Schedule & instructions

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Getting ready for convocation

Complete these steps a minimum of five weeks prior to your convocation to avoid disappointment on your special day. If you have any concerns, please email ConvocationQuestions@conestogac.on.ca.

Step 1: Verify name and address
  • Log in to the Student Portal and select the 'Personal Info' tab. Your name displayed here (first name, middle initial and last name) will appear on your registration card, in the digital program, and on screen during the ceremony. Contact ConvocationQuestions@conestogac.on.ca if your first name is not correct in the Student Portal. We are unable to change a last name (surname) unless it is supported by legal documentation. To request a legal name change, submit a Personal Information Change Form. This form can be found in the Student Portal under the 'Services' tab and the 'My Forms' button. Your legal first name, middle initial and last name will be printed on your document.
  • Check your mailing address. Your document will be mailed if you cannot attend convocation.
Step 2: Verify eligibility

To participate in this convocation, you must have completed your program and been granted a decision of "Program Complete" with "Graduate" status by September 25, 2025. This is the deadline to be considered for most graduation awards and honours.   

Once all final grades are posted, click the 'View Achievement Report' from the 'Grades' tab in the Student Portal. If your status does not show as 'Graduate', go to the 'My Courses' tab and select the 'View Progress Report' button to see if there are any courses with a missing or failing grade. You may require the services of our Credit Transfer department, or you may need to contact your program coordinator or Student Success Advisor to discuss any discrepancies.

Step 3: Check for outstanding fees or fines

Check your 'Financial' tab for possible holds or outstanding fees on your account. Even a parking ticket will prevent the release of your document.   

Step 4: Confirm attendance
  • You will receive an invitation by email on or after September 9, 2025 from noreply@Tassel.com where you can indicate your attendance and register. The deadline to register is September 28 at 11:55 p.m. Graduates will not have access to Tassel after registration has closed.
  • Graduates will not be permitted to cross the stage without a gown.

What to do on the day of your ceremony

For the best experience, be sure to arrive at the Convocation venue 1 hour and 15 minutes before the ceremony start time. To help you feel better prepared for this exciting milestone, we've created this comprehensive timeline of the event and a video. Watch Get Ready for Your Convocation.

Before the ceremony

1 hour and 15 minutes before your ceremony

  • Arrive at Bingemans Conference Centre.
  • Leave personal items such as bags or jackets at coat check or with your guests.
  • Proceed to the check-in desk to retrieve your registration card. Expect that there will be lineups. The registration lineup is sorted alphabetically by first name. You will be asked to show your ONE Card or photo ID. The registration card is needed when you cross the stage, so be sure to keep it with you.
  • Proceed to the gowning area to pick up your gown.

Thirty (30) minutes before your ceremony

  • Proceed to the graduate lineup area to find your place in line. Your lineup number is shown on the bottom left corner of your card. There will be volunteers to assist you. The time is almost here!
  • You will not be seated with your guests during the ceremony, but you will meet up with them afterwards. Graduates are permitted to bring two guests. Guests do not require a ticket and are encouraged to arrive early to be seated before the ceremony, as seating is not reserved. After the ceremony begins, seating is not guaranteed in Marshall Hall.
  • Listen closely to the verbal instructions provided to all graduates in the lineup on what to expect, where to go, and next steps.
  • It's almost time for the procession into the ceremony. Maintain your place in line, set your cellphone on silent mode, and be sure to have your registration card in hand.

Fifteen (15) minutes before your ceremony

  • Registration is paused and late arrivals will wait at the registration desk until the procession has cleared the hallway and entered the ceremony hall.
During the ceremony
  • Guests will already be seated in the hall as graduates begin the procession.
  • After the procession, you will be directed to your designated seat along with your classmates.
  • When it is your turn to cross the stage, you will present the registration card that you received at check in.
  • When you hear your name, this is your cue to walk on stage to obtain your liripipe or hood. On-stage protocol does not include shaking hands.
  • In addition to the announcement of your name as you cross the stage, your name and program and any award you have achieved (Honour List, Distinction, High Distinction, President's Honour List) will also be displayed on screen and on the livestream video.
  • You will proceed to the document pick-up area offstage.
  • If you already received your document by mail, there will not be another document for you to pick up.
  • Documents not claimed at convocation will be mailed immediately following the ceremony.
  • You will be directed back to your seat to observe the rest of the Convocation ceremony. Please be respectful of fellow graduates by remaining quietly in your seat and refraining from cellphone use while the ceremony is in progress.
  • The expected run time of the ceremony is 1.5 to 2 hours.
  • Once the ceremony has ended, you will follow the procession out of the hall. Graduates will exit first, and then all guests will exit.
After the ceremony
  • Proceed to the reception area for refreshments and to meet up with your guests.
  • Return your gown and liripipe or hood.

Ceremony schedule - coming soon

Students should arrive 1 hour and 15 minutes before the ceremony start time. A reception will follow each ceremony.