Get Ready for Convocation!

Get Ready for Convocation!

Autumn convocation is coming up soon, see the steps below to make sure you’re prepared for your ceremony.

#1: Arrive on Campus

You should arrive on campus two hours before your ceremony to allow enough time to park, pick up your regalia and find your line-up location.

When you arrive on campus, please park in South Valley and Huron Flats lots. Guests are advised to park in this location as well. View a map of these locations.

You must report to your line-up location NO LATER than the times listed below:

Morning graduates: By 8:45 a.m.
Afternoon graduates: By 1:45 p.m.

#2: Picking up your Academic Regalia

You can pick up your academic regalia on the day of your convocation. Please refer to an email sent from the Office of the Registrar to find your pick-up location.

Pick up is available for morning ceremonies beginning: 7:30 a.m. 
Pick up is available for afternoon ceremonies beginning:  10:30 a.m.

On-site rental is available the day of your ceremony. 

Don’t forget your photo ID: all graduates are required to show their Western ONECard or government-issued photo ID to pick up their regalia.

#3: Leave your Personal Belongings with your Guests

Leave personal belongings with your guests or in your vehicle prior to entering the line-up location. Alternatively, they can be left with an attendant in the line-up location.

You shouldn't bring anything with you into 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. 

#4: Line Up

When you get to your line-up location, look for the sign that has your Faculty, degree group and line-up number. You will be given details about the procession at this time.

#5: Pick up your Degree:

Please refer to your email for your exact degree pick-up location.

You will be required to provide your Western ONECard or government-issued photo ID to pick up your degree. Be sure to keep your card with you at all times.  

Pick up is available for morning ceremonies beginning: 11:00 a.m.
Pick up is available for afternoon ceremonies beginning: 3:00 p.m.

#6: Drop off your Regalia:

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

Other Important Information:

Etiquette

This is an event to honour each graduate's accomplishments. All participants will be expected to conduct themselves with decorum and in a mature and responsible manner. No photos are to be taken on the stage (i.e., no selfies or selfie sticks).

Flowers

We will not accept 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. We do however offer a drop-off location for flowers.

Posters, Signs and Flags

Signs, banners and flags are not permitted in Alumni Hall.

Bag Size

Seating will be full during the ceremony and space is limited to place items. Bag size is limited to 12” x 12” x 6”. Medical bags and diaper bags will be subject to search.

Guest Information

  • All guests must have a ticket to attend convocation.
  • Due to high attendance at convocation, guests may not be seated together depending on when they arrive.
  • We encourage all guests to bring a reusable water bottle to the convocation ceremony.
  • Flowers must be checked at the Flower Check-In.
  • It is often very busy outside Alumni Hall. We recommend you and your guests predetermine a meeting place away from Alumni Circle prior to convocation.

Unable to Attend?

  • If you are unable to attend your convocation ceremony, your diploma will be available for pick up in-person from Student Central three business days following the date of your scheduled ceremony.
  • If you are unable to obtain your diploma in-person you can request your diploma to be mailed via Student Center under the "Academics" > "Graduation" > "Diploma Mailing" (mailing may take up to three weeks after your convocation date). Online payment must be made by VISA or MasterCard only through our secure ecommerce system.