Participate in Convocation

Group of graduates in caps and gowns standing outdoors

Personal Items at Convocation

There is no secure storage space available in the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre. It is recommended that you leave personal items such as purses, coats, cameras and any other valuables with your family and/or your guests.

Check the Ceremony Schedule

Check the Convocation Ceremony Schedule to locate your program name and the corresponding ceremony date and time.

RSVP

All graduates and their guests are required to RSVP to attend the convocation. Learn more about how to RSVP.

Arrive Early

Arrive at Convocation at least one hour before your ceremony. The convocation is taking place at Niagara College - Welland Campus (get directions). Semi-formal or business casual dress is expected. (Take note: your gown will cover everything above your knees.) We do not have a Coat Check.

Report to the Gowning Area

Report to the Gowning Room (follow signs), where you will be given two cards. You do not need to “order” your gowns or pay for anything – everything will be ready for you at no charge.

  • You will present your “Gown Card” to receive your gown and hood.
  • Your “Ceremony Card” will be used during the presentation of credentials.

Following the ceremony, please return to your gown/hood to receive your credential.

Please Note: Gowning room also closes between AM and PM ceremonies but closes for the day at 6:00 PM.

Line Up in the Hallway

Signs will be posted with program names on them – look for yours, and line up with your fellow graduands. A staff person will arrange graduands by last name in alphabetical order.

Proceed to the Simplii Financial Athletic

Graduands will enter the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre in procession under the guidance of the marshals and will occupy the seats reserved for them. The ceremony generally runs between 90 minutes and two hours.

Crossing the Stage

At the appropriate time in the ceremony, you will be lined up to cross the stage. Present your Ceremony Card when appropriate to verify your name. We ask that all graduates return to their seats and remain seated until the end of the ceremony.

IMPORTANT: No props, purses, or selfies are permitted while crossing the stage.

Recessional

At the end of the ceremony, the platform guests and academic procession will leave the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre first, followed by the graduates.

Return your Gown

Following the ceremony, please return your gown and hood to receive your credential. There is a $120 fee assessed to graduates who do not return their gown and hood.

Please Note: Gowning room also closes between AM and PM ceremonies and closes for the day at 6:00 PM.