In response to the needs of  graduates, Charles Sturt University (CSU) has moved its graduation ceremonies to December of the year that students finish their studies. This year will be the only year that CSU hosts two rounds of graduations – in May and December. CSU in Bathurst will hold this year’s ceremonies on Thursday 15, Friday 16, and Saturday 17 December. Head of Campus at CSU in Bathurst, Mr Col Sharp, said, “Exit surveys of students indicated that they preferred to graduate the year they finished study, rather than return six months later when the majority have moved away to begin their careers - making it expensive or impractical to travel to Bathurst to celebrate. We are expecting about 1 000 graduates to cross the stage over the six ceremonies, bringing with them up to 3 000 visitors to Bathurst, which again provides a welcome boost to the local economy.” As a temporary measure, the ceremonies will be held at St Stanislaus College in Bathurst because the installation of a new air conditioning system at the CD Blake Auditorium at CSU will not be completed in time.