Graduate Information

Graduate FAQ

Also see the Family & Friends FAQ page.

Questions? Email convocation@uleth.ca

 

 

Application for Graduation FAQs

Where do I go to apply to graduate? How do I apply to graduate?
  • Please review the steps here.
My student account has an outstanding balance. Can I still apply to graduate and pay it back later?
  • If your account is not paid in full, you will not be permitted to graduate and your transcript will be withheld. This includes tuition, library fines, and housing charges (including telecom charges). 
  • Please contact the Cash Office for information about outstanding accounts: 403-329-2469
How and when will I know if my Application for Graduation has been approved?
  • How to check:
    • Go to the Bridge and click "Students"
    • Near the top, in "Registration & Academic Essentials", click "View Graduation Application"
    • Select the correct Graduation Application (if applicable)
    • Review the status of your application (typically located near the top in the right)
    • These are the potential statuses:
      • Active Application
      • Graduation Approved
      • Faculty Denied
  • When to check (after completing the application):
    • If you are finishing your classes in the Fall semester, please check the status of your application approximately two days before February 1.
    • If you are finishing your classes in the Winter or Summer semesters, please check the status of your application approximately two weeks before your convocation ceremony.
Help! I missed the deadline to apply to graduate. Can I submit a late application?
  • In the vast majority of cases: no. 
    • Students are sent multiple reminders to complete the application prior to the deadline.
  • However, if you feel that you have an extenuating circumstance, please contact convocation@uleth.ca or go in-person to the SEARS office at the Lethbridge campus. We may permit a late application for graduation, though these are extremely rare and can only be provided at the discretion of select ULethbridge personnel.
  • You will be able to apply to graduate for the next conferral.
Do I still need to apply to graduate if I don't plan to attend the convocation ceremony?
  • Yes.
I don't know if I am or will be eligible to graduate. Should I still apply to graduate?
  • Yes!
  • It is free to apply to graduate, so it is better to err on the side of caution and submit an application if you think you may be eligible to graduate. If you aren't eligible, it will be denied, and you can apply again for a future conferral date.

 

RSVPing FAQs

I submitted the name form but made a mistake. Can I fix it? How will my name be read?
  • If the name form deadline has not passed, we might be able to fix it. There are many factors that impact this.
  • If it's passed the deadline, or if we cannot fix it, then your name will be read as you put it on the form.
    • For example, if your name is "John Doe Smith", but you only put "John", then your name will only be read as "John".
    • Minor errors, such as putting "John . Doe Smith" shouldn't impact the reading.
I RSVPed but didn't submit anything for my name. Will my name still be read?
  • Yes, it will still be read.
  • Our Platform Marshals record the name of every grad who applied to graduate and got approved, even if they didn't RSVP for convocation.
  • Without the name form or recording, they just have to do their best to pronounce your name properly.
Is AI going to be reading my name?
  • No.
  • Our Platform Marshals review the forms you submit (with your name, pronunciation, and your own recording) and record each grad's name themselves.
    • The voice you hear during the ceremony was recorded by the same Platform Marshal who is greeting you on the stage! 
Help! I didn't RSVP. Can I still attend convocation and cross the stage?
  • Yes, but there will be a $100 late fee (for regalia) that is payable upon arrival on the day of your ceremony.
    • You cannot pay it in advance. You must arrive early to pay.
  • Please arrive 1.5 hours before the start of your ceremony, as you will need to fill out a form and submit payment. 
  • NOTE: You must have still applied to graduate and been approved.
How can I confirm that my RSVP went through properly?
  • You should have received an email confirmation once you reserved your regalia. That is confirmation that you have RSVPed for convocation. 
  • If you are concerned, please email convocation@uleth.ca, and we can double-check for you.
I RSVPed but can no longer attend. What now? And can I get a refund for my regalia rental?
  • Your parchment will be available for pick up for one week following each ceremony at the SEARS office (SU140). 
  • Parchments not picked up within one week will be mailed out. Please ensure your permanent address on the Bridge is correct.
    • NOTE: We mail parchments out via Canada Post through regular mail. If you would like your parchment to have tracking or to be expedited, please contact graduation@uleth.ca before your ceremony. 
  • You do not need to email us that you will not be attending.
  • We are unable to provide refunds for regalia rentals, as these are done through a third party (Gaspard), and the gown would have already been ordered and shipped out.

 

Arrival & Pre-Ceremony FAQs

What time do I need to be there?
  • Graduands are to arrive one and a half hours before the ceremony to pick up regalia, parchment(s) and to line up for the procession.
    • Ceremony starts at 9 a.m.: Arrive at 7:30 a.m.
    • Ceremony starts at 10 a.m.: Arrive at 8:30 a.m.
    • Ceremony starts at 2:30 p.m.: Arrive at 1 p.m. 
  • The graduand assembly area is in the University Hall Atrium.
Which ceremony should I be at?
  • Faculties and Schools are assigned a specific ceremony. Please see the order of conferral for more information.
What if I cannot walk in the procession up the hill?
  • Please indicate this during your RSVP or email convocation@uleth.ca to let us know.
    • You will not collect your parchment and regalia in University Hall
    • As long as you let us know, we will have them ready for you in PE105, located outside the doors to the gymnasium's floor (where you will be going after the procession)
    • If it's a sudden change, please email us as soon as you know
    • If this is a change on the day of convocation, please find a staff member and inform them ASAP
Where do I park?
  • See Parking Information.
  • Parking is free in lot E during convocation, and lot N can be used for overflow. 
How long will convocation be?
  • You should arrive 1.5 hours before the start of your ceremony.
  • Ceremony lengths vary, but they tend to be 1.5 - 2.5 hours long. We aim for each ceremony to be under 2 hours, but many factors can impact the timing.
  • Regalia must be returned by these times:
    • Spring ceremonies: 6 p.m.
    • Fall ceremony: 2 p.m.
Could you please break the day into some smaller, more specific steps?
  • 1.5 hours before the ceremony:
    • Arrive to the University Hall Atrium
    • Pick up parchment and regalia
    • Our staff will assist you with pinning down your cap and hood
    • Read through the next steps, such as how to find your place in line
    • Anything else you may wish to do prior to the procession, such as using the washroom, drinking some water, etc.
      • Let our staff know if you are unable to do the walk up the hill for any reason

 

  • Roughly 30 minutes before the ceremony:
    • Follow our staff's instructions to ensure you are in the correct spot in line
    • Confirm the person in front of you and behind you are the correct people

 

  • Roughly 15 minutes before the ceremony:
    • The procession will begin!
    • Our staff will inform you, and you will hear the piper begin to play the bagpipes
    • Follow the line as it processes up the hill
    • Enjoy your procession up the hill! This will be broadcast live to all of the guests waiting in the gymnasium 

 

  • Arrival to the gymnasium:
    • Our marshals will guide students in lines to their seats, and each seat will have a program

 

  • During the ceremony:
    • Celebrate your fellow grads as they cross the stage!
    • When it is your row's turn, a marshal will collect your row and guide the grads to the side of the stage
    • Stay in your spot in line! Please do not change spots with anyone else
    • A backstage photo will be taken
    • Scan your QR code 
    • When directed, line up on the ramp up the stage

 

  • Crossing the stage:
    • Watch the marshals to know when it is your turn next
    • Stand on the mark as directed by the marshal
    • Shake the Chancellor's hand (optional) and pose for a photo - be sure to face the audience! This is being filmed and sent to you later
    • Cross the stage, shaking additional hands (optional), and get your Alumni pin
    • Exit the stage and go back to your seat

 

  • End of the ceremony:
    • At the end of the ceremony, the Platform Party will exit first and go up the stairs toward the track
    • As they do so, our marshals will also start directing students to exit and go up another set of stairs toward the track
    • There are refreshments and light snacks for you and your guests to enjoy (on the track)

 

  • After the ceremony:
    • If you checked a coat, please go to the coat check (outside the track doors, near Tim Hortons) to collect your item(s) - we only wait for 30 minutes before bringing any uncollected items to Security (L911)
    • Return your regalia to the Bookstore:
      • 6 p.m. for spring ceremonies
      • 2 p.m. for fall ceremonies

 

Pinning
Waiting in Line
Pinning
Procession Up the Hill

 

What to Wear & Bring FAQs

What about my personal items?
  • For security reasons, do not bring: purses, wallets, backpacks, laptops, suitcases, duffle bags, or any valuable items to the grad assembly area.
    • Please leave these items with your guest(s) or in another secure location.
  • Only coats/jackets may be checked at the grad assembly area and you may pick them up immediately following the ceremony outside of the track doors in the PE building. 
    • Any items not collected within 30 minutes of the completion of the ceremony will be moved to Security Services office (L911) for pick up.
What should I wear?
  • Please wear comfortable footwear, as you will be standing in line for a while, and you will also be doing the procession up the hill (outside of the University Hall Atrium).
  • NOTE: The regalia, such as the gowns, are quite warm. Grads are encouraged to keep this in mind when dressing for their ceremony, especially when the weather is warmer, as the gown will be worn from pick-up until the end of the ceremony. Many grads choose to wear lighter clothing and/or fewer layers. 
Should I bring anything?
  • Please note that whatever you bring, you will have to either leave with your guests, keep in your pockets, or carry until the end of the ceremony.
    • e.g. Phone, keys, wallet, hygienic products, bottled water, and/or a small fan.
  • Unless you have pockets or a belt bag, we encourage you to only bring your phone and possibly a disposable (clear, plastic) bottle of water and/or fan.
Help! I need ________ and didn't bring it with me. Will a staff member be able to help me?
  • As a cautionary measure, our staff in University Hall will have a first aid kit, bandages, earring backings, tissues, feminine hygiene products, spare flip-flops, bobby pins, and safety pins. 
Will water be provided?
  • There are refreshments (and light snacks) on the upper level of the gymnasium (on the track) for grads to enjoy after the ceremony.
  • Refreshments, including water, will not be provided to grads before or during the ceremony. Grads are encouraged to bring their own disposable (clear, plastic) bottled water with them.
    • In case of emergency, we will have a very limited supply of bottled water, and we will have access to water fountains.

 

Regalia Pick-up, Returns, & More FAQs

Where and when do I pick up and return my regalia?
  • Regalia pick up will be in the University Hall Atrium one and a half hours prior to the ceremony.
  • Return your rental regalia on the same day as your ceremony to the Bookstore in the Students' Union Building.
    • Please follow the signage outside the track and ensure your gown is zipped up.
    • Spring ceremonies: Return by 6 p.m.
    • Fall ceremonies: Return by 2 p.m.
Help! I didn't RSVP for Convocation. Can I still get regalia and cross the stage?
  • Yes, but there will be a $100 late fee that is payable upon arrival on the day of your ceremony.
  • Please arrive 1.5 hours before the start of your ceremony, as you will need to fill out a form and submit payment. 
  • NOTE: You must have still applied to graduate and been approved.
Can I keep my regalia?
  • Grads are gifted the cap and tassel, so those are yours to keep.
  • If you received cords of distinction, you also get to keep those.
  • Gowns and hoods must be returned to the specific location by the required time (listed above). 
    • If your gown is returned late, you may incur a late fee.
    • If you wish to purchase your gown or hood, you must order those separately through Gaspard - you cannot keep the one(s) you rented.
Can I bring my own regalia, cords, and/or stole?
  • All of our grads are required to wear the regalia and cords of distinction provided by the University of Lethbridge.
    • There are only two types of cords provided: Blue cords (Distinction) and gold cords (Great Distinction) 
  • Grads are able to wear their own cultural stoles. Please note that ULethbridge provides our Indigenous students with Indigenous stoles.
Can I decorate the top of my cap?
  • Yes! 
  • Please email convocation@uleth.ca or visit the SEARS Office (SU140, located in the Students' Union Building on the floor below the Bookstore) to request a black cap. 
  • This can be picked up after your Application for Graduation has been approved (about two weeks before your ceremony).

 

Floral Cap
Beaded Grad Caps
Off the Hook Cap

 

Other FAQs

Where and when can I get photos taken on the day of my ceremony?
How do I get a Letter of Invitation for family from outside Canada who wants to attend Convocation?
  • Students who are inviting family from outside of Canada to convocation may need to provide relatives with a Letter of Invitation. The International Centre can also provide a supplementary letter for international students to provide to their family members for their visa applications. Please complete the Request for Invitation Letter. If you have any questions, please contact the International Centre.
I am unable to attend my ceremony. Do I need to RSVP and how do I receive my parchment?
  • If you are not able to attend your ceremony, RSVP is not required.
  • Your parchment will be available for pick up for one week following each ceremony at the SEARS office (SU140). 
  • Those not picked up after one week will be mailed out. Please ensure your permanent address on the Bridge is correct.