Charles Sturt University (CSU) will celebrate the achievements of more than 3 500 graduates during formal ceremonies in December.

A total of 22 graduation ceremonies will be held in Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga, Sydney and Melbourne.

CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Vann said, "Graduation is an important milestone, recognising years of hard work and dedication to study. It's always a pleasure to celebrate the success of our students and to share that with their family and friends.

"It's also exciting to know that our graduates are poised to put the professional knowledge and skills they've acquired through study and research at Charles Sturt University to work, to make a real difference in our community."

Nine graduates will receive University Medals for outstanding academic performance in their undergraduate degrees. The Medal is the highest honour conferred on undergraduate students and they'll be presented to students at ceremonies in Bathurst, Orange, Sydney, and Wagga Wagga.

    - In Dubbo on Friday 9 December, more than 70 graduates will be awarded their degrees. Nursing graduate Ms Sophie Board will be the fourth member of her family to graduate from CSU in Dubbo, and the third to graduate with a Bachelor of Nursing from CSU in Dubbo. More details here.

    - In Parramatta on Monday 12 December, the University Council will confer the title of Doctor of Health Studies (honoris causa) on Mr Ahmed Al Hajeri for his international contribution to paramedicine and emergency service management. Read more here.

    - Ceremonies in Albury-Wodonga on Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 December will see the recognition of more than 400 graduates. The University Council will confer the title of Emeritus Professor on Professor Bob Perry, an internationally recognised, passionate educator in the fields of early childhood numeracy, educational transitions and Indigenous education. More highlights of the ceremonies in Albury-Wodonga can be found here. 

    - At the graduation ceremony in Orange on Wednesday 14 December, professional opera singer Ms Helen Barnett will be awarded the University Medal and Bachelor of Science. Showing that it's never too late for a career change Ms Barnett said her training in singing in other languages was good preparation for remembering and pronouncing scientific names.  Approximately 140 graduates will be recognised in Orange. Read more here.

   - CSU's Chair of Indigenous Affairs Mr Stan Grant will deliver the Occasional Address at a graduation ceremony in Wagga Wagga on Thursday 15 December. The University Council will posthumously confer the title of Doctor of Business (honoris causa) on Mr Geoff Honey. Mr Honey was the Executive Director of Student Administration at CSU when he died suddenly in May 2016. Highlights of the five ceremonies in Wagga Wagga,from Wednesday 14 December to Friday 16 December are here.

   - Graduation ceremonies Bathurst will see more than 900 graduates recognised at four ceremonies on Thursday 15 and Friday 16 December .The University Council will confer the title of Doctor of Education (honoris causa) to Mr Laurence Crawford in recognition of his contribution to teaching and research in the field of Aboriginal education and his work to enhance students' learning about Indigenous cultures. More information about the ceremonies in Bathurst can be found here.

   - In Port Macquarie, more than 150 graduates will receive their awards in ceremonies on Monday 19 December and Tuesday 20 December.