Graduation has come early for more than 1000 University of Tasmania students who celebrated in the University’s first Autumn ceremonies.
Graduations have traditionally been held in August and December. The new May ceremonies reflects the changing ways people study and the flexibility of the university calendar to cater for student needs.
Chair of the University’s Academic Senate Professor Natalie Brown said increasing numbers of students were completing their studies outside the traditional semester periods.
“The University is committed to increasing access to higher education for everybody who wants it and part of that is making sure that students can fit study around all their other work and family commitments,” Professor Brown said.
“To balance study and life, to upskill with a short course, or to complete their qualifications faster, students are choosing study options that don’t fit neatly into the two semesters a year model.
“With Summer Schools, trimesters, accelerated courses and more, students who are completing their courses in the first part of the year can celebrate their success with families and friends now rather than waiting until August.”
A total of 1095 students graduated during the May ceremonies, held at Federation Concert Hall.