It Takes a Village: Behind the Scenes at Convocation 

By SLC Communications 

With more than 2,000 graduates crossing the stage during seven Convocation ceremonies this June, it takes months of planning by teams across the College to make each moment possible. 

For Ashley Stebbins, Associate Registrar, Jeremy Mastin, Student Engagement & Experience Coordinator, and Sarah Personova, Records Officer, preparations begin as early as January. Planning includes booking venues, coordinating contractors, production teams, audiovisual services, and regalia providers, while the Records and Registration team guides students through the graduation process. 
 
Delivering Convocation ceremonies brings new challenges every year, from venue changes and space limitations to adjusting guest accommodations and ceremony logistics. This year, the team adapted to new registration and gowning systems along with new venue arrangements in Brockville, updated ceremony formats in Cornwall, and revised graduate flow processes in Kingston.  

On Convocation Day, success depends on what Ashley calls “an entire village” working together. “Nearly every department plays a role in creating a memorable experience, with 139 ambassadors helping with early-morning setup and signage, graduate line ups, gowning, platform party gowning, greeting and directing graduates and guests,” Ashley said. “Over 180 faculty, staff, and administrators cheered on our graduates as they crossed the stage as part of the platform party.”   

For Ashley, Jeremy, and Sarah, the most rewarding moments come when graduates step into the spotlight. “Seeing the joy on graduates’ and families’ faces and watching the entire College community come together to celebrate student achievement makes all the behind-the-scenes work worthwhile,” Jeremy said. 
 
In case you missed it, all the ceremony livestreams can be viewed online, and you can read about our 2026 Valedictorians and Honorary Diploma recipients.