The Role and Function of the Unit

The unit is responsible for managing special events and the protocol of formal ceremonies for the university.

Function of the Unit:

Ensuring that all events in which the university engages, both on and off the campus, are successful and portray the stated mission of excellence with reference to Public Relations activities.

Planning, arrangements, co-ordination, follow up of all corporate meetings with key stakeholders.

The unit also co-ordinates and is responsible for all organisational aspects of budgeting for all ceremonial functions with particular emphasis on graduation and diploma ceremonies, inaugural lectures, installation/inauguration and opening ceremonies.

What Services does the Unit Provide?

Graduation Ceremonies / Opening Ceremonies / Inaugural Lectures / Installation / Inauguration / Academic Opening.

The Ceremonials Office has overall responsibility for all DUT graduation ceremonies which includes:

Close liaison and ongoing co-operation with relevant divisional heads such as the Directors of Student Academic Affairs, Risk Management Services, Audio-Visual Centre, Faculty Officers, etc.

Booking and preparation of venues.

Co-ordination and dispatch of all graduation invitations and receipt of returns. This includes DUT staff, all categories of distinguished guests and guests of honorary graduands and graduands.

Ensuring that the Graduation Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates are printed timeously, in consultation with the Examinations Department.

Attending to the final co-ordination of graduation programmes, after drafts in completed format have been received from the Faculty Officers.

Attending to design, layout and printing of programmes.

Annotating the programmes for the members of the DUT Management and Chancellor, Chair of Council and the Vice-Chancellor.

Making all travel and accommodation arrangements for honorary graduands and Guest Speakers.

Special Events

Plan, arrange, interview, organise, implement and monitor and evaluate all special functions namely:

• Workshops
• Seminars
• Conferences
• Council social gatherings
• Public lectures/College Lecture Programme
• Staff development and orientation training sessions
• Staff year end luncheons
• Visits, accommodations, programmes for national and international visitors
• Liaison – committee meetings
• Award presentations
• Business luncheon/breakfast meetings
• Fundraising presentations
• Donor presentations and luncheons
• Interviews for senior and executive management

Contact Details:

Protocol and ceremonies: Senior Public Relations Practitioner: Vasantha K Govender Tel: 031 373 2108 Fax: 031 202 2475 Email: govenderv@dut.ac.za Location: Gate One, Steve Biko Road, 1st Floor, Botanic Mansions Campus: Steve Biko Campus

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Special Events and Corporate Social Functions: Public Relations Practitioner: Asanda Gibisela Tel: 031 373 2464 Email: AsandaG@dut.ac.za Location: Gate One, Steve Biko Road, Ground Floor, Botanic Mansions Campus: Steve Biko Campus