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Frequently asked questions

BEFORE GRADUATION

Have I qualified and is my name on the graduation list?

  • You must fulfill all requirements in order to graduate for your diploma/degree. If you are uncertain, please check with your Faculty Office as the onus is on you to check that you have been marked on the system as qualified.
  • Graduation lists are available on the website www.wits.ac.za/students/graduations.

Do I have any outstanding matters with the University (Disciplinary Hearing)? 

  • If you have a disciplinary case pending, an unpaid fine and/or community service yet to be performed, you may not be allowed to graduate.
  • Direct your queries to the Legal Office. Also inform your Faculty should your name be cleared.
  • The Faculty will then advise EGO whether your name should be added to a graduation list.

What about the name on my certificate and in the graduation booklet?

  • Please ensure that your full name is correctly reflected on the system as on your birth certificate, ID document or passport.
  • If your name is reflected incorrectly on your WITS record, or you have subsequently changed your name (legally), please submit a copy of your ID document or passport to your Faculty to process the necessary amendments.
  • This must be done at least 30 days prior to the ceremony date.
  • Please consult your Faculty Office should there be a discrepancy in the details of your names.
  • Your official name at the time of graduation will appear on your certificate.

ATTENDING THE GRADUATION CEREMONY

Where do I get my gown and hood?

  • All graduands are required to wear prescribed academic dress to ceremonies. Those obtaining a degree must have a gown and hood, and those obtaining a diploma or certificate must have a gown only. Diploma and certificate recipients only hire a hood and do not have a hood.
  • Gowns and hoods can be hired, from House of Graduates on the day of the ceremony in Robert Sobukwe Building, Room 228 (RS228).
  • Please bring cash to hire your gown.
  • For more information on gowns and hoods please see the 2024 Price List House of Graduates price list.

Do I need a ticket for the ceremony?

  • Every graduand who’s name appears on the final published list has a reserved seat and is entitled to two guest e-tickets which will be emailed.
  • Graduand Ticket must be collected in RS228 on the day of the ceremony.

Where do I take graduation photos?

Where will the ceremony take place and how long will it last?

  • Graduation ceremonies are held in the Great Hall on East Campus, and commences promptly at 9:30; 13:30 and 17:00 for the March ceremonies and at 9:30 and 14:30 for the July and December graduations.
  • The duration of each ceremony is approximately 2½ hours.

NOT ATTENDING THE CEREMONY

What if I cannot attend the ceremony?

  • If you are unable to attend your graduation ceremony, you will graduate in absentia. You will be required to make the necessary arrangements to collect or have your degree, diploma, certificate collected from the Examinations and Graduation Office.

What happens with my certificate?

  • Certificates are no longer posted.
  • Certificates not collected within twelve months (12 months)after each graduation cluster will be destroyed and you will be liable for the cost of a new certificate.

Can someone else collect my certificate on my behalf?

  • You may ‘nominate’ someone to collect your certificate on your behalf.
  • The request must be in writing to EGO, stating the person’s full details as well as Identity Number.
  • This person must produce their ID Document when collecting the certificate with the attached Letter of Authority -Collection of Certificate from EGO.
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