Guest tickets for graduation

When you apply to graduate, you will be allocated two guest tickets. Your guests will need these tickets to enter the ceremony, and you request these on their behalf as part of your graduation application.

If you would like more than two tickets, you may request up to four additional guest tickets in eVision. These can be requested until the last day to withdraw from the graduation ceremony. When submitting your request, include the total number of tickets you would like (including your two guaranteed tickets as part of your request). Your request will try to be met, however additional tickets cannot be guaranteed.

You do not need a ticket for yourself. The number of tickets you have been allocated will be confirmed approximately two weeks before your ceremony.

Because seating in the Town Hall is limited, the maximum number of tickets that can be allocated to any graduand is six. Your final allocation may be fewer than requested, depending on overall demand. Children sitting on an adult's lap do not require a ticket, but those needing their own seat do.

If you have requested additional guest tickets, you will be advised of your final allocation by email approximately two weeks prior to your ceremony.

Collecting guest tickets

Guest tickets can be collected from the AskOtago Central Hub in the Information Services Building (ISB). Information about ticket collection, including dates and times, will be sent to you by email approximately six weeks before your graduation ceremony.

The Graduation Guides list the times for collecting tickets. Bring photo ID when collecting your tickets.

If spare tickets become available, a small number may be offered at the time of collection on a first-come, first-served basis. Up to two additional tickets may be issued, although these may not be in the same seating area as your allocated tickets.

You will receive a Graduation booklet with your tickets. We recommend that either you or one of your guests bring it to the ceremony, as additional copies will not be available at the venue. For convenience, a QR code will be printed on both the booklet cover and on your guest tickets.

Guest seating requirements and accessibility

If you have a guest with a disability or who requires special seating arrangements, you must indicate this when applying to graduate.

Much of the seating in the Dunedin Town Hall is accessed via several flights of stairs, indicating this early helps ensure your guests are comfortable. Guests who cannot use stairs can be seated on the lowest level if this is arranged in advance.

Wheelchair access to the Town Hall is via the Moray Place and Harrop Street corner entrance, uphill from the main entrance.

If your guests' requirements change after submitting your application, contact the Graduation Office as soon as possible.

Admission to the Dunedin Town Hall

The main doors on Moray Place open 45 minutes before the ceremony. Guests must be seated at least 10 minutes before the ceremony begins. The Dunedin Centre entrance on Harrop Street is for staff and graduands only.

Guest tickets provide access to a seating area, not a specific seat. To sit together, it is recommended that all guests enter the Town Hall at the same time. Ushers will guide guests to available seating on a first-come, first-served basis, and late arrivals may not be able to sit together.

The ceremony begins promptly at the stated time and usually lasts around 90 minutes. Graduands and guests are expected to remain for the full ceremony.

Children

Children are welcome to attend, though the ceremony can feel quite long for very young children. Space for prams and pushchairs is limited inside the Town Hall.

Photography and recording

Guests are welcome to take photos or videos for personal use. However, commercial photography and equipment with detachable lenses are not permitted. An official photograph will be taken as you receive your award, and optional graduate and family portraits are available in the Fullwood Room (Level 2) on the day.

The graduate marshalling area and Glenroy Auditorium are restricted to staff and graduates only. Graduation ceremonies are live-streamed and recorded for later viewing.