UP Graduation

UP Graduation

UP Graduation,
What’s most rewarding about studying, is finally graduating and you’re one step closer to achieving your dreams. It definitely makes the hard work, sleepless nights and weekends spent preparing for exams, all the more worth it.
Knowing that you’re about to graduate from Tuks is the best feeling in the world – after landing your dream job of course!

Graduation ceremonies

 
The University of Pretoria annually hosts graduation ceremonies during:
April (Autumn Graduation Ceremonies)
September (Spring Graduation Ceremonies) and
December (Summer Graduation Ceremonies[Centre for Human Rights])
 
Autumn Graduation Ceremony – (Students complying with all the requirements for the qualification on
30 November – 15 February)
Spring Graduation Ceremony – (Students complying with all the requirements for the qualification on
30 June – 15 July)
Summer Graduation Ceremony – (Centre for Human Rights: LLM students complying with all the requirements for the qualification on 16 July – 29 November)
 

Venues of graduation ceremonies and directions

 

• Pretoria: 

 

• Rembrandt Hall, Hillcrest Campus (LC de Villiers Sports Grounds, Sport Centre), South Street, Hatfield
• Musaion, University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Road, Hatfield
• Aula(Auditorium), University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Road, Hatfield
• GPS Coordinates: 25.7545° S, 28.2499°E

From the North – main entrance via South Street:  The N1 (Polokwane/Pietersburg) Highway will take you to the N4 Emalahleni[Witbank] Highway and then straight on Pretorius Street. Turn left into Gordon Road, (the M7), Brooklyn turn-off (Gordon Road becomes Jan Shoba [Duncan] Street) and continue for approximately 1,5 km.  At the fourth traffic light, turn left into South Street.  Continue until you reach the security gates.  Pass through the gates – parking is available to both the left and right and the building is on the right side.
 
From Johannesburg: Travel on the N1 and take the R101 Pretoria East off-ramp (you will see Unisa on the hill to your right).  Follow the Brooklyn M7 (right and then left) to reach the Fountains Circle.  Remain in the lane second from the right to take the Groenkloof off-ramp as you go round the circle.  Carry on along George Storrar Drive and cross Florence Ribeiro [Queen Wilhelmina] Street. Continue until you reach the Brooklyn Circle.  Keep left on Jan Shoba [Duncan] Street.  Cross Lynnwood Road.  At the next traffic light, turn right into South Street.  Continue until you reach the security gates. Pass through the gates. Parking is available on both the left and right sides and the building is on the right.
 
From the West:  From Francis Baard [Schoeman] Street, turn right into Gordon Road (Gordon Road becomes Jan Shoba [Duncan] Street) and continue for approximately 1,5 km.  At the fourth traffic light, turn left into South Street.  Continue until you reach the security gates. Pass through the gates. Parking is available on both the left and right sides and the building is on the right.
Durban: 

• Glenridge Church, Masabalala Yengwa Ave 65, Durban Station Complex
• GPS Coordinates: 29°50’41”S 31°1’21”E / 29.84472°S 31.02250°E

From Amanzimtoti:  Follow the N2 to Durban for approximately 6.5km.  At the interchange, take the N3 and keep left.  Turn left at the corner of Old Forth Road and Masabalala Yengwa Avenue (formerly NMR Avenue). At the first traffic light you will see a sign “Glenridge Church International”. Take the on-ramp to the left.  Glenridge Church is to the left at the top of the ramp.
From Umhlanga:  Take the M4 to Durban. Turn right into Argyle Road at the M4/Argyle Road traffic light, then immediately left onto the M12 on-ramp into Masabalala Yengwa Avenue (M12).  At the second traffic light (signpost “Glenridge Church International”) turn right and go straight up the ramp.  Glenridge Church is on the left.at the top of the ramp.
Polokwane: 

• Bolivia Lodge, Plot 162, Tweefontein(R81)
• GPS Coordinates: 23.8794°S,29.5155°E

Take the N1 North to Grobler Street, turn left on Munnik Street (R526, now the R81 Duiwelskloof Road). Travel for 5 km and find the signage on the right side.Turn right.Bolivia Lodge is opposite the Broadlands Development on the Modjaji Road.
 

Protocol and procedure before and during ceremonies

Before the official ceremony/proceedings commence:

• All UP staff will be wearing blue gowns for easy identification in case any information or assistance is required.
• In case of a medical emergency, a paramedic will be available.
• No vuvuzelas, whistles or any other instruments will be allowed during the ceremony. All attendants’ cooperation in this regard is appreciated. Should any of the mentioned instruments be used, it will unfortunately be removed.
• The clapping of hands the only form of acknowledgement recommended.
• No food or drink will be allowed in the hall.
• All are requested to switch off cell phones and not to move around in the hall to take photographs or video recordings during the ceremony.
• Please take note that it is not allowed to take selfies on stage.
• The photographers will be available in Hall 3A. Candidates are welcome to have additional photos taken after the ceremony. The official photographer will take the photos during the ceremony and these can be ordered from them afterwards.
• In case of an emergency attendants will be requested to leave the hall in an orderly way. All side doors will be opened to facilitate a speedy exit.
• Attendants are requested not to leave the hall before the completion of the graduation ceremony.
• Attendants are cordially requested to stand while the academic procession enters the hall and leaves after the completion of the proceedings.

Procedure during the graduation ceremony:
Candidates/Graduates:
The procedure commences when the candidate/graduate takes position next to the Dean or representative and hands over the presentation card. The Dean or representative reads the name of the candidate/graduate. Should the candidate/graduate be awarded a prize or medal or obtains the certificate/diploma/degree with distinction, the information will appear on the presentation card and is read by the Dean or representative. Thereafter the candidate/graduate walks over to the Chancellor or representative who congratulates him/her with a handshake and only graduates are then capped with the academic cap. Thereafter the candidate/graduate walks to the Registrar or representative who hangs the academic sash over his/her shoulders. A second photograph is taken during this step. The candidate/graduate is then lastly congratulated by the Chairperson of the Convocation or representative. The candidate/graduate then walks off the stage to the table where his/her certificate/diploma/degree is handed to him/her. Another photograph of the candidate/graduate is taken here. Candidates/graduates should please return to their seats after the process.
Doctoral candidates:
Doctoral candidates take position next to the Dean or supervisor and are then introduced to the audience. The last paragraph of his/her curriculum vitae is read. Thereafter the same procedure as for other graduates is followed.