Convocation is a busy event that involves hundreds of people, including graduands and their guests, faculty, staff, and volunteers. Here you will find information on what to expect on your convocation day!

Campus Parking
There is no fee for parking. We suggest carpooling if possible.

The Voyageur Grill will be open for refreshments.

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Morning Convocation - 10:00 a.m.
Graduands must be in the hall by Room 135 no later than 9:15 a.m. to register and line up for the processional. Be ready to line up for the ceremony 9:30 a.m.

Afternoon Convocation - 2:00 p.m.
Graduands must be in the hall by Room 135 no later than 1:15 p.m. to register and line up for the processional. Be ready to line up for the ceremony 1:30 p.m.

Guests
Guests must be seated by: 9:45 a.m. for the morning convocation and by 1:45 p.m. for the afternoon convocation. Guests arriving after these times will be seated when the processional has finished, and all Graduands are seated. Guest seating is on a first come, first serve basis.

Friday, June 6, 2025

Practical Nurse Pinning Ceremony - 9:00 a.m.
Practical Nurse students will need to be assembled in the Main Foyer before 8:45 a.m. dressed in white scrubs for the Pinning Ceremony in the McGrane Theatre.

Morning Convocation - 10:00 a.m.
Graduands must be in the hall by Room 135 no later than 9:15 a.m. to register and line up for the processional. Be ready to line up for the ceremony 9:30 a.m.

Honour Ceremony - 12:30 p.m.
The honour ceremony will take place in the McGrane Theatre from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Afternoon Convocation - 2:30 p.m.
Graduands must be in the hall by Room 135 no later than 1:45 p.m. to register and line up for the processional. Be ready to line up for the ceremony 2:00 p.m.

Guests
Guests must be seated by: 9:45 a.m. for the morning convocation and by 2:15 p.m. for the afternoon convocation. Guests arriving after these times will be seated when the processional has finished, and all Graduands are seated. Guest seating is on a first come, first serve basis.

Caps and Gowns
Caps and gowns are required for participation in the Convocation Ceremony. 

Pick-up: Caps and gowns are available free of charge for pick-up from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Room 135. Return: Gowns must be returned to Room 135 by 4:30 p.m.

Proceed to Room 135 at least one hour prior to your ceremony to fit your gown, v-stole and cap. Assistants will be on hand to help you.

• Put the robe on first.
• Position the V-stole with the shorter V in front and longer V in the back.
• Place your cap. Tassels are worn on the right side of the cap before the ceremony and are then moved from the right side to the left on the stage.

Check-In & Name Card
During check-in you will be given a name card which will show your preferred name as it appears in the convocation program. Remember, your legal name will appear on your certificate or diploma. You need to keep this card with you until you reach the stage. Hand the card to the Convocation Marshal at the podium, who will read your name as you cross the stage during the Convocation Ceremony.

Attire
As this is a special day to honour convocating students, we suggest Graduands and Guests attending the ceremony wear daytime formal attire.

Tips for Graduands, you can get warm wearing a robe, dress appropriately. Also pockets come in handy, you'll need somewhere to store your phone (volume off please).

Photographs 
An area will be set up in the Voyageur Grill for anyone wishing to take photographs. Guests are welcome to take photographs throughout the ceremony, as long as it does not interfere with the processional or recessional. Please be considerate of others when taking photographs.

Marshalling
Marshalling is the procedure of forming an alphabetical line of Graduands by department and by parchment classification for the procession to the convocation venue. The marshalling area is the hallway outside room 135. (This is area is not secure, please don’t leave any items in this area).

As it takes time to marshal all of the Graduands, it’s important that you arrive at least 60 minutes prior to your ceremony to collect your robe and be marshalled in order ready for the processional.

Processional
The President, Platform Party and Faculty will lead the procession, followed by the Graduands. Convocation Marshals will lead each group of Graduands and direct them to their seats.

The President and Platform Party will be seated on the stage. Graduands and Faculty will be seated in reserved seating. You should remain standing until everyone is in place and the music stops, which will be indicated by the Master of Ceremonies.

Seating
If you require special seating, please contact Student Services at 780-623-5504.

Program
The order of events will be listed in the Convocation Program. A QR code will be displayed so guests can follow along.

Certificates / Diplomas
At the ceremony, Graduands will receive a ceremonial scroll. Your official certificate or diploma will be mailed out after successful program completion.

Recessional
All Graduands will exit the Gymnasium as directed by the Convocation Marshals. The Graduands will lead the recessional, followed by the President, Platform Party, then Faculty, and finally Guests. Watch the Convocation Marshals for direction. Recessional participants will be led out the main entrance where Graduands can take part in a cap toss.