After many years of hard work, effort, and sacrifice, the Class of 2024 will soon be receiving their diploma!
We are happy to announce that Convocation 2024 will take place on Friday, June 14 with two ceremonies — one in the morning and one afternoon.
Morning Ceremony
Graduates are asked to arrive as of 8 a.m. and no later than 8:45 a.m.
For those who will be joining us online for the morning ceremony, you can access the livestream here.
During this ceremony, we will be celebrating graduates in the following faculties:
- Faculty of Human Sciences — except for the programs of Human Relations and Spirituality, and Counselling and Spirituality
- Faculty of Philosophy
- Faculty of Theology
- General Bachelor’s
Afternoon Ceremony
Graduates are asked to arrive as of 12:30 p.m. and no later than 1:15 p.m.
For those who will be joining us online for the afternoon ceremony, you can access the livestream here.
During this ceremony, we will be celebrating graduates in the following faculties:
- Faculty of Human Sciences — the programs of Human Relations and Spirituality, and Counselling and Spirituality
- Faculty of Canon Law
General Information for Graduates
As you prepare to join us for Convocation (June 14 ) at Saint Paul University, here are some important notes and tips to make your day run smoothly.
Rental and instructions for pick-up of academic gowns and hoods
Graduation regalia (gown and hood) is mandatory for students participating in person.
The fee for gown and hood rental is $50 plus tax if reserved online in advance or $72 plus tax if rented on Convocation day. Online reservations can be made between now and 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 2, 2023. We strongly recommend that you reserve online in advance.
You may reserve your regalia by using the following website: https://www.buildagrad.com/uofstpaul
All gowns and hoods are to be picked-up 90 minutes prior to the ceremony at Saint Paul University, Room G1130.
Gowns must be returned within 60 minutes after the end of the ceremony to Saint Paul University, Room G1139.
Note that after Sunday, June 2, no cancellations are permitted, and no refunds will be given.
On the day of the ceremony, you’ll receive a freshly pressed gown and hood prepared especially for you, colour-coded for your faculty. All gowns and hoods are to be picked-up 90 minutes prior to the ceremony at Saint Paul University.
Guest tickets
Graduates do not require a ticket; however, each graduate is entitled to receive a maximum of two (2) tickets for their guests.
Children attending the ceremony must have their own ticket. Please note that, for security reasons, children are not permitted to accompany graduates while on stage.
Additional guests will be able to view the ceremony in the Amphitheater (G1124). The Amphitheater will open 15 minutes before each ceremony.
Distribution of tickets: Guest tickets will be distributed the day of the ceremony at Saint Paul University (the location will be indicated on campus the day of convocation). If you require additional information on the distribution of the tickets, please communicate by email to: registrar@ustpaul.ca .
Parking
Parking is free on campus that day during convocation ceremonies at Saint Paul University (223 Main Street, Ottawa). First come, first served.
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 your ceremony.
Dress code
We recommend that all graduates and their guests wear semi-formal dress. Jeans, clothing with cuts or tears, shorts and tank tops are not considered semi-formal.
You will wear a black academic gown with a hood (sash) during the ceremony. Please note:
- As you may be very warm, dress accordingly. Avoid wearing a jacket or vest under your gown.
- The gowns go to just below the knee, and the neckline doesn’t have a collar. Therefore, your shirt collar and pants, or the bottom of your skirt will be visible.
Convocation photography
A professional photographer will be on campus on graduation day, various packages are available. Only students who have registered to participate in the ceremony can take advantage of this service.
Each student, wearing their gown and holding their diploma, will be photographed in front of the official SPU backdrop at the entrance to the De Mazenod Chapel. A second photo will be taken as they are presented with their diploma at the front of the chapel.
Afterwards, all photos will be available online for purchase at photograd.ca 24h after the ceremony. You will need your student number to purchase your photos online.
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.
Your guests will be able to take pictures during the ceremony but must remain in their seats to do so. You will be able to take your own photos, wearing your gown, until 30 minutes after the ceremony.
Flowers
Flowers will be available for purchase on campus the day of the ceremony. Flowers may also be preordered by using the following link: https://www.thecommencementgroup.com/stpu/ Saint-Paul University is not responsible for any purchases.
Frames
The Alumni and Development Office will be selling frames for diplomas on campus for those interested. It is also possible to preorder the frame by using the following link: BDD-1 | Diploma Frames (boutique-ustpaul.ca)
Graduation Rings
In order to mark this special occasion, you may purchase a souvenir ring by using the following link: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1565653/St-Paul-University/
Please note that Saint Paul University is not responsible for any purchase.
Smudging Ceremony
The Indigenous Initiatives Service will be offering a smudging ceremony before each ceremony; from 8:15am to 8:45am for the morning ceremony and from 12:45pm to 1:15pm for the afternoon ceremony. To register please contact the service at autochtone@ustpaul.ca.
Late arrivals
It is extremely important to arrive on time for this special day. Late arrivals will not permitted to attend the ceremony. We ask graduates to be on premise 90 minutes before the start of the ceremony.
Late arrivals
It is extremely important to arrive on time for this special day. Late arrivals will not permitted to attend the ceremony. We ask graduates to be on premise 90 minutes before the start of the ceremony.
Accommodations Measures
Please notify us by email at registrar@ustpaul.ca, if you or any of your guests have special needs that require accommodation.
If you have questions or concerns, do not hesitate to write to registrar@ustpaul.ca .
Congratulations once again on your accomplishments !