General FAQs

I've received my Fellowship, when will I receive an invitation to attend a Ceremony?

Invitations are emailed to new Fellows when ceremony dates and locations are confirmed.

What if I can’t attend?

Contact us to go on a waitlist for the following year’s ceremonies. We will email you an invitation for another date.

What if I’ve not received an invitation?

New Fellows can contact us to be added to a waitlist for a future Ceremony.

How many Convocation Ceremonies are held each year?

We are resuming our normal schedule of 3 to 4 ceremonies each year:

1. In the city where our annual Congress event will be for that year.
2. Usually in the larger capital cities, Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane.
3. When possible, we host a regional Ceremony in alternating Australian states.
4. Every second year we host a Ceremony in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Do I have to wait to attend a Ceremony in my home city?

No, invitations for larger Ceremonies are sent to all new Fellows. For smaller regional or Aotearoa NZ ceremonies, invites are sent to those residing in that state or based in New Zealand.

When I receive an email invitation does this automatically secure me a spot at Ceremony?

No, you'll need to register for the event to secure your spot. Places fill up quickly so it's recommended to register as soon as you receive the invitation.

If I don’t accept an invitation to Ceremony, will I receive another one?

You won't receive another automatic invite unless you contact us to go on a waitlist.

Before attending Ceremony

If I can no longer attend Ceremony and cancel my registration, can I attend another Ceremony at a later date?

Contact us as soon as possible if you’re not able to attend as this will assist us in our arrangements for the day. We’ll add you to a waitlist so that you can be invited to a future event.

I’ve given the wrong bonnet and gown size, can I change these?

Yes, contact us and provide the correct details and they will be updated for you.

Will I receive any information prior to the day?

We will send out a briefing to new Fellows attending two weeks prior to the event. This will provide you with information regarding the venue, how to collect your academic dress, professional photography, an overview of what happens at Ceremony, and other relevant information for the day.

How many guests can I invite?

When you register, the guest allowance will be advised. This number is dependent on the venue size and will be either 3 or 4 guests. We need to keep to this number of guests to ensure that we stay within the venue capacity limits. Children attending who do not require a seat are not included in this allocation.

Will I receive tickets for my guests?

Your guests will not receive a physical ticket for their seats. Family and friends can sit in any of the unreserved seating areas when the hall opens. There will be ushers who can assist them once in the hall.

On the day

Where and when do I pick up my academic dress?

College supplied academic dress can be collected in the Robing Room prior to the start of Ceremony. Please note: the room will close 30 minutes prior to the start of the event.

The Robing Room will open at 10.00am and the room details will be in your briefing document. Photography will also be available from this time. We recommend that you arrive early to avoid any queues, as both the Robing Room and Photography get very busy from midday onwards.

Can I wear my own personal academic dress?

Yes, you can wear your own academic dress and if required, you may store it in the Robing Room prior to the start of Ceremony.

What side is the tassel on my bonnet worn?

The tassel is worn to the right. Once you have been on stage and introduced to the President of the College and congratulated by your Division, Faculty or Chapter President you can change it to the left side.  

What happens if I know am going to be running late to Ceremony?

If you know that you will be running late prior to the day and will not make it for the close of the robing room, please contact us and we can make sure that your academic attire and gift bag are placed on your allocated seat.

You will receive a briefing two weeks prior to the event, which will provide you with a contact number for the day. Alternatively, you can arrange for a friend or relative to collect it for you.

Is there a cloak room or anywhere I can store my personal belongings during the event? 

We recommend you leave any valuables with family or friends who are attending. If needed you can leave items in the Robing Room, however, the College accepts no responsibility for the loss of any personal items.

Will I receive my testamur on the day? 

You will receive your testamur a couple of months after obtaining your Fellowship via registered post. On the day you will receive a letter of congratulations which will be in the gift bag you receive when picking up your robe. You can take the letter of congratulations on stage with you for your photos.

Are children allowed in the Ceremony Hall?

Yes, children can attend Ceremony. If children or babies get restless during the Ceremony and you or your guest(s) need to leave the hall, there will be an allocated parent/ children area with a TV screen to televise the Ceremony so you don’t miss out on seeing the full event.

Can my guests take a pram into the Ceremony Hall?

We recommend for prams to be left outside of the hall, this is so that they don’t block any doors when guests are exiting or in case of an emergency evacuation.

Is there allocated seating for my guests?

Your guests will not have allocated seats, they can select their own seats in the area designated for guests.

What photography will be available on the day?

A professional photographer will be available before and after the Ceremony for individual and family photographs. Photographs will be taken of all new Fellows on stage being welcomed by College representatives. There will also be a photo booth onsite.

There will be kiosks so that you can preview the photos and pay on the day. Or you can prepay for your photography prior to the day. A link will be provided in the briefing you receive prior to the event.