Fall 2018: Schedule of Convocation Day

8:30 a.m.

Regalia pick up

Level 6 Atrium | University Centre for the Arts

8:30 a.m.

Graduand assembly

Level 6 Hallway | University Hall

9 a.m.

Gymnasium opens for guest seating

Level 2 Gymnasium Entrance | 1st Choice Savings Centre

9:45 a.m.

Deadline for guest seating

Gymnasium | 1st Choice Savings Centre

9:50 a.m.

Academic procession

University Hall to 1st Choice Savings Centre

10 a.m.

Convocation ceremony

Gymnasium | 1st Choice Savings Centre

12 p.m.

Convocation Tea

Track | 1st Choice Savings Centre

*Please return your regalia prior to 2 p.m. on the day of your ceremony to the Bookstore, SU210A.

Graduand Assembly

Please do not bring purses, wallets, backpacks, laptops or other valuables to the grad assembly area.

All graduands meet in the University Centre for the Arts Atrium on level 6 to pick up regalia 1.5 hours before the ceremony. The order for your gown, hood and cap will be placed when you RSVP for your ceremony. There is no charge for the use of regalia for convocation.

You will be greeted by University of Lethbridge staff and volunteers who will assist with your regalia and provide your parchment(s) and cords of distinction (if applicable).Your parchment(s) will have a numbered label; do NOT write on it as it must remain intact until after the ceremony! You will line up according to the number on your label and remain in order at all times. Late arrivals may not be accommodated in the procession line, so ensure you are on time.

Graduand Procession

Graduands line up for the procession in the level 6 hallway of University Hall. Once all graduands are in place, the line will be counted and divided into two approximately equal groups. It is crucial that you remain in line in your assigned position. When the chief marshal gives the signal, the procession line will begin making its way to the gymnasium with the chief marshal leading the way, carrying the ceremonial mace. The chief marshal will be followed by the marshals of the graduands, the graduands, and then the platform party which includes faculty, administration and other distinguished guests.

Please contact us if there are any special needs or circumstances that would prevent you from walking in the procession to the gymnasium. Email convocation@uleth.ca or phone 403-329-2762 well in advance of your ceremony.

Ceremony

The Chancellor presides over all convocation ceremonies. When the conferral process begins, the marshal of the graduands will direct you to the back of the platform where your order in line will be verified. When the platform marshal reads your name aloud, first shake hands with the chancellor, turn and smile for your picture, continue across the platform and return to your seat on the gym floor. If you are receiving an academic medal, please proceed to a seat at the back of the platform; otherwise, return to your seat on the gym floor. Medal recipients will be provided with more information prior to convocation.

Graduate Recession

At the end of the ceremony, the chief marshal and the platform party will lead the recession up the bleacher stairs to the convocation tea. They are followed by the marshals of the graduands and graduates. Do not stop until you have reached the track level and have moved well past the stairs.

After the Ceremony

Complimentary refreshments will be served immediately following the ceremony. Professional photographers and a parchment framing service will be found in the foyer outside the gymnasium. Remember to return your regalia to the designated area outside the Bookstore and enjoy the rest of your day with family and friends! Failure to return regalia will result in full replacement cost being assessed, a financial hold placed on your account and official transcripts being withheld.