There are sure to be smiles all round and tears of joy from parents and students starting Friday 8 December as the first ceremony for the 2017 end-of-year graduations commence at Charles Sturt University (CSU).

The graduation ceremonies commence in Dubbo and Orange on Friday 8 December and are followed by the other major CSU campuses until the last ceremony in Melbourne on Tuesday 19 December.

Almost 4 000 students are set to graduate from the three CSU faculties across nine locations within the geographical footprint of the University, which is a testament to the increasing popularity of its courses.

CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann said he is looking forward to attending a number of the ceremonies, and commented on how proud it makes him to share in the achievement of the graduates.

“Our students should not only be pleased with their efforts, but also confident of their future, because according to the 2018 Good Universities Guide, 84 per cent of Charles Sturt University graduates find full-time employment within four months of graduating and also earn a median salary of $60 000, the second highest graduate starting salary of university graduates in Australia,” Professor Vann said.

Well known and respected identities will deliver Occasional Addresses at each graduation ceremony. Some who will impart their knowledge and thoughts to graduates include journalist and political commentator Mr Paul Bongiorno who will speak at a ceremony in Canberra, and NSW Chief Scientist Professor Mary O’Kane will address the graduates in Port Macquarie.

The University congratulates each and every student graduating in the ceremonies over the coming fortnight, and wishes them every happiness and success in their chosen fields.