It’s Your Graduation Ceremony: How to Prepare for the Big Day

The graduation ceremony: what to expect

 

While each institution has details unique to the ceremony, there is a general process that all colleges and universities typically follow. Here’s an overview of what to expect from your graduation ceremony: 

 

• Arrival and check-in: Graduates are usually expected to arrive at the allocated venue 90 minutes prior to the commencement of the Graduation Ceremony. Upon arrival, proceed to the registration desk, where you will receive your name card and guest tickets. 
• Dressing in academic regalia: This typically consists of a cap, gown, and hood according to the programme to be conferred.
• Pre-ceremony activities: Prior to the ceremony, there’s usually time for photos with family, friends, and faculty members. 
• Opening remarks and speeches: The ceremony will begin with a welcome from the dedicated Programme Director, who will explain the house rules and provide a demonstration of the walk on stage for graduates. Once the procession enters, there will be an official welcome and address from the Principal of MANCOSA.
• Conferral of degrees: You and your fellow graduands will be called to the stage to receive your diploma or cover. You will then walk across the stage as per the demonstration and have three photo opportunities on stage.
• Golden Buzzer moment: After the presentation of the graduands the programme director along with the Principal will then do a special Golden Buzzer moment to commemorate all MANCOSA graduates.
• Closing remarks and recession: The ceremony ends with a vote of thanks and the principal will then dissolve the congregation. Then, the graduates and faculty exit the venue with music playing in the background. 

 

Preparing for your graduation ceremony

Preparing for the ceremony is essential for the best and most stress-free experience. Your institution will provide detailed instructions. That said, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through the day.  

 

1. Confirm your attendance

Ensure you’ve officially confirmed your attendance with your institution. Your institution will have an official RSVP process, which may include completing the necessary forms on your MyMANCOSA student portal. Make sure you RSVP before the deadline. 

2. Academic attire

Purchase or hire your graduation gown, cap, and other required academic regalia from the official supplier, House of Graduates. Ensure you know how to wear them properly and practice beforehand to ensure everything fits and you’re comfortable. 

Remember, your appearance is a big part of the ceremony, and you’ll likely take several photos with other graduates, faculty members, and your family. 

3. Tickets and invitations

Send out invitations in advance and confirm who will attend. Be sure to include your guest attendance number when submitting your Graduation RSVP. Guest tickets are issued on the day of the ceremony at the registration desk.

4. Know the schedule

Familiarise yourself with the graduation day schedule. Know when and where you need to be, including the time for arrival and ceremony start time. Knowing the schedule will help you avoid any rushing around and feelings of stress on the day. 

5. Graduation Fair

Plan ahead and attend the scheduled graduation fair that will take place at the MANCOSA campuses across regions. Here, you can purchase/hire graduation attire and prebook photography. This will help alleviate stress so you are not rushed on the day of the ceremony.

6. Check your name

Ensure your personal details have been corrected prior to the graduation ceremony to avoid any issues on the day.

7. Plan your outfit

Decide on what to wear to graduation (under your gown). Choose something comfortable yet suitable for the occasion. 

Don’t forget comfortable shoes since you may be standing or walking often. Your outfit should make you feel confident and allow you to enjoy the day without discomfort. 

8. Photography

Contact the official supplier, Image Factor, for all your photography needs on the day. Also, coordinate with your friends and family for additional photos you want to take before, during, and after the ceremony. 

9. Health, safety, and other logistics

Stay hydrated, get enough rest the night before, and eat a healthy meal. Follow health and safety protocols, especially in light of ongoing health advisories.

Plan your travel to and from the venue carefully. Consider traffic and parking. Try to arrive early to give yourself enough time to get settled without feeling rushed. 

10. Celebrate

After the ceremony, you can plan a celebration with family and friends to make the best of this special day. It’s a significant milestone, so enjoy it and make the day memorable! Some ideas include going to a restaurant or hosting a get-together at your house. 

 

So, what’s next after your graduation ceremony?

 

Now that you’ve crossed the finish line, you may wonder about your next steps. 

One of the first things you might consider is entering the workforce in your field of study. This is a great time to create a CV that showcases your academic accomplishments and any relevant internship experience you may have accumulated. Download MANCOSA’s abridged CV here. 

If you’re looking to pave the way to even greater success in your career, you can also consider enrolling in advanced higher education programmes, including Honours or a Postgraduate Diploma. 

You can consider the different course options based on the programme you’ve just completed. For example, if you’ve completed a Bachelor of Administration, you may be interested in a Bachelor of Business Administration Honours.

You may also be interested in learning specific business skills through a short course, such as Design Thinking and Innovation, Emotional Intelligence, or Communication in the Workplace. 

 

The sky is the limit!

 

Register for MANCOSA postgraduate courses online

 

MANCOSA offers several postgraduate courses, from Honours Degrees to Postgraduate Diplomas. Depending on your course, you can look at the different programmes to find the right one. 

Are you curious about MANCOSA’s graduation ceremonies? Read more about the latest MANCOSA events, including graduation.