Graduation ceremony history
Graduation ceremonies follow traditions developed over centuries. They symbolise the movement of the former student (called a graduand) into wider society as a graduate.
A graduation ceremony is:
- a celebration of academic achievement
- part of the academic experience that can be shared with family and friends.
The traditional academic dress worn reflects both university and faculty colours.
Mace
For thousands of years, the mace has been used as a symbol of government. The mace of the University represents the authority of the University Council.
The mace is present at all graduations and is carried by Esquire Bedel.
The mace was commissioned in 1965. It was made in Eltham, Victoria by noted sculptor, jeweller and silversmith, Matcham Skipper of Montsalvat.
It has a shaft of polished Australian black bean, and a head and foot of cast and beaten silver. The orb at the head carries the University coat of arms, supported by flames. symbolizing the light given to the world by increasing knowledge. At the foot are four engraved oval panels.
Academic procession
The academic procession is a traditional ceremony in which university dignitaries march together wearing traditional academic dress.
The academic procession enters the venue in the following order:
- faculty managers
- PhD and doctorate graduands
- members of staff
- members of council
- course directors/Head of school/Deans
- honoured guests
- Vice-Chancellor and President
- Esquire Bedel (bearer of the mace)
- Chancellor.
At the end of the ceremony, the new graduates follow the academic procession out of the venue.
Robert Blackwood Hall
The Robert Blackwood Concert Hall is the venue for all Clayton ceremonies. It was designed by Sir Roy Grounds and is named after the University's first chancellor, Sir Robert Blackwood.
Sir Louis Matheson pipe organ
In 1980, the Sir Louis Matheson pipe organ was installed in the Robert Blackwood Hall at Clayton campus. Jürgen Ahrend built the organ in the baroque style of the 17th and 18th centuries. It is recognised as one of the finest of its kind. More information about the pipe organ
Lindesay Clark window
Leonard French made the great stained glass window, which dominates the western wall of the hall foyer. The Melbourne-born artist is the creator of numerous murals, tapestries and glass mosaic windows. The window is named for noted industrialist and distinguished member of University Council, Sir Lindesay Clark.
First ceremony
Monash University's first graduation ceremony took place on 8 April 1964. There were 67 graduands from the faculties of Arts, Economics and Politics, and Science.
The venue for the ceremony was the basement locker room of the Robert Menzies School of Humanities.
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