Information for friends and family

Information for friends and family going to the graduation ceremonies at the Michael Fowler Centre, including tickets, travel, and watching the parade.

Tickets

Graduates can collect tickets for their guests from Friday 12 May. You will need a ticket to enter the auditorium at the Michael Fowler Centre.

If you have any questions about the number of tickets allocated to your group of family and friends, please talk to the graduating student who registered you as their guest.

About the ceremony

When your group arrives at the Michael Fowler Centre, the graduating student will go to the Renouf Foyer on the first floor.

Guests–who need to hold a ticket for the ceremony–can take their seat in the auditorium from 45 minutes before the start time. Seats are not assigned and you can enter via any door, and can enter via the first or second floors. An usher will offer you a programme as you enter.

Ceremonies vary in length, but on average are approximately two and a half hours long. It is important that you plan to stay for the duration.

About the venue

Outside the auditorium there are TV screens that show a live stream, so if you need to pop out for any reason you can continue to follow the ceremony.

There is lift access to all floors. For wheelchair access to the auditorium please exit the lift at the first floor. You can leave equipment such as pushchairs/buggies outside the auditorium during the ceremony. Please do not leave any valuables unattended.

Plan your travel

Car parking is limited in the area around the Michael Fowler Centre and there is no parking available at the venue. Please make sure you leave enough time to travel to the ceremony. We recommend using public transport, taxis, or ride sharing services.

Street parade

You can either choose a spot along the route to watch the street parade, or join us at the Law School and walk on the footpath alongside the parade. Only graduates may take part in the parade itself. While one half of the road is closed for the parade, buses and other traffic will be using the other half, so please take care.

If the weather is inclement, the parade will be cancelled. Keep an eye on the University Facebook page and on our website from 10.30 am on the day of the parade for updates. Cancellation will be for the parade only–all ceremonies will proceed.

Photography and memorabilia

Photography by Woolf is the official photographer. They will be offering portrait photographs from the ground floor at the Michael Fowler Centre before and after each ceremony.

VicBooks will be selling memorabilia, such as frames for degree certificates and special graduation bears. They will have a desk on the ground floor of the Michael Fowler Centre.

Graduates can also book at 30 minute session of official and family photographs at VicBooks. Choose an image and it will be put in an official frame to take with you. Find out more on the VicBooks website.

Change of plans?

If you are no longer attending the ceremony, please let the person who ordered your ticket know as soon as possible.