Sydney Graduation Mass

History of the University of Notre Dame Australia The University of Notre Dame Australia was established by an Act of the Parliament of Western Australia on 22 December 1989 and a Canonical Statute of the Archdiocese of Perth on 2 July 1991. It is Australia’s first Catholic university, with campuses in the old port city of Fremantle, the beautiful, tropical town of Broome, and in the historic heart of Sydney. The University currently has over 12,000 students enrolled. It offers courses through its Faculties of Arts, Sciences, Law and Business; Education and Philosophy & Theology; and Medicine, Nursing, Midwifery and Health Sciences. Its first courses were offered in 1992, when it had 70 students. Its founding partner was the University of Notre Dame in the United States. Notre Dame is a unique Australian university. It is distinguished by its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, training for the professions and pastoral care, its Catholic nature, and its beautiful physical environment. The Objects of The University of Notre Dame Australia a) the provision of university education, within a context of Catholic faith and values; and b) the provision of an excellent standard of – i) teaching, scholarship and research; ii) training for the professions; and iii) pastoral care for its students Acknowledgement of Country The University of Notre Dame Australia is proud to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land upon which our University sits. The University acknowledges that the Fremantle Campus is on Wadjuk Country, the Broome Campus is on Yawuru Country, and the Sydney Campus is located on Cadigal Country. Graduation Ceremonies Historical Origins The history of the graduation ceremony can be traced back to the first universities, which were developed by the Church from the 11th Century onwards. To this day, the participants of this ceremony have remained the same: the Chancellor, the academic staff, the graduands, and the public (which is made up of family and friends who witness the formalities). Graduands had to meet academic requirements and be of good character. Upon approval, they were then admitted to the ‘grade’ or ‘degree’ of Bachelor, Master or Doctor. The Chancellor’s authority to confer degrees originally came from the Church. The Bishop of a diocese was the sole authority to license a teacher. Over time, this authority was delegated to his Chief Secretary or Chancellor. When teachers began to request a licence to teach in more than one diocese, papal approval was required. The Chancellor’s authority then came directly from the Pope. Glossary Graduation: Derived from the Latin gradus , meaning both a step and a degree. The first step was as a bachelor (an ancient term for an independent young knight); the second as a magister (Latin for ‘master’); the third as a doctor (Latin for ‘teacher’). Graduand: Derived from the Latin graduandus , graduand literally means ‘one about to graduate’. Graduate: Also derived from the Latin graduandus , this refers to ‘one who has graduated’. Testamur: Latin for we testify , the testamur is presented to each graduand, admitting them to their degree. The testamur was originally a scroll presented by the examiners to certify that the candidate was qualified. Academic Regalia Modern academic regalia (or academic dress) has its origins in the clerical dress of medieval times, where the majority of university students and academics (masters and scholars) had been conferred with at least minor religious orders. The Gown (or robe): The modern gown is derived from the roba worn by those in religious orders under the cappa clausa , a garment resembling a long black cape. Originally closed at the front (to provide warmth), it has evolved over time into the more common, open-front style. The Hood: This has its origins in the tippet , or shoulder covering (similar to a stole) worn by begging friars. The colours of the academic hood, which now signify the degree conferred, were originally a sign of the wearer’s rank or status. The Mortar-Board: This developed from the pileus , a cap worn at Cambridge and Oxford in the 17th century. Over time, this type of cap became so large that a stiff board was inserted to prevent the corners from obstructing the wearer’s vision. Traditionally, a skull cap was worn under the pileus . The modern day mortarboard incorporates both elements. Bachelor Degree: The hood is worn with the colour showing on the left shoulder only. Honours Degree: The hood is worn with the colour showing on the right shoulder only. Master Degree: The hood is worn with the colour showing on both shoulders. Doctorate: The hood is worn with the colour showing on both shoulders. The Vice Chancellor: A ceremonial gown is worn with a royal blue stole and silver lining. This is worn with a mortar board which has a silver trim and a silver tassel. The Chancellor: A ceremonial gown is worn with a royal blue stole and gold lining. This is worn with a mortar board which has a gold trim and a gold tassel. 2 1