Graduating & Convocation

Convocation - General Information

·         A live Webcast of each ceremony will be available for viewing for friends and family unable to attend. We will post the url for this link in the near future.
·         Any graduates or their guests requiring assistance due to a disability are please requested to contact the Convocation Coordinator at convocation@sl.on.ca  in advance for suitable arrangements to be made.
·         If you are unable to attend your ceremony, your degree/diploma/certificate will be mailed to you by the end of June. Please ensure that your School (Kingston) or Student Services (Brockville, Cornwall) has your current address on file.  
·         To 'graduate with distinction' a student must have successfully completed a certificate or diploma program of study and achieved a grade point average of 3.50 or higher.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CONVOCATION SPRING 2010:

How many guests can I invite?
Each graduate is allowed to bring two (2) guests only.  There are a large number of graduates for each ceremony and to accommodate everyone fairly, seating is limited to two guests.  We must comply with Fire Code Regulations at each venue to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests. 

Do I need to confirm or register in advance to attend my ceremony?
No, you do not need to do anything to confirm your attendance however by now you should have completed an “Application for Graduation” form and returned it to your School office in Kingston or Student Services in Brockville and Cornwall.  If you have not completed this form you must do so as soon as possible in order to graduate and therefore attend Convocation.

Will I receive any more information about Convocation?
By mid-April you should receive an invitation to your ceremony in the mail.   Over the next couple of months you should also occasionally check your college email for reminders and updates.   

What should I expect at the Convocation ceremony?
Convocation is a very exciting event for graduates and their families.  It is a time to celebrate your success and be acknowledged for your accomplishments.  It is a special occasion with a level of formality and tradition.  There will be a lot of grads and guests so it can be quite busy.
The ceremony begins with a procession of all the graduates followed by Faculty and the Platform Party.   You will be directed to a designated “graduate seating” area.  It is important to remain in the same order as you were in the procession line-up.  After the singing of O Canada and a few formalities and speeches, each graduate will have their turn to accept their degree/diploma/certificate and cross the stage to be congratulated by the College President and other officials.  Immediately after, you will be directed back to your original seat for the remainder of the ceremony.    All graduates must remain seated in the auditorium for the entire program.

What time should I arrive by?
GRADUATES need to arrive at least one hour before the start of the ceremony to allow for gowning and processional arrangements.   When you arrive at the location of your ceremony, signage will be posted to direct you to the location of the dressing rooms where you will be provided with your regalia.
GUESTS should be seated at least 15 minutes before the start of the ceremony.  Doors will be opened approximately 45 minutes before the ceremony start time.

How long is the ceremony?
The ceremony will last approximately 2 hours and will be immediately followed by an on-site reception for all graduates and guests.  Light refreshments will be served. 

What should I wear to Convocation?
Convocation is a special occasion and when selecting your outfit you may want to consider a business casual style.  Please keep in mind the weather and how warm it may be inside the venue. 
You will be provided with a black graduation gown to be worn over your own clothes.    Graduation caps are not worn. You will also be provided with the appropriate academic hood or collar depending on the degree, diploma or certificate you will be receiving.  These items are loaned to you to wear for the ceremony and must be returned to the dressing rooms immediately following the conclusion of the ceremony. 
Be sure to leave jackets, purses, cell phones and other valuables with your guest(s) for safe keeping during the ceremony.  No items can be left in the dressing rooms.

Who can I contact if I need more information?
You may contact Heather Blue, Convocation Coordinator at convocation@sl.on.ca or by phone at 613-544-5400 ext 1302.