Arrival and Assembly

Graduate smiling with his family

When Should I Arrive For My Ceremony?

We recommend arriving on campus two hours before your ceremony to allow enough time to park, pick-up your regalia and find your line-up location.

All graduates must report to their line-up location NO LATER than the times listed below:
Morning Ceremony: 8:45 a.m.
Afternoon Ceremony: 1:45 p.m.

Parking will be available at the following locations:

Parking will be available in the South Valley and Huron Flats parking lots.

 A shuttle service will be provided for both areas, and will run until 6:00 p.m. Parking will be free of charge on a first-come first-served basis. Accessible parking is available in the Weldon parking lot.

What Should I Do With My Personal Belongings?

You shouldn't bring anything with you in to the ceremony other than your Western ONECard or government-issued photo ID. This includes your phone, purse, children, backpack, sandwich, etc. Please leave your belongings with your guests, or in your line up location as you will not return to the same seat once you cross the stage.

Where Do I Pick Up/Drop Off My Academic Regalia?

Picking up your Academic Regalia

Graduates can pick up their Academic Regalia on the day of their Convocation. Check your email communications from the Office of the Registrar for pick up lcoations.

Pick-up available for Morning Ceremonies beginning: 7:30 a.m.
Pick-Up available for Afternoon Ceremonies beginning:10:30 a.m.

Dropping off your Academic Regalia

Regalia must be returned by 6:00 p.m. at your drop off location.

Where Do I line up?

Graduates line up in Alumni Hall Room 15.

Flowers, Framing, and Gifts

Flowers

We will not be accepting flower deliveries to the flower booth this year. If you wish to give your graduate flowers you are welcome to do so but the University cannot accept flower deliveries on behalf of the graduates, however, we do offer a drop off location for flowers. Note that while the University provides a drop off location for flowers, it does not take responsibility for lost or stolen bouquets.

Framing and Gifts

The Book Store at Western offers degree frames and framing during Convocation. Diploma and portrait frames bearing the Western crest may be on sale immediately following the Convocation ceremonies. On the spot framing will be available at no extra charge. Alternatively, merchandise can be purchased online at the Book Store at Western's website.

Crossing the Stage

PhD candidates will be hooded on stage. All Masters and Undergraduate candidates will cross the stage already hooded. Candidates for Diplomas and Certificates will also be congratulated by the President and Chancellor, these candidates may wear a previously earned academic hood.

Candidates who receive more than one degree:

If two degrees are awarded at different convocation ceremonies, the student may cross the stage in one or both ceremonies. Both diplomas will be given to the graduate at the first of the ceremonies in which they participate.

Western encourages all students to celebrate their Convocation day with friends and family however, only those individuals eligible to graduate are permitted to cross the stage. Note: Graduates with accessibility needs where additional support is required will be accommodated.