Convocation

Frequently Asked Questions About Convocation

When & where is the convocation ceremony?

Please check the Dates & Locations web page.

When do I arrive at the auditorium (Thunder Bay ceremony)?

Graduates

Thunder Bay graduates — Arrive 1 ½ hours before the ceremony and go directly to the tent to pick up your gown and hood. You will then proceed into the auditorium and your program will be posted at the bottom of each set of stairs to tell you which floor you need to be on. 

Guests

Thunder Bay Ceremony Guests will be able to enter the auditorium one hour before the ceremony. Graduates will be able to request their desired number of tickets during the graduation gown ordering process. Seating is first come, first served.

Can I attend a campus convocation ceremony even if I don’t attend classes at that campus?

Yes. We will assume you are attending the campus you are currently enrolled at however, if you would like to attend an alternate campus ceremony, please email registration services at [email protected] to advise which campus ceremony you wish to attend.

When and where do I get my gown and associate hood?

Thunder Bay Ceremony Only

You will rent your gown and associate hood through a third party vendor. You will be sent an email when the website is open to take orders (early April). You must order your gown to confirm your attendance.

Regional Campus Ceremonies

You will be contacted by the Regional Campus regarding your ceremony. For our regional ceremonies, you will generally be given your gown the day of the ceremony.

What should I wear underneath my gown?

Something comfortable and cool as it can get quite warm wearing your convocation gown. Suit jackets can be worn but it is not recommended.

Please note: Your lower legs and footwear will be visible.
Please do not wear hats or baseball caps during the ceremony

What is an associate hood?

Associate Hoods indicate your program credential.

• One Year Ontario College Certificate — 1 thin blue ribbon/stripe,
• Two Year Ontario College Diploma — 2 thin blue ribbon/stripes,
• Three Year Ontario College Advanced Diploma — 3 thin blue ribbon/stripes,
• One Year Ontario College Graduate Certificate — 1 thick blue cord.

How do I wear the hood?

Associate Hoods rest on your shoulders with the coloured stripes or cord facing the front.

How long is the ceremony?

The ceremony is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours in length.

What if I am unable to climb the stairs or require special assistance?

Please provide this information during your gown rental request.  We will work with you directly on any assistance you may need.

Can I leave my purse or personal belongings on the mezzanine, balcony or on stage?

No. You need to make arrangements to have someone in the audience hold your belongings. There is no coat check available.
When you are seated on stage you will not necessarily return to the same seat after you cross the stage.

Where do I get my convocation book?

Grads/Guests

There will be single page programs available on the day of convocation.  The programs will have a QR code that will link to an electronic convocation booklet.

What am I expected to do (Thunder Bay ceremony)?

Prior to your ceremony you will check in at the large tent outside to get your gown, hood, and name card.

Graduates will be organized by school and program. You will be issued a name card that includes your name, program, and relevant information regarding your graduation. Please ensure that you do not misplace this card. It is important and used during your procession and stage crossing.

You will be led into the Auditorium and marshalled into your seat. Follow the graduate in front of you and follow the guidance of the marshal. Stay standing until the conclusion of O’ Canada.

When it is your turn to cross the stage, you will be instructed to walk up to the orator, at which time you will hand them with your name card. You can use this opportunity to whisper the pronunciation of your name. Once you hand them your name card, you will cross the stage. You will first shake hands with the President, then a Board of Governor member, the Dean of your school and lastly your program Coordinator. You will then be marshalled off stage and led back to your seat.

Do not leave anything behind. You may not be returned to your original seat.

What if I am getting more than one diploma?

You will need to decide what program you wish to sit with as you will only be crossing the stage once.

Both diplomas will be given to you after the ceremony when you go to collect your diplomas from the designated location.

What if I am receiving an award?

Depending on the award you may receive it on stage or as part of your credential package. Some awards may be mailed at a later date if award assessments cannot be completed in time for the ceremony.

How do I get my actual diploma/certificate?

We’re pleased to offer two options this year:

1. You may pick up your credential before the event. Pickup is available on June 2nd, 2025 from 9:00 AM until 7:00 PM and June 3rd, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM from the Hub, located on the first floor of the Shuniah Building. Please bring valid photo ID.
2. The day of convocation, a tent will be set up following the ceremony for students needing to pick up their credential.  Please bring valid photo ID.
    

Can I keep the hood?

You can request this through the third party vendor providing the gowns and hoods. 

Why is my name missing from the convocation book?

We try our best to include all graduates in the online Convocation book. We apologize if we missed your name.  If you would like your name added, please email: [email protected] 

What if I cant make it to the ceremony. How will I receive my credential?

We’re pleased to offer two options this year!

1. You may pickup your credential before the event.  Pickup is available on June 2nd, 2025 from 9:00 AM until 7:00 PM and June 3rd, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM from the Hub, located on the first floor of the Shuniah Building. Please bring valid photo ID.
2. If you are not attending convocation your diploma/certificate will be available to pick up at The Information Hub or your regional campus the next business day following Convocation. If you have other questions or concern do not hesitate to contact the Registrar’s office [email protected] or your Regional Campus.
    

Is there a fee associated with reserving my graduation gown?

Thunder Bay Graduates only

Due to the large volume of graduates in Thunder Bay, a third-party gown reservation company is used.  You must order your gown, hood and guest tickets for convocation (Thunder Bay ceremony only).  There is a $20 gown/hood rental fee, which must be paid during the ordering process.  Please do so at your earliest convenience, but prior to the deadline May 16, 2025 deadline.  Failure to order your gown prior to the May 16th deadline will require a gown/hood rental fee of $50 and a possible inability to get guest tickets.

Regional Graduates

If you are attending convocation in the region, you WILL NOT have a fee associated with your graduation gown.