The University of Auckland

Further information from your institution.

On graduation day, graduands wear the hood and gown appropriate to their degree, and carry their trenchers. Students being awarded a diploma wear an undergraduate gown and the diploma scarf. If you are being awarded a diploma and already hold a degree, you should wear the regalia for that degree as well as the appropriate diploma scarf.
Your graduation ceremony is a formal celebration of your achievement, and graduands are encouraged to dress appropriately. In addition to the correct academic regalia, some graduands choose to wear clothing or garments of honour from their culture or home country such as a sari, korowai or ta'ovala. This is a welcome enrichment to the colour of the graduation ceremonies.

Previous graduands also offer the following advice:

• The temperature in the Town Hall is reasonably warm, especially when wearing regalia.
• Men may find it helpful to wear a shirt and tie, as placing the neckband of your hood under your tie helps to hold your hood in place (women may need to pin their hood to their gown).
• Graduation day involves a considerable amount of walking and standing, and a lot of stairs, so (for example) very high heels may not be practical.
• Be sure to choose a hairstyle that allows you to wear your trencher comfortably.
• You will be video recorded and photographed throughout the day, so you might like to look your best!