History of Graduation
Degree ceremonies are an ancient tradition that has originated in the 11th century in the medieval universities of Paris and Bologna.
At these universities, students (called apprentices) learned skills from masters of certain crafts. At the end of the study, the apprentice achieved a 'testimonial of skill', presently known as the 'degree'. The apprentice was expected to begin teaching after receiving the testimonial. The graduation ceremony celebrated the apprentice's induction into the profession of the craft.
- The Mace and the Chair
- Academic Procession
- Regalia
- Testamurs
- Conferral
- Legislation around Conferral of Awards
The Mace and the Chair
The mace is a symbol of institutional authority and is carried in procession before the Chancellor as a symbolic weapon of protection.
The ceremonial items of the office of the Chancellor of Swinburne University were designed by Professor Helmut Lueckenhausen, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Sarawak. Fabricated from Queensland silky oak, sterling silver and gold, the mace has eight facets resolving as an open silver finial and crown which contains a carving of the rampant boar from the Swinburne coat of arms.
The chair also has eight divisions on the seat and back with an engraved silver boar and the Southern Cross on the upper back.
Academic Procession
An academic procession is an old traditional in which university dignitaries march together wearing traditional regalia. The Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, members of the University Council, academic teaching staff and participants of the Official Party participate in the academic procession.
Regalia
The academic dress worn at Swinburne today is a modification of everyday dress worn by scholars and teachers in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It consists of a gown and a scarf-like stole or hood, which is a remnant of the cowl that was once worn to cover the head and shoulders to keep off the rain and snow. Trencher caps or bonnets are worn with the tassel down over the left eye and in a horizontal position.
The style of academic dress adopted by Swinburne University of Technology is based on that of the University of Oxford.
Testamurs
The testamur (also known as certificate) is Latin for "we testify" or "certify" (testari), and so called from the word with which the certificate begins. The testamur represents the conferral of the award.
The testamur includes the university's common seal which confers the award by the University Council.
Conferral
Conferral is the act of bestowing an award. The testamur includes the University's common seal righting the conferral of the award by Council. The normally occurs when your academic achievement is recognised at a meeting of the Council. Conferral generally occurs at the graduation ceremony either in your presence or in absentia (mail out).
Legislation around Conferral of Awards
Why is Graduation important?
Verification by Employers
Swinburne has a Verifications area that confirms your qualifications to external bodies like potential employers. These verifications normally take five days to complete.
Having your qualifications verified allows you to prove independently you have completed your studies. Where you have not graduated from your award, Swinburne is unable to verify you are entitled to your award.
Evidence of Your Studies
Not only does a testamur look great hanging on your wall, it provides proof of your studies for employers, industry associations and for migration purposes. In order to receive your testamur you will need to apply to graduate.
In addition, the process of graduating allows you to claim your post-nominals (eg. Bob Smith, BBus (Swinburne) ). If you have not graduated, you cannot claim these qualifications.
Great Way to Complete Your Time at Swinburne
Ceremonies provide an excellent way to celebrate all the long nights, hard work and great friends from your time here at Swinburne. It is your chance to be presented to the University community with such a significant accomplishment.
The ceremonies also provide an opportunity for you to thank your family, friends and teachers for their support during your studies. Swinburne takes great pride in seeing their students complete their studies. The University staff, including the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and Council members, administrative teams and academics regularly attend ceremonies to congratulate the graduates on their achievements.
If you can't attend a ceremony, you can have your award posted to you in the mail (in absentia)
If you would like to graduate with less fanfare, you can graduate in absentia. Your testamur will be mailed to your postal address (remember to keep your details current). This ensures you are still entitled to claim your qualifications.
Graduate Entitlements
Your Postnominals
After graduation, you can officially use your qualification in your title. Refer to the guide to help you determine your postnominals (the abbreviated version of your qualification title).
Guaranteed Entry Scheme
The Guaranteed Entry Scheme (GES) gives Swinburne TAFE diploma and advanced diploma students guaranteed entry into an undergraduate degree course at Swinburne. If you would like to continue your studies to Higher Education visit the GES web page:
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