Convocation Ceremony

Parking is free on campus that day during convocation ceremonies at Saint Paul University (223 Main Street, Ottawa).  First come, first served.

Graduation regalia (gown and hood) is mandatory for students participating in person.  As mentioned in a previous email, rental information for the graduation regalia is available at: buildagrad.ca/uofstpaul.  Please note that you have until June 6th 11:59pm to rent the graduation regalia.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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 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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

Please notify us by email at registrar@ustpaul.ca, if you or any of your guests have special needs that require accommodation.