HKBU 65th Commencement – Associate Degree and Higher Diploma Programmes
HKBU 65th Commencement - Associate Degree and Higher Diploma Programmes
4. FAQs
Q: Is Commencement equivalent to Graduation?
A: No, they are different. Please see their differences below:
Commencement is an annual ceremony for students who have completed or are expected to complete studies to celebrate their accomplishments with peers, family and friends. Participation in the Commencement does NOT represent graduation. The Commencement for taught programmes is held only once in May/June during the academic year.
Graduation is the successful completion of a study programme for which students are approved by the Senate to receive a degree or diploma. The Senate will consider students’ graduation in several rounds during the academic year.
Q: Where will the commencement take place?
A: The Commencement will be held at the Academic Community Hall (AC Hall).
Q: Who may participate in the commencement ceremony?
A: All final year students of taught programmes may participate in the Commencement. Invitation and details regarding the commencement ceremony will be sent to you via email in late-March 2024.
Q: Have I officially graduated from the University after participating in the commencement ceremony?
A: No, participation in the commencement ceremony does NOT represent that you have officially graduated from the University. The Commencement is simply an annual occasion for students who have completed or are expected to complete studies to celebrate their accomplishments with peers, family and friends. In order to graduate, you must fulfil all the degree requirements and be approved by the Senate for graduation.
Q: Do I need to defer my graduation if I cannot participate in the commencement ceremony?
A: No, you do not need to defer your graduation for not joining the commencement ceremony. You will be approved to graduate as long as you have met all the degree requirements. It is not mandatory for you to participate in the commencement ceremony for graduation. The Commencement is simply an annual occasion for students who have completed or are expected to complete studies to celebrate their accomplishments with peers, family and friends.
Q: I cannot fulfil my graduation requirements before the commencement ceremony, can I still participate in the ceremony?
A: All final year students of taught programmes are eligible to participate in the Commencement preceding their graduation date. If you have completed or are expected to complete all the requirements of your programme in the current academic year, including summer studies, please register your attendance for the commencement ceremony.
As the commencement ceremony will be held before students’ graduation is confirmed, students who eventually fail to meet the graduation requirements in the current academic year, resulting in a deferral of their graduation, will be invited to attend the commencement ceremony again in the following year. As such, if you do not think that you are able to complete the graduation requirements this year, you may consider NOT registering for the ceremony this year.
Q: When will I receive my diploma?
A: Diplomas will be dispatched to students after the Senate has approved all graduation matters. Please click “here” for details of the collection schedule. Further arrangements regarding the collection of diplomas will be announced via email in due course.
Q: Do I need to register for attendance at the graduation ceremony?
A: Yes, you are required to confirm your attendance via the online registration platform. Invitation and details regarding the commencement ceremony will be sent to you via email in late-March 2024. Please check your HKBU email account on a regular basis in order to get updated information about the ceremony.
Late registration will NOT be entertained and your absence at the ceremony will be assumed.
Q: When will I receive the invitation for the Commencement?
A: Invitation emails for graduating students will be sent on 28 March 2024.
Q: How can I know that my registration for the Commencement is successful?
A: You can login to the online registration platform to check your registration record. Confirmation emails will be sent out by 26 April 2024 to graduates who have registered.
Q: What should I do if I need to change options after registration?
A: If you have previously indicated an intention to attend the Commencement and subsequently wish to change to in absentia or vice versa, you must contact the SCE Registry on or before 22 April 2024 via email at hkbusce_comm@hkbu.edu.hk. Any requests made thereafter will not be entertained.
Q: What should I do if I find that my name in the student database is incorrect?
A: Please ensure that your name as recorded in the student database is the same as that shown on your HKID Card as it will be printed on your graduation diploma. If you wish to change your name, please do so at the online registration platform and provide supporting documents (e.g. copy of HKID Card/deed poll) to the SCE Registry for verification as soon as possible, latest by 12 April 2024.
Q: Where should I hire the academic regalia?
A: The academic regalia hiring service is provided by Victoria Uniform (“service provider”). Graduates should login to the website of the service provider (http://www.victoriauniform.com) to make reservations for the academic regalia. Please refer to the “Information of Rental Academic Regalia” for details of the login ID. Information of the address, opening hours and telephone numbers of the outlets are also available at the website of the service provider.
Q: When should I hire the academic regalia?
A: You should hire your academic regalia in accordance with your choice of collection date and outlet as indicated on the online reservation system. The service period falls between 11 May and 14 June 2024.
Q: How long is the rental period? Do I need to pay a rental fee for the academic regalia?
A: The rental period is counted on a 35-calendar-day basis, with both the day of collection and day of return inclusive. You are required to pay the rental fee (HK$100 non-refundable) and the deposit (HK$500). For details, please visit the website of the service provider.
Q: What should I do if I want to extend the rental period?
A: You are required to pay an extension fee for extending the rental period. For details, please visit the website of the service provider.
Q: How can I get the refund of the deposit?
A: Refund in full will be made upon your return of the academic regalia at the rental outlet if it is returned on time and in good condition.
Q: Can I obtain a refund of the academic regalia rental fee?
A: Under no circumstances will the rental fee for academic regalia be refunded.
Q: When will I receive the tickets?
A: Admission tickets for graduates and guests are expected to be sent by mid-May 2024. You will receive a PDF file which consists of your ticket and the guest ticket(s) (if applicable) via email. You should PRINT out the ticket(s) and pass the guest ticket(s) to your accompanying guest(s) in advance.
Q: How many guest tickets do I receive?
A: Due to the limited seating capacity of the venue, each participating graduate may invite up to TWO accompanying guests only.
Q: How can I get additional guest tickets?
A: Due to the limited seating capacity of the venue, we regret that no extra tickets could be issued for graduates under any circumstances.
Q: What is the seating arrangement for guests holding valid admission tickets?
A: Each guest is assigned a seat with a seat number printed on the admission ticket. Your guest(s) should sit in the assigned seat(s) throughout the ceremony. Guests without tickets will not be allowed to enter the Hall.
Q: Are children allowed to attend the Commencement?
A: Yes. However, they are included in your guest allocation and ONLY children over six years of age will be admitted. They must be supervised by an adult at all times and would be asked to leave the venue if causing any disruption.
Q: Can I still attend the Commencement if I am late or forgot to bring the academic regalia?
A: No. To ensure a smooth running of the event, graduates should wear the academic regalia and arrive at the AC Hall on time (click here). Graduates who arrive late or without the academic regalia will NOT be allowed to go onto the stage.
Q: What is the staging arrangement at the Commencement?
A: Our staff will be around to ensure that the event runs smoothly. Detailed arrangements read as follows:
- Graduates are invited row by row to move to the front of the stage.
- Our staff will check your name and programme, and help adjust your academic regalia.
- Present your name card to the Presenting Officer for reading out your name.
- Go onto the stage to receive the diploma folder.
- Leave the stage and return to your original seat.
Q: How long will the Commencement take?
A: The Commencement usually lasts for about one hour and fifteen minutes.
Q: What if one of my guests or myself has a special requirement?
A: Graduates who require special assistance during the event (e.g. wheelchair users or persons with reduced mobility) are invited to indicate in the “remark” field when performing online registration.
For special requirements of guests, please inform the SCE Registry on or before 31 May 2024.
Q: Can I take photos/videos during the Commencement?
A: Audiences are NOT allowed to take photos or videos whilst the event is in progress. The SCE has arranged a professional photography service provider to take photos/videos inside the AC Hall during the event. You can order photographs or videos from the service provider afterwards. Details will be announced in due course.