Print this page

Convocation ceremonies

To read Jeff Gourgon's remarks, click here. 
To read Sébastien Larocque's remarks, click here. 

Convocation is a joyful and unique event, a time to celebrate with those who have helped you reach your goals — family, friends and members of the University community.

The next convocation ceremonies took place on June 23, 2017, at Saint Paul University.

Two ceremonies were held: one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Date
Friday, June 23, 2017

Location
Saint Paul University
223, Main Street
Ottawa, ON
K1S 1C4

Map and Parking

Accommodation

• Novotel Ottawa, partner hotel of SPU, is offering a special rate of $159. Please indicate that you are booking for a Saint Paul University group upon reservation.  
• Saint Paul University Residence - $115. Availability on June 23 only. When booking, please indicate that it is for the Convocation. Call 613-236-3131, ext. 0 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or email us at jgrimard@saintpaulrez.ca.

We strongly recommend that you reserve your accommodation as soon as possible. Many tourists will be in Ottawa all summer to take part in the celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation.

Ceremonies :

Ceremony I

The convocation ceremony will start at 10:00 a.m. and will be held in the Mazenod Chapel.

Graduates need to check-in 90 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony in room L-120 at SPU.

Ceremonie II

The convocation ceremony will start at 2:00 p.m. and will be held in the Mazenod Chapel.

Graduates need to check-in 90 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony in room L-120 at SPU.

Tickets

Graduates do not need tickets to attend the ceremony however, each graduate will receive two (2) tickets for their guests. Children attending the ceremony must have their own ticket. Exception: infants that would not require a seat because they are seated on an adult’s lap.  

Please note that children are not permitted to accompany graduates while on stage for security purposes.

Distribution of tickets :  Guest tickets will be distributed the day of the ceremony.  If you require additional information on the distribution of the tickets, please communicate by email to :  info@ustpaul.ca or by telephone at 613-236-1393 ext. 0

Dress code
It is recommended that all graduates and their guests dress in formal business attire.

You will be wearing a black gown with a hood (sash) during the ceremony. Please take into consideration the following:

• You may find it very warm, dress accordingly (i.e. you may not want to wear a suit coat under the gown).
• The gowns fall to just below your knee and the neckline has no collar. As a result, your shirt collar and pant legs (or skirt/dress) will show.

Diplomas
The graduates will receive one (1) regular-size diploma (21.6 cm by 26.7 cm).

At any time after Convocation, you can order a duplicate copy or a large format diploma (43.2 cm by 35.6 cm) at InfoService of the University of Ottawa.

For graduates that are not attending the convocation ceremony, diplomas will be mailed during the week of June 26th. 

Registration and instructions for pick-up of gowns and hoods

All gowns and hoods are to be picked-up 90 minutes prior to the ceremony at Saint Paul University, Room L-120, 223 Main Street, Ottawa, Ontario 

Gowns must be returned within 60 minutes after the end of the ceremony to Saint Paul University, Room L-133.

Personal identification card

To make the Convocation experience as simple and pleasant as possible, each student is given an identification card upon registration. You must wear your card both before and during the ceremony.

Rental of gowns and hoods
Once you have registered for your diploma and ceremony, you’ll need to arrange for your gown and hood rental.

Mandatory: All candidates must wear academic gowns and hoods for the convocation ceremony. The academic regalia of all Saint Paul University degree programs include a specific hood for each degree.

The online gown and hood rental service will be available starting on Friday, April 7, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. EST and closing on Tuesday, June 6, 2017, at 5:30 p.m. EST.  

To ensure the best possible experience for our graduates, Saint Paul University has retained the services of Gaspard LP. By providing a few details in advance, you’ll receive a freshly pressed gown and hood prepared especially for you on the day of the ceremony. 

The fees for gown and hood rental are $42 online in advance and $62 on convocation day.

Online gown/hood rental in advance

The online gown and hood rental service is available starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 7, 2017, and running until 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6, 2017. No cancellations are permitted after this date and no refunds will be given. Changes to rental orders can be made online through the Gaspard LP website prior to this date only. Sign on using your email address and the password you chose when you placed your rental.

Gowns return
Gowns must be returned within 60 minutes after the end of the ceremony in room L-133

Photography

A professional photographer will be on site.

Your guests are permitted to take pictures during the ceremony, but must remain at their seat to do so.

You will be able to take your own pictures in your gown for up to 20 minutes after the ceremony.

Still photographs and film footage may be taken during Convocation that may include your recognizable image. By participating in this event, you consent to being photographed or filmed and authorize the University to use the photographs or film in print, digital, video or web-based format for promotional and archival purposes.

Coat check and valuables

There is a coat check available on premises however; we strongly recommend that you leave your valuables (purses, cameras, etc.) with one of your guests. The University is not responsible for items left unattended.

Late arrivals

If you do not arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the start of your Convocation ceremony, you may not be able to sit with the other graduates receiving the same degree as you. We ask graduates to be on premise 90 minutes before the start of the ceremony.

List of graduates

Thank you in advance for your participation.