Graduation
Class of 2019 ceremonies are fast approaching to recognise graduating students and outstanding achievements.
Register to attendThe GOTAFE family are excited to invite you to our 2020 Graduation and Award Ceremonies. We're looking forward to celebrating this exciting milestone with you and your family!
If you have completed your studies in 2019 and would like to attend one of our graduation ceremonies, please click on the button below to register. Each graduating student is able to invite up to two guests.
Ceremonies
Wangaratta - Tuesday, February 25
Benalla - Tuesday, March 3
Seymour - Tuesday, March 10
Shepparton - Wednesday, March 25
Event timings and FAQs
We advise you take a moment to read the below important information about your ceremony so you know when to arrive, what’s expected, and how to make the most of this special occasion.
Event Timings
4.15pm - Arrival and registration
Graduating students are asked to arrive no later than 5pm to the venue, so you can register your attendance, collect your gown (diploma students only), and get your professional portrait photo done.
Please note, if you are late, you may not be able to be registered and will miss out on receiving your certificate and participating in the ceremony.
5pm - Welcome reception
Once you’re registered, enjoy a glass of prosecco on us with your family and friends! There will be light refreshments, live music and a photo wall too. Additional drinks will be available at bar prices.
5.45pm - Take your seats
Head into the auditorium and take your allocated seat so we can start the ceremony on time. It’s important you sit in the right seat, otherwise you won’t be able to receive your certificate (your guests will be sitting behind you).
Our ushers will be there to help you every step of the way, from when to walk on stage and where to go for your group photograph. We appreciate your help in making the night run as smoothly as possible.
6pm - Ceremony begins
6pm will be when we kick off the formalities. We’ll begin the night with our guest speaker and dignitaries, then we’ll do the 2019 student awards, followed by the graduation ceremony.
8 – 8.30pm - Ceremony concludes
We hope to finish formal proceedings between 8pm and 8.30pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register for graduation?
Yes. You must register before the RSVP cut-off date if you want to attend a graduation ceremony. If you have not pre-registered to graduate at one of our events, you will not be able to attend or receive a graduation certificate.
Please register via the Ticketebo link before the event.
Is there a dress code for graduation?
Yes. Please dress in neat casual attire.
Can I bring guests?
Each graduating student can bring up to 2 guests. Seats are limited, so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.
If you would like to bring more than 2 guests, please tick the box to be added to our waiting list when you register your guests.
Where should I sit?
- In order for you to receive your correct certificate in the right order, all graduating students must sit in the seat they are allocated by the GOTAFE team, which will be alongside other students graduating in your cohort.
- If you do not sit in the seat that is allocated to you, you will not be able to receive your certificate. We will be following a strict process of entering and exiting the stage so the event runs to time.
- Your guests will be seated behind you.
- Please follow all directions from GOTAFE staff to ensure you don’t miss out on your moment on stage.
- We’ll brief you before the ceremony starts on how to line up side of stage, walk up on stage, and where to go for your group photograph.
What happens during the ceremony?
During the ceremony, you will be brought up to stand at the side of the stage with your graduating cohort, and will then approach the stage to receive your certificate.
All graduating cohorts will have a group photo taken on stage, and you will then exit the stage and sit back down in your original seat. We'll be running to a strict time schedule, so please move quickly and cooperate fully with our floor and stage staff.
If I don't attend graduation, can I still get my certificate?
If you choose not to attend a graduation ceremony, you will still receive your official course completion certificate in the mail in line with your graduating requirements. Attending a graduation ceremony does not impact whether or not you successfully complete a course.