What to expect on convocation day

We want you to enjoy your convocation from start to finish. Learn everything you need to know so that you'll be well-prepared when the day arrives.

Before you leave for convocation


1. When should I plan to arrive on campus?

  • Plan to arrive at least 2 hours before your ceremony, in case you have trouble getting to campus and so that you'll have lots of time to pick up your regalia.
  • If you arrive on campus less than one hour before the ceremony, you may not have enough time to park, pick up your regalia, and get to the ceremony location.
  • You'll enjoy the experience more if you aren't rushing around at the last minute!

2. What should I wear?

  • Wear comfortable shoes. You'll be walking a lot and navigating steep stairs in the auditorium.
  • If you indicated in your registration that you require accessibility accommodations, we'll contact you to discuss your needs. 
  • The auditorium is usually very warm, so we recommend that you do not wear a suit jacket or sweater under your robe. You won't be able to remove your robe until after the ceremony is over.
  • You can leave coats and bags at the secure coat check in Clearihue C118.

3. Is convocation scent and fragrance-free?

  • YES. Convocation ceremonies are scent and fragrance-free environments.
  • For the health and comfort of other graduates and guests, please do not use products with scents or fragrances (e.g. colognes, perfumes, cosmetics, anti-perspirants, lotions, etc. or other products with a distinct scent or fragrance). These products have the potential to impact the health of some individuals. Learn more about scents & fragrances at UVic and how you can help create a healthy environment on campus.

4. Should I eat before convocation?

  • YES. You should eat before you arrive, or bring food that you can snack on while waiting for the ceremony to begin.
  • Ceremonies usually take up to two hours, and you won't have an opportunity to eat until afterward.

5. Can I bring items or take selfies on stage?

  • NO. We kindly ask that you refrain from any disruptive or distracting behavior during the ceremony. The behaviours include but are not limited to confetti cannons, scooters, taking selfies with members of the stage etc.
  • While these actions may seem fun and spontaneous, they can unintentionally negatively impact attendees and take away from the significance of the ceremony and the accomplishments of your fellow graduates.

When you arrive on campus


1. Where do I park?

  • Park in any of the general parking lots on the outside of Ring Road (including the CARSA Parkade). When you enter the campus, look for the signs directing you to available parking lots.
  • You'll receive a complimentary parking pass that you can use on the day of your ceremony. It will be emailed to you by the UVic Ticket Centre (with your guest tickets) or by UVic Ceremonies & Events.
  • Your complimentary parking pass does not apply to parking spaces marked as Reserved, or in the parking garage underneath the Jamie Cassels Centre.

2. How do I get extra guest tickets?

  • If extra tickets are available, they'll be released one hour before the start of the ceremony on a first-come-first-serve basis at the UVic Ticket Centre in the lobby of the Jamie Cassels Centre.

3. Where do I pick up my regalia?

  • Your regalia (black gown, hood and cap) can be picked up from the Board and Senate Chambers in A wing of the Jamie Cassels Centre. Look for signs directing you to the chambers.
  • Regalia pickup opens 2 hours before your ceremony starts.
  • Photo ID is required to pick up your regalia.

4. What do I do after getting my regalia?

  • After you pick up your regalia, staff will direct you to go to C-Wing in the Clearihue building.
  • Look for the bulletin boards in C-Wing to find your room assignment, then go to the room and check in with the staff.
  • Staff will help you put on your regalia and give you a program. You'll also be handed a strip of paper with your name on it.
  • During the ceremony, you'll hand the strip of paper to the dean of your faculty, so that they can read your name out loud as you cross the stage.
  • If you're concerned about the pronunciation of your name, you can write the phonetic spelling of your name to help the dean say it correctly.

5. Do you have a coat check?

  • YES. We have a free, secure coat check room for graduates in Clearihue C118 that is never left unattended.
  • You can leave your coat, bag and valuables at the secure coat check and pick them up after the ceremony.

6. Can I bring my cell phone into the ceremony?

  • Yes. Please make sure that your phone is set to Do Not Disturb mode or on slient. 
  • We recommend leaving your cell phone at our secure coat check to avoid dropping it during the ceremony.

The convocation ceremony


1. The procession

  • 30 minutes prior your ceremony, staff will line you up in your room to walk from Clearihue to the Farquhar Auditorium. You'll be led the entire way into the auditorium and to your seat.
  • The ceremony will begin after all graduates have entered and been seated.

2. The Pledge

  • Before you cross the stage, the chancellor will ask a question of you and your fellow graduates.
  • Graduates will respond together by reading The Pledge written on your program.

3. Conferring of degrees

  • When it's your turn to cross the stage, you'll be led from your seat to line up at the side of the stage.
  • Hand the paper with your name to the dean before crossing the stage to be acknowledged.
  • After you cross the stage, you'll return to your seat. 
  • When the ceremony is over, you'll be led out of the auditorium to meet your guests.

See what the conferral process looks like for Doctoral degrees, Bachelor's and Master's degrees, and diplomas and certificates.

After the ceremony


1. Can I take photos in my regalia?

  • You can take photos wearing your regalia, but please keep it as clean as possible.

2. Where do I return my regalia?

  • Return your robe, cap and hood to the Board and Senate Chambers in the Jamie Cassels Centre before 5:30 p.m.

3. Are there other events after the ceremony?

  • YES. You and your guests are invited to stop by Mystic Market following the ceremony for a celebration and official welcome to the UVic Alumni Association.
  • There will be photo booths, giveaways, grad merchandise and diploma frames available for purchase and more!