• Charles Sturt University congratulates the University’s some 6,000 students graduating at the end of 2020
• December conferral dates for graduates from all the University’s campuses and across the country are Friday 4 or Wednesday 23 December
• Charles Sturt is offering graduates a number of ways to celebrate, including gown hire, on-campus photoshoots, social media competitions, and the option to purchase graduation memorabilia

Charles Sturt University would like to congratulate the close to 6,000 graduates who have received or soon will receive their award by the end of 2020.

More than 3,500 graduates from all the University’s campuses and across the country were conferred with their award on Friday 4 December, with 18 students also receiving prestigious University Medals.

The next and final round of December graduates will be conferred with their awards on Wednesday 23 December.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students) Ms Jenny Roberts congratulated all the University’s end-of-year graduates for reaching this important milestone in their academic journey, and said she looks forward to celebrating with graduates at the University’s future graduation ceremonies.

“Although our graduates are not celebrating in the traditional fashion this December, we want all of our graduates to enjoy their graduation and know they should be extremely proud of what they have achieved,” Ms Roberts said.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of our graduates; I hope they all enjoy this very special moment and I wish them all the best for the future.

“We know graduation ceremonies are one of the key milestones in the student experience, and we’re planning to give graduates the opportunity to celebrate at a ceremony in the future.”

Although the University is not holding graduation ceremonies throughout December due to COVID-19 restrictions, the University is offering graduates a number of ways to celebrate.

Graduates can hire academic regalia comprising of a graduation cap, gown and hood from the University’s Charlie Store to celebrate their graduation at home. The Charlie Store is also selling graduation memorabilia.

Charles Sturt is holding on-campus photography sessions in Wagga Wagga from Sunday 13 to Tuesday 15 December and in Bathurst on Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 December. Graduates can invite up to six guests to attend these sessions. Bookings and guest numbers will be tightly managed so Charles Sturt can properly coordinate a COVID-safe event.

Graduation programs containing the names of all Charles Sturt graduates and well wishes from the University will be available online.

Graduates can also join the virtual celebrations on social media and celebrate by using Charles Sturt’s graduation stickers and filters on Instagram.

Charles Sturt is running two competitions on Instagram for December graduates who share their at-home graduation celebrations on the platform using the hashtag #CharlesSturtGrad. Winners will receive a graduation prize pack.

More information about the University’s 2020 December graduations is available on the ‘Graduations’ page of the Charles Sturt website.

Hard copy testamurs will also be posted to graduates within two weeks of their conferral.

Charles Sturt is offering an additional conferral date on 15 January 2021 to ensure that students graduate as quickly as possible following their course completion.

Charles Sturt remains committed to rescheduling its 2020 graduation ceremonies in 2021, with dates to be announced when COVID-19-related restrictions allow.