• Charles Sturt University will host 16 graduation ceremonies throughout June for more than 1,100 graduates from the class of 2020
• Graduation ceremonies will include the same features as previous years – alumni speakers, professional photography, medal presentations, and a hospitality area for socialising
• The class of 2020 graduates had their on-campus graduation ceremonies postponed due to COVID-19

More than 1,100 graduates from the class of 2020 will don a cap and gown next month as they attend one of Charles Sturt University’s 16 on-campus graduation ceremonies.

The graduation ceremonies being held in Bathurst and Wagga Wagga are the first on-campus ceremonies the University has hosted since the COVID-19 pandemic started early last year.

Nearly 600 graduates are expected to attend one of eight Bathurst ceremonies next week, with 550 graduates set to attend the mid-June ceremonies in Wagga Wagga. Almost 3,500 family members and friends will join them in the celebrations.

Interim Vice-Chancellor Professor John Germov said he is looking forward to welcoming the class of 2020 back to campus for the graduation ceremonies and celebrating this important milestone with them.

“Graduation ceremonies are an important life-changing milestone; not only do they mark the successful completion of one’s current academic journey, they also signal the start of a new phase of life as our graduates apply their newfound capabilities to shape the world of tomorrow,” Professor Germov said.

“That’s why we made it a priority to confirm the rescheduled events for our 2020 graduates and have made every effort to give them as much opportunity as possible to plan to get to their ceremony.

“Although these ceremonies will be slightly smaller this year, to adhere to COVID-19 social distancing requirements, they will still include the same highlights and features our graduation ceremonies have had in the past.

“I would like to congratulate the class of 2020 and say on behalf of Charles Sturt University that we look forward to celebrating your outstanding achievements with you soon.”

The University’s graduation ceremonies will include the presentation of University Medals, alumni guest speakers, professional photography sessions, and a hospitality area for graduates to socialise with friends and family following their ceremonies. One new addition is that the University will now live stream the ceremonies. 

Graduates will be presented with a commemorative token as they cross the stage. These gifts are in lieu of their testamur, which were posted to graduates in 2020.

Graduation ceremonies attendees are asked to adhere to all current and future government advice and requirements related to COVID-19, including lockdown orders, travel restrictions and declarations, check-ins and other COVIDsafe measures.

Bathurst graduation ceremonies will be held from Tuesday 1 June to Friday 4 June.

Wagga Wagga ceremonies will be held from Tuesday 15 June to Friday 18 June.