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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

GRADUATING NOW

Graduation Booking

How do I register to graduate?

  • Click on the 'Graduation Booking' button on https://newcastle.reedgraduations.com.au/
  • Enter your student number (digits only) and passcode, then click 'Go' (note, you received your unique passcode in your email invitation)
  • Complete Step 1 - Graduation Package and click 'add to cart'
  • Complete Step 2 - Guest Tickets and click 'add to cart'
  • Click proceed to checkout
  • Login to your Reed Graduation Services account (or sign up if a new user)
  • Complete checkout prompts

What is included in the Graduation Package?

Your Graduation package costs $160* and includes the following:

  • Your ticket to the ceremony and graduate reception afterwards
  • Up to 2 guest tickets to the ceremony and graduate reception afterwards
  • Hire of your academic dress (regalia) including gown and coloured hood.
  • Your trencher or bonnet to keep as a memento

* The Graduation package is reduced to $50 for students graduating from a pathways program (Open Foundation, Yupug)

Can I purchase my academic dress (regalia) to keep?

Yes! The default option in the registration portal is the hire package. You can opt to purchase any or all items of your Academic Dress (regalia) to keep. Simply select the items you wish to purchase when completing the registration step 1. Please note, prices are in addition to the hire package fee. Each hire package includes a basic trencher or bonnet to keep, so unless you would like to purchase the premium version, there is no need to pay the purchase price for these items.

All regalia, whether hired or purchased, is available for collection on the day of your ceremony.

 

GUEST TICKETS

How do I order guest tickets?

Your graduate package includes up to 2 guest tickets, in addition to your ticket and academic dress hire. Order your guest tickets in step 2 of the Graduation Booking procedure (above).

You will be prompted to complete guest details. This is so we can email them the guest tickets. You will also get a copy of the guest tickets, with your confirmation email. If you’re not sure who you would like to bring as  guests at the time of registering, you may put your own contact details in the guest details fields. You can come back and update this at a later date.

Additional Guest Tickets

Additional guest tickets may be made available once the initial registration period has closed. You will be emailed information on when and how to purchase additional guest tickets 1 -2 weeks prior to the ceremony.  If available for your ceremony, additional guest tickets will cost $30 each. They are not always guaranteed and are subject to capacity of the venue. If made available, additional tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis until all are exhausted.

I’m graduating. Do I need a guest ticket?

No, guest tickets are only required for those attending the ceremony as a guest. You do not need to bring guests to your ceremony; however the $160 graduation package fee remains the same, regardless of whether you bring up to 2 guests or not.

Do children need their own guest ticket? 

Children under two years old can enter without a guest ticket on the condition they sit with an adult who holds a guest ticket. Older children will require guest tickets.

 

REFUNDS

What happens if I can no longer attend my Graduation ceremony?

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If you can no longer attend your ceremony, you may request a swap to an alternative ceremony, or request a refund. All refund requests must be made in writing to hello@reedgraduations.com.au at least 2 business days before the Graduation series commences. For our December ceremonies, all refund request must be made by 5.00pm Monday, 9 December 2024, to be eligible for a refund.

If you do not request a refund by the cut-off date and are unable to attend your ceremony at short notice due to unforeseen circumstances, you may be eligible to attend the next round of ceremonies, free of charge. Please email graduation@newcastle.edu.au outlining the circumstances that prevented you from attending your ceremony.

 

PHOTOGRAPHY

Are photographers available at my Graduate Ceremony?

Professional photographers will be there on the day to take candid and staged photographs. As the graduate, you will receive a free digital photo of yourself standing on stage holding your testamur (presentation photo) included in you Graduation Package. You also have the option to book into a Portrait session.

What is the Presentation Photo?

Your presentation photo is the photograph of you on stage with your Graduation Documents. It is a candid photo with natural expressions.

When crossing the stage, please take note of our photographers position. When you get to the centre of the stage, stop & look at the camera and smile. We only have one shot at getting it right, and as we cannot stop and position you on stage, we highly recommend you also have your studio portraits photography session to guarantee a pleasing result.

The link to your presentation photo will be provided in an email a few days after your ceremony. You also have the option of purchasing a high-resolution version and/or printed copies of your presentation photo. Pre-order your presentation photo in advance and save 15%.

What is a Portrait Session and what does it cover?

A Portrait Session is the time you spend with our professional photographer in a studio-style environment. Your photographer will take a range of different shots and poses of you, the graduate, by yourself as well as extra shots with your family and friends. You have an opportunity to attend a professional Studio Portrait Session in the Brennan Room, either before or after your ceremony. Studio times are limited so we recommend that you book your studio session in advance here.

Do I have to pre-book my Portrait Session?

Pre-booking online saves time on graduation day. On-the-day bookings can be made but are subject to availability. Sessions are available before & after your ceremony but please remember that you must be seated in the auditorium at least 30 minutes before your ceremony start time. You can pre-book your portrait session and purchase your digital or prints online at a later date.

How much will it cost to purchase my Portrait Session images?

View the Portrait Session photography price list please here. For more information contact us on: info@graduationphotography.com.au

 

MERCHANDISE

Will any gifts or flowers be available for purchase at my ceremony?

Our University Shop will be onsite at your graduation ceremony selling a range of merchandise and flower arrangements. Celebrate your achievements by purchasing official University of Newcastle Merchandise as a memento! Browse or pre-order from our full range of merchandise available here including our graduation gifts to help mark your special day.