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Convocation ceremonies

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 will take place on June 15, 2018, at Saint Paul University.

Two ceremonies will be held: one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Date 
Friday, June 15, 2018 

Location

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

Parking and Maps 

Parking will be free of charge at Saint Paul University on June 15th, the day of convocation.  Please note that parking spaces are limited. There is also parking on the streets surrounding Saint Paul University that falls under the regulations of the City of Ottawa.

Map of parking at the University : https://ustpaul.ca/upload-files/Multiservices/Parking_map_2017Mai.pdf

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-136 at SPU.

Ceremony 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-136 at SPU.

Tickets

Graduates do not need tickets to attend the ceremony however, each graduate attending convocation 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. Jeans, cutoffs, shorts and tank tops are not considered 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, so 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 following convocation to your home address on file. 

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 fees for gown and hoods rental is $44 online in advance (deadline May 29th) and $64 on convocation day.  No cancellations or refunds after May 29th. 

The online gown and hood rental service is available starting on Friday, April 13, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. EST and closing on Tuesday, May 29, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. EST.

Registration and Instructions for Picking-Up Gowns and Hoods

All gowns and hoods are to be picked-up 90 minutes prior to the ceremony at Saint Paul University, Room L-136, 223 Main Street, Ottawa, Ontario.  

Gowns must be returned within 60 minutes after the end of the ceremony in room G-040.

Personal Identification Card

To make the convocation experience as simple and pleasant as possible, each student will be given an identification card upon registration.  Graduates will be required to wear their card both before and during the ceremony.

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 60 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

There is a coat check available on premises.  

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.

Thank you in advance for your participation.