ceremonies are on October 25th, 26th and October 27th, 2012. These are faculty specific and the dates and times must be carefully noted. Please see websites for dates of Mona, Cave Hill, St Augustine and Open Campus ceremonies.

Q. What should I wear?

A. As indicated in our current information; this is a formal ceremony as graduates are required to wear as follows:

Female – white only either dresses or suits with black shoes. (Other colours are not acceptable)

Male – use of formal wear/dark lounge suits.

Gowns are designed to be worn with shirts. You should therefore bring along safety pins to secure gowns to apparel. Assistance in robing will be provided when you assemble for the ceremony.

Q. How many guests may I bring?

A. If you are attending the ceremony, you will receive two guest invitations only. An invitation admits only one person.

Q. How long will the ceremony be?

A. Usually 2 to 2½ hours in duration.

Q. Will I be served refreshments?

A. No, only water.

Q. What is the deadline for responding to say if I wish to attend the ceremony?

A. The deadline for responding is September 28th 2012.

Q. Am I eligible for graduation?

A. You are required to check with your Faculty. If however your name appears on a Final Year Pass List and your academic history updated to reflect the award, this indicates that you are eligible.

Q. Do I have to attend the rehearsal?

A. Yes, you are required to attend. As this will help you to understand what is required of you in assembling for the ceremony and presentation to the Chancellor.

Q. I have a temporary/permanent disability, would special arrangements be made for me to attend?

A. Yes, we would do our best to accommodate, if you advise the Senior Assistant Registrar/Examinations in good time before the ceremony. Such a request must be made in writing.

Q. One of my parents is disabled and uses a wheel chair, could accommodation be arranged?

A. Yes, special accommodation can be arranged. This request must be done in writing to the Senior Assistant Registrar (Examinations), who will forward it to the Head Usher for necessary arrangements. Again this request must be made in reasonable time.

Q. Is there any document issued by the University in lieu of my graduation certificate?

A. Yes, a verification letter can be done after a candidate has been awarded. For Faculty of Medical Sciences graduands (MBBS, DVM & DDS programmes only), temporary/mock certificates are issued.

Q. Can someone collect my return cheque for rental of gown?

A. Individuals collecting cheques on behalf of Graduands, should present an authorization letter and any form of identification for themselves as well as the graduate.

Q. I am a non-resident graduate, how will I receive my refund cheque?

A. On proof of return of gown and hood/mortar board (where applicable), a refund cheque will be made payable to the graduate in the appropriate currency and mailed to the address given on reply form.
Proof of return would be submission of the white slip of the gown rental form.

Q. When will I receive my guest invitations?

A. The two invitations will be given to you upon collection of gown and hood for the ceremony.

Q. I have received my academic regalia but i am now unable to attend the ceremony. What should I do?

A. If you are unable to attend, you should immediately return the academic regalia and invitations to the Examinations Section where you will be guided accordingly and all necessary arrangements for refund made.

Q. Is there accommodation in close proximity to the University?

A. Yes. The graduation website contains a directory of accommodation lcated in close proximity to the St. Augustine Campus.

Q. At what time does my ceremony take place?

A. Please refer here for accurate information on date and time of each Ceremony at the respective Campuses.

Q. What are the seating arrangements for graduands?

A. Special seating with names are allocated in advance for graduands. Please ensure that yo sit in the assigned seat.

Q. Are children allowed to attend the ceremony?

A. Yes, with proper supervision. However, due to the solemn nature of the ceremony, it is not desirable to have children under five and in particular, babies in attendance.

Q. When can I have my official graduation photographs taken?

A. The designated official photographer will be available as indicated on our website. Kindly visit here for detailed information.

Q. If I am unable to attend the ceremony this year, is it possible to defer attendance?

A. There is no provision for deferral of attendance.