Check the Schedule
Verify the date and time of your ceremony. The time of your Convocation ceremony will also be included in the email you receive to your Carleton email account that confirms your degree has been awarded by Senate.
Leave Personal Belongings with a Guest
Graduands are not permitted to carry items during the ceremony. Please leave items such as purses and cameras with a guest. If you are unable to leave your personal items with anyone, you can leave them at the Graduating Students Storage located in the Ice House hallways (just outside of the Norm Fenn Gymnasium). The area will be staffed for 30 minutes following the last ceremony.
Electronic devices should be turned off during the ceremony.
Arrival Time and Registration for Your Ceremony
You must arrive early and register in the Norm Fenn Gymnasium (located beside the Ice House) for your ceremony to join the student line-up.
Please arrive one hour early to register.
The student procession leaves before the ceremony start-time; therefore, students who are late may not be able to join the student procession path into the Fieldhouse.
Please remember to bring your Campus Card for registration purposes. If you do not have your Campus Card, please have your student number ready with a form of ID when you arrive at the registration table.
If you have concerns with the pronunciation of your name and have not already contacted the Registrar’s Office, please self-identify when you register in the Norm Fenn Gymnasium.
Gown Pick-up
Gowns and hoods will be available at the same location where you arrive to register. All regalia is to be returned to the Express Drop-Off Kiosks in the Ravens’ Nest before departing the venue.
Regalia Guidelines
Academic Regalia
The convocation ceremony is a momentous occasion that symbolizes academic achievement and scholarly excellence. As such, graduating students are provided with a hood and gown representing Carleton’s academic dress. In line with Carleton University’s values of inclusivity and respect for all, we kindly ask that no additional regalia such as sashes, stoles, signs, pins, hats, sports team items, flags or any other external affiliations be displayed on the regalia during the convocation ceremony. This is to ensure that all participants feel equally represented and respected during this collective celebration of academic accomplishment.
Once the formal ceremony has ended and students have exited the Fieldhouse, graduates are welcome to add personal items to their regalia for photos and celebrations.
Exceptions for Indigenous Graduands
Indigenous graduands are permitted to wear traditional Indigenous attire or regalia in lieu of a gown. This exception is permitted as part of the commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and is rooted in the Calls to Action as part of this initiative. It is meant to celebrate and honour the cultural heritage and contributions of Indigenous students.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in upholding the values of inclusion and respect during the convocation ceremony. By adhering to the regalia guidelines, we can ensure that this occasion remains a meaningful and inclusive experience for all participants.
Line-up Instructions
Graduands will line up based on surname and degree. You will be given instructions regarding the procession once you are at the Norm Fenn Gymnasium (located beside the Ice House). Please note that guests will not be allowed in the Norm Fenn Gymnasium.
During the Ceremony
Please note that only graduands receiving their degree may cross the Convocation stage.
Once you have crossed the stage and received your diploma, out of respect for the other graduates and their families, we request that you return to your seat until the full Convocation ceremony has ended.
Students requiring accessible accommodations can email registrar@carleton.ca. Further information related to permitted service animals can be obtained by contacting Environmental Health and Safety or by reviewing the policy.
Professional Pictures
Professional photographs will be taken backstage after you cross the stage. The proofs from your graduation ceremony will be sent to your Carleton email account approximately two weeks after Convocation.
Pravicy Statement
Personal information collected through your application to graduate will be used and disclosed by Carleton University under the authority of the Carleton University Act, 1952, and in accordance with sections 39, 41 and 42 of Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The purpose of this is to provide the photography company with your Carleton email in order to provide you with your convocation photos. If you have any questions about the processing of personal information by Carleton University, please contact the Manager, Privacy & Access to Information, by phone at 613-520-2600 ext. 2047 or by email via University_Privacy_Office@carleton.ca.
Reception
Immediately following the ceremony, there will be a reception for you and your guests in the Ravens’ Nest (Alumni Hall).
Checklist for Graduating Students
Graduating students must complete the checklist for graduating students when arriving for their Convocation ceremony.