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Graduation 2020
Congratulations #USYDClassof 2020 and welcome to our alumni community!
Although we couldn't come together in person in 2020, we're celebrating your achievements in new ways. Here's a few ways to make the most of your at-home graduation experience:
- Watch the online celebration event
- Buy a commerative Class of 2020 t-shirt
- Use the graduation Instagram filter
- Download a custom Zoom background
Questions?
Take a look at some of our frequently asked questions below, or contact the Student Centre if you have any further questions about your graduation.
The University continues to be guided by the NSW Government’s COVID-Safe advice and restrictions on public gatherings. This has meant we have been unable to host any in-person graduation ceremonies in 2020 as the health, safety and wellbeing of our graduates, their families, our staff, and our community remains our highest priority.
Despite our most optimistic wishes, unfortunately we will be not be able to host any replacement ceremonies on campus for students who graduated in 2020. While we are aware that there are changing health guidelines regarding gatherings in New South Wales, replacing all events that have been cancelled due to COVID-19 will not be possible. We share your disappointment about not being able to celebrate at a traditional graduation ceremony in the Great Hall.
For more details on outdoor events please refer to the NSW Government COVID site.
As the duration of the pandemic is unknown, we are unable to provide a clear timeframe as to when graduation ceremonies will start up again. We will continue to follow the NSW Health advice when planning and scheduling future graduation ceremonies.
By February 2021 we will let Semester 2 2020 graduates know how their graduations will proceed. Continue to check the Graduation webpages for the latest information.
Your degree will be conferred on the date originally scheduled for your ceremony. The 2021 schedule will be available late January 2021. You will receive a digital version of your testamur and academic transcript through My eQuals within two business days after your degree is conferred. Hard copies will be posted within six weeks, however, there may be delays with limited staff on campus. For more information on receiving your testamur early and updating your address visit the Graduation webpages.
In early September we live-streamed a special online event from the Great Hall to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our students who completed their studies in Semester 2 2019, and Semester 1 2020. Students enjoyed special messages of congratulations and inspiration from NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Deans, alumni, and fellow students. If you missed the event, you can watch it below.
Online celebration
Early September we live-streamed a special online event from the Great Hall to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our graduating class of 2020.
Hosted by alumnus and YouTube star Eddie Woo, the night included special messages from deans and alumni with University graduates, The Jezabels, putting on an amazing musical performance. The event also featured a video message from NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian.
You can relive the best moments by watching the recording below, or sharing it with your family and friends.
Messages from your fellow classmates
2020 Graduate Nicolette Preketes-Tardiani delivers a strong and inspiring message to the graduating class of 2020.
Event photo gallery
Class of 2020 t-shirt
Grab your commemorative graduation t-shirt featuring the University’s iconic Quadrangle. You can purchase them on campus at the USU Holme and JFR stores, or online.
Instagram filter
Create your perfect at-home graduation photos using our Instagram filter. Tap the smiley on our Instagram profile and immerse yourself in a virtual graduation experience. Be sure to tag @sydney_uni and #USYDclassof2020.
Zoom backgrounds
Show your USYD pride by using customised backgrounds on your Zoom meetings with friends, family and work colleagues.
Click the images below, then right click and save it to your device. Some browsers may automatically save the image to your download folder.
To set up a background image or video, follow Zoom’s instructions.
Life after graduation
Whether you are kicking on with postgraduate study or off to make your mark on the world, as a graduate you’ll forever be a part of the University community. Don't forget that there are a range of resources available to help you with your career goals and continue your passion for lifelong learning.
Don’t be a stranger – keep your details up to date so we can continue to stay in touch and let you know about the latest alumni news, events and benefits. You can also connect with us on Linkedin.
Facts & figures
- 380,000 alumni worldwide
- 350 USYD gown variations
- 1912 When the tradition of throwing graduation headgear started.
- 'Alumni' From the Latin word ‘alere’, then ‘alumnus’ which was Roman for foster child. Around the 17th century it took on the meaning we use today.
- Alumnus or alumna? A male graduate and a female graduate respectively.
- Graduand Someone who passed their exams but hasn't officially graduated yet.
- Mortarboard It looks like the board that bricklayers use to hold the mortar. Its real name is a trencher cap.
