Celebrating success – Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences graduation
Media Release - University of Auckland - 16 November 2016
More than 420 medical and health students will receive their qualifications this week at graduation ceremonies for New
Zealand’s largest medical faculty.
Two graduation ceremonies for the University of Auckland’s Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences will take place at
Auckland Town Hall on Friday 18 November.
It is the first time the Faculty has held standalone November graduation ceremonies to confer qualifications. The
ceremonies replace its traditional qualifying and completion ceremonies at the end of the year, combining elements of
those ceremonies with aspects of the university graduation.
This week’s ceremonies bring to 17 the number of graduation ceremonies held to recognise the academic achievements of
around 10,400 University of Auckland graduates this year.
The first ceremony on Friday, at 10.30am, will see qualifications presented to more than 200 students from the School of
Nursing and School of Pharmacy. This will be followed by a ceremony at 2pm for the School of Medicine, at which nearly
220 graduands will receive their qualifications.
“Graduation day is always a special occasion, for the students, their supporters and the University itself,” says
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stuart McCutcheon.
“We are proud of the University’s tradition of producing some of New Zealand’s finest health specialists.”
Dean of Medical and Health Sciences, Professor John Fraser says, "We are particularly proud of the far-reaching benefits
these 420 graduands will bring to the provision of high quality health services to citizens and communities throughout
New Zealand, including our Māori and Pacific graduands and those who are committed to working in areas of greatest
need.”
The new timing of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences ceremonies recognises the desirability of students having
their qualification in hand as they commence their new positions, and to avoid students having to take time off in May
from new jobs around the country or overseas. The May graduation option remains for those who prefer it.
Each ceremony will commence with a brief address, followed by the conferment of degrees, with a musical interlude part
way through, before concluding with the oath of professional dedication and the awarding of prizes.
ENDS