Next graduation
Friday 12 March 2021 at 3.00 pm
FRIENDLY REMINDERS
Clear your debts
Make sure your account is clear at least a month before your graduation date!
Check: The Robertson Library, Student Health and your OP account via Student Hub.
Registration Information
All students must graduate within 18 months of completing their qualification.
If you're not sure which ceremony you should attend, check the Graduation Ceremony dates information below.
When do I need to register?
We will email you when you are eligible. You will also see an alert to register when you log into the Student Hub.
Where do I register?
Register online via Student Hub. You should register even if:
- you are not planning to attend a ceremony (e.g. graduate in absentia)
- you don’t know your results yet
- you’d like to defer your graduation to the next available graduation
- you only wish to attend your school Pre-graduation Functions
- your graduation will be held next year March.
How do I register?
Log in with your Otago Polytechnic username and password at Student Hub. There will be a registration form available when the registration is open. It is important that all your contact information is up to date so you do not miss important graduation messages we may send.
When registering for graduation we will ask you:
- whether you will be graduating in person or in absentia
- about any special seating arrangements required for yourself or your guests
- your academic regalia hire details, e.g. height and head size
- how many guest seats you require.
Cancellations
You must notify the Graduation Team graduation@op.ac.nz at least five days prior to graduation if you are cancelling your order. Cancelled orders will be fully refunded into your bank account (please provide proof of account details). The processing of refunds takes up to 10 working days.
Graduation Ceremony dates
To graduate either in person or in absentia at one of the ceremonies listed below, you must register via the Student Hub.
The venue for all ceremonies is the Dunedin Town Hall.
Friday 12 March 2021 at 3:00pm
- Auckland International Campus
- Capable NZ
- Central Campus
- College of Community Development and Personal Well-being includes GDTE & Whanau Ora
- College of Engineering, Construction and Living Sciences includes Vet Nursing
- College of Health includes Institute of Sport, Nursing, Midwifery and Occupational Therapy
- Te Maru Pumanawa|College of Creative Practice and Enterprise includes Art, Design, Architectural Studies, Business, Tourism and TANZ e-Campus.
School/College Pre-Graduation functions
Most Schools/Colleges hold their own individual Pre-Graduation Ceremonies to celebrate the success of their students together as a School. These ceremonies are held either earlier than the formal Graduation Ceremony at the Dunedin Town Hall or the same day, either in the morning before the ceremony or straight after.
At the Pre-Graduation Ceremonies special student awards are presented, class photographs are taken, and food and drink is usually available. In some School/College functions, there is an opportunity for the graduands and/or their families to speak. We welcome your family and friends to our Pre-Graduation functions. Numbers attending are required, but this is for catering purposes only. You can order your Pre-graduation tickets from your school.
March 2021
Pre-Graduation event details
School/College |
Event |
Date |
Time |
Venue |
Additional information |
Capable NZ | Pre-Graduation Function | Friday 12 March 2021 | 11.00 am | The Hub, H Block, Otago Polytechnic | Light morning tea with tea/coffee, Welcome (from Capable NZ Staff) and group photos. Please wear academic dress. |
College of Art and Design (Food Design Institute) | Pre-Graduation Function | Friday 12 March 2021 | 10.30 am | Manaaki Restaurant, Manaaki Block, Harbour Terrace | Awards Ceremony for Bachelor of Culinary Arts students - 10.30 am. Morning Tea and photos 11 am - all graduating students. Please wear academic dress. |
College of Engineering, Construction and Living Sciences (ABE) | Pre-Graduation Function | Friday 12 March 2021 | 11.30 am | L Block Carpentry Barn, 100 Anzac Avenue, Dunedin. |
Light Refreshments supplied. Guests Welcome. Group photos will be taken – please wear academic dress. |
School of Veterinary Nursing (College of Engineering, Construction and Living Sciences) | Pre-Graduation Function | Friday 12 March 2021 |
11.00 am - 12.30 pm |
School of Veterinary Nursing, N Block, Corner of Albany Street and Anzac Avenue |
11:00 am Welcome. 11:30 am Karakia. 11:40 am Light Food & Refreshments. 12:00 pm Group photos will be taken – please wear academic dress |
College of Health (Occupational Therapy) | Pre-Graduation Function | Friday 12 March 2021 |
10.00 am - 11.30 am |
The Hub, G Block end, Otago Polytechnic |
Awards Ceremony for Occupational Therapy students, Light Refreshments Supplied, Guests Welcome. Group photos will be taken at 11:45 am – please wear academic dress. |
M¯aori Pre-Graduation Ceremony | Pre-Graduation Function | Thursday 11 March 2021 |
3:30 pm - 5.30 pm |
The Atrium, The Hub |
Twice a year Otago Polytechnic hosts a Pre-Graduation Ceremony for graduands who identify as M¯aori. This ceremony acknowledges and celebrates your success at Te Kura Matatini ki Otago and welcomes the attendance of your wh¯anau and friends. |
School of Midwifery | North Island Pre-Graduation | Friday 26 February 2021 |
5.00 pm - 7.00 pm |
Waikanae Golf Club | |
School of Midwifery | South Island Pre-Graduation | Thursday 11 March 2021 |
6.00 pm - 7.30 pm |
To be confirmed |
On Graduation Day
Friday 12 March 2021 3.00 pm
1.10 pm |
Graduands assemble outside the Otago University Dental, Great King Street for the OPSA Graduation Parade. |
1.30 pm |
OPSA Graduation parade departs from the Dental School for the Dunedin Town Hall, Glenroy Auditorium. |
2.00 pm |
Graduands registration in the Dunedin Town Hall Glenroy Auditorium |
2.00 pm |
Dunedin Town Hall doors open to the public |
2.30 pm |
Guests to be seated in the Dunedin Town Hall |
3.00 pm |
Graduation Ceremony Commences |
5.00 pm |
Graduation Ceremony Concludes |
Covid-19 Graduation Protocols
Graduation at Alert Level 1
There is no limit on the number of people who can attend a social event or enter a public facility at Alert Level 1. It's perfectly safe to do so. To keep everyone comfortable on the day, we'll be following best practice, government advice on track and trace, and public safety.
When to stay home
Do not come to graduation (or attend gatherings or public events) if you are:
- unwell
- a confirmed or probable case of Covid-19
- waiting for a Covid-19 test result
- self-isolating.
If you feel unwell before graduation day, please email graduation@op.ac.nz and let them know you won't be coming.
If you feel unwell on graduation day, please freephone 0800 762 786 and let them know you won't be coming.
What will happen during the ceremony?
- We will not be shaking hands during the ceremony and will instead present awards to recipients.
- Mask wearing is optional for anyone who wants to wear one.
- Mask wearing is also optional for Otago Polytechnic staff. Dunedin Venue staff will be wearing masks.
How to track and trace
Businesses must legally display Covid Tracer QR code posters in prominent places to help you keep track of where you've been. Dunedin Town Hall will be displaying these QR code posters - we recommend you use the Government Covid Tracer App to scan this QR code when you arrive at the Town Hall. Guests will be provided with a flyer which includes a printed QR code that they can scan.
Please remember that you can't take any bags, flowers, other items into the Town Hall as you will change seats during the ceremony and can't carry items across the stage.
We have a desk at the front door where you can check your items in before the ceremony and collect them again at the end. We have staff minders who look after these items to ensure they are secure.
Hygiene practices
- We encourage everyone to keep using good hygiene practices to keep each other safe.
- There are plenty of hand washing facilities at the Town Hall (with soap, water, hand dryers/paper towels).
- Organisers have said they will be providing alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
- If you cough and sneeze, please do so into your elbow.
Anything else?
To help prevent further spread of Covid-19 and other viruses (e.g. the common cold or flu), you may want to practice physical distancing where possible. While the risk of exposure to Covid-19 is low, it may re-emerge and you should always follow basic hygiene to prevent spreading the virus.
People at higher risk of Covid-19 infection are encouraged to take extra precautions when leaving home to protect your own health. Use your judgement. You may personally want to avoid large gatherings or choose to wear a mask.
Academic Regalia Hire
All Otago Polytechnic graduands must appear at its public ceremonies in their prescribed dress. For graduation you must hire, or buy the appropriate academic regalia.
You can hire your academic regalia through the Graduation Registration form via your Student Hub when the form is open. If you have not registered by the closing date, you will not be able to hire an academic dress for the ceremony and will not be able to attend the ceremony.
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Payment for Regalia
You must pay for your academic dress before you can collect it from the gown room.
Cash, cheque or eftpos payments will be available at Customer Services or by ringing 0800 762 786 to make a credit card/debit card payment.
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Regalia Hire Fees
Certificate, National Certificate |
$30 |
Diploma, National Diploma |
$50 |
Bachelor, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Masters |
$70 |
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Regalia Hire Collection
Collection Dates for Friday 12 March 2021
Date | Location | Time |
Wednesday 10 March 2021 | Gown Room | 4:00pm - 7:00pm |
Thursday 11 March 2021 | Gown Room |
9:30am - 2:30pm 4:00pm - 7:00pm |
Friday 12 March 2021 | Gown Room | 8:00am - 12:00pm |
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Regalia Hire Returns
All items of hired academic dress must be returned to the Gown Room at one of the below opening times.
You will be charged replacement costs for any lost, damaged or soiled items of academic dress. The replacement value can be up to $1000.
Academic dress can be collected and returned on your behalf by friends or family members. However, the responsibility for safe return of academic dress is still yours.
Return Dates for Friday 12 March 2021
Date | Location | Time |
Friday 12 March 2021 | Town Hall (Glenroy Auditorium Foyer) | 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm |
Friday 12 March 2021 |
Gown Room
|
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm |
Saturday 13 March 2021 |
Gown Room
|
11:00 am – 2:00 pm |
Monday 15 - Wednesday 17 March 2021 |
Gown Room
|
9:30 am - 4:00 pm |
PLEASE NOTE: If your regalia is not returned at the times as stated above, you will be invoiced up to $1000 for the cost to replace the regalia.
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Gown Room location
Click here for a map to the Graduation Gown Room.
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Looking After Your Academic Regalia
You are responsible for each piece of academic dress you hire, we recommend you hang out regalia as soon as possible to ensure it remains crease free. Please do not pin anything to your regalia.
If you need to press any pieces, please note that always use a dry iron on low heat (i.e. no steam), with a cloth to protect the fabric.
Please note that the following can cause severe damage to regalia:
- Throwing trenchers into the air, and careless use of trenchers. Please ensure that the mortar board of your trencher is flat when stored.
- Makeup, tanning products, food and drink mark the regalia easily. Please be aware of this and be careful when using any products.
- Cigarette burns, car door marks and foot prints are often found on returned regalia. Please be careful to avoid these.
If any damage occurs to the regalia while in your hire you are likely to incur repair, cleaning and/or replacement costs.
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Cancellations
You must notify the Graduation Team (graduation@op.ac.nz) at least five days prior to graduation if you are cancelling your order. Cancelled orders will be fully refunded into your bank account (please provide proof of account details). The processing of refunds takes up to 10 working days.
What to wear with your Regalia
There is no prescribed dress code, but your graduation ceremony is a formal celebration of your achievement, and we encourage you to dress appropriately.
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Colour of hood
Degree | Colour of hood & Sash |
Business, Tourism | Red |
Engineering | Navy blue |
Information Technology | Deep red |
Arts | Silver |
Design | Black |
Architectural | Metal gray |
Nursing | Purple |
Midwifery | Lilac purple |
Enrolled Nursing | Lavender purple |
Occupational Therapy | Gold |
Hospitality | Jade Green |
Tertiary Education | Fuchsia pink |
Social Services, Beauty and Hairdressing | Yellow |
Leadership for Change, Professional Practice |
Royal blue |
Sport, Massage Therapy |
Light blue |
Veterinary Nursing |
Old gold |
Construction | Academic gold |
Nat Resources | Olive green |
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Academic Regalia Breakdown
Graduating with a Certificate
If you are graduating with a certificate, you only need a blue gown.
Graduating with a Diploma
If you are graduating with a diploma, you need a gown and sash .
Graduating with a Degree
If you are graduating with a degree, you need a gown, sash, hood and trencher.
Graduating with a Honours Degree
If you are graduating with a honours degree you need a gown, sash, hood edged with dark blue and trencher.
Graduating with a Postgraduate Degree / Diploma
If you are graduating with a postgraduate degree / diploma, you need a gown, sash, hood and trencher.
Graduating with a Masters
If you are graduating with a master, you need a gown, single colour hood and trencher with gold tassel.
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Wearing Your Academic Dress
Facing - Buttoned onto the gown by shoulder buttons and lies flat down either side of opening of gown.
Hood - Buttoned onto the gown by shoulder buttons over the top of a facing.
Trencher - Worn with the shorter peak to the front, the longer to the back, top parallel to the ground and the tassel over the left eye.
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Information for Guests
Please note we will Not be issuing tickets for your guests.
Due to the limited capacity at the Town Hall we appreciate you advising the total number of guest seats you require in the registration form.
Please let us know if any of your guests need assistance on graduation day. e.g. an elderly guest with limited mobility or anyone specifically requiring ground floor seating.
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Parade
Celebrate all your hard work with your friends and family by participating in the graduation parade from the OPSA Graduation Parade along George Street to the Dunedin Town Hall.
2021 March Ceremony
Date: Friday 12 March 2021
Assembly time: 1:10pm
Parade starts: 1:30pm
Meet: Otago University Dental School, Great King Street
Please ensure that you arrive at the designated time for your allocated graduation ceremony in appropriate academic dress. Please note: You may not be allowed to take part in the ceremony if you are late.
FRIENDLY REMINDERS
Lighten your load!
Give cameras, bags, flowers and other valuables to your friends or family to look after during the ceremony, or drop them off at our security desk located in the Glenroy Foyer at the Town Hall.
Think about your feet!
It's a long walk down George Street for the graduation parade so wear comfortable shoes and not too many layers of clothing!
Photography
We have arranged for McRobie Studios to take a photograph of everyone who crosses the stage at the Graduation Ceremony. Photographs will be taken as degrees are conferred and awards are presented.
These photographs, along with frames and mattes with the Otago Polytechnic logo*, will be available to view and order online at McRobies.
Alternatively, you may write, email or phone McRobie Studios. Please state the date of the ceremony, the graduate’s name and the page number they are listed on in the Graduation Booklet. It also helps to add some descriptive details, such as male/female, hair colour and length, any distinctive clothing from the waist up, such as suit or dress colour, tie, jewellery, etc.
Contact details:
McRobie Studios, PO Box 11019,
Musselburgh 9049, DUNEDIN
Phone/fax: 03 477 5801,
email: studio@mcrobie.co.nz
Karaka and Mihi Mai¯oh¯a
In 2013, Otago Polytechnic re-signed the 10 year old Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Papatipu R¯unaka ki Arai-Te-¯uru (Moeraki, Puketeraki, ¯Ot¯akou and Hokonui). Much progress has been made in strengthening the relationship between the Papatipu R¯unaka and the Polytechnic with the implementation and monitoring of the M¯aori Strategic Framework, which was developed from the MOU. Since March 2007, as an acknowledgement of this important relationship, Otago Polytechnic Graduation Ceremonies commence with karaka and a mihi mai¯oh¯a.
The purpose of the mihi mai¯oh¯a is to greet, in M¯aori, all visitors and all graduands to this place, while also acknowledging Kai Tahu’s place in the Otago Polytechnic Graduation Ceremony. A mihi mai¯oh¯a is not surrounded by the formality of powhiri and differs from mihi whakatau in that this ceremonial begins and ends with the woman’s or women's voice through karaka (or karanga in Northern dialect).
The mihi mai¯oh¯a will contain an element of the recitation of the landscape and our t¯upuna (ancestral names within it). It will briefly welcome all those attending the graduation to the place of those ancestors and will acknowledge that it is an honour for Kai Tahu to have been invited to participate in the graduation ceremony.
Following the mai¯oh¯a there will be a waiata k¯i naki (song of support for the mai¯oh¯a), E tu Kahikatea sung by staff and it will end with the karaka once more to signal its closure.
Replacement Certificates
To get a replacement certificate, you need to complete the Replacement Form, then email it to certificate@op.ac.nz
Cost and timeframe
Damaged certificate
FAQs
I think I’m eligible but the registration message doesn’t appear when I log in to the Student Hub?
Don’t panic. If you feel that you are eligible to graduate but a registration message isn’t appearing when you log in to the Student Hub, please email graduation@op.ac.nz
I don’t know my results yet - should I register for graduation?
Yes, you should register even you haven't had your results yet. All graduation registrations are subject to your final results and the successful completion of your programme. If you are unsure if you are eligible to graduate please contact your Programme Leader or School/College Administrator before you register.
Can I purchase extra tickets and do I pay for extra tickets?
Please note we will Not be issuing tickets for your guests.
All guests may sit in any unreserved seating, however if your guests do require special seating requirements they will be issued separate tickets.
How can I cancel my registration?
You must notify the Graduation Team (graduation@op.ac.nz) at least five days prior to graduation if you are cancelling your order. Cancelled orders will be fully refunded into your bank account (please provide proof of account details). The processing of refunds takes up to 10 working days.