RSVPing for Your Ceremony
NOTE: You must have applied to graduate to be able to RSVP.
Step 1: Renting Your Regalia
The Regalia Rental Form for Fall 2026 will open on August 24, 2026, and close on September 30, 2026. This is though Build-a-Grad (Gaspard).
- For Undergraduate Students:
- Your regalia rental will cost $33.81 (after taxes) if the form is submitted before the deadline
- If you miss the deadline, you can pay onsite, which will cost $100 (after taxes)
- For Graduate Students:
- Your regalia rental is provided complementary of the Graduate Student Association if the form is submitted before the deadline
- If you miss the deadline, you can pay onsite, which will cost $100 (after taxes)
Refunds are not issued after September 30, 2026. This is a Gaspard policy.
Step 2: Submitting Your Name Pronunciation Form
The Name Reading Form for Fall 2026 will open on August 24, 2026, and close on September 30, 2026. This is through GradRoll. See examples below.
- Include the name you would like read aloud and displayed when you cross the stage
- DO NOT INCLUDE ANYTHING ELSE! Anything you write here WILL show on stage and in your StageClip
- Include its phonetic pronunciation
- It doesn't have to be exact, just as long as our Marshals can easily read your name
- If you aren't sure, trying searching (e.g. Google) for "phonetic pronunciation of ______________" for options
- Include a recording of you pronouncing your name
- Say it exactly as it is! Speak clearly, but please don't sound it out or say it too quickly or slowly
- Essentially, say it the way you want the audience to hear it
Example 1
Example of What To Do | Example of What NOT To Do |
| Preferred Name: Kourtney Marie May | Preferred Name: Kourtney (pause) Marie (pause) May |
| Phonetic: kORT-nee muh-ree mAY | Phonetic: kort-nee (pause) muh-ree (pause) may |
| Recording: (saying it exactly like Kourtney Marie May) | Recording: (saying it quickly like "korneemariemay") |
Example 2
Example of What To Do | Example of What NOT To Do |
| Preferred Name: Ayesha Kaur | Preferred Name: Ayesha |
| Phonetic: EYE-shah k-ARR | Phonetic: ayesha kaur |
| Recording: (say it exactly like Ayesha Kaur) | Recording: (saying slowly like "a-ye-sha-k-a-rr") |
Example 3
Example of What To Do | Example of What NOT To Do |
| Preferred Name: Jake Smith | Preferred Name: Jacob (but just say Jake) Smith |
| Phonetic: jAYk smihth | Phonetic: normal pronunciation |
| Recording: (saying it exactly like Jake Smith) | Recording: (saying it broken up like "juh-ay-kh sm-ih-th") |
FAQs
How can I confirm that I RSVPed for my ceremony?
Check for your confirmation email from Build-a-Grad (or the emailed receipt from Gaspard). This confirms that you RSVPed and have your regalia reserved.
I missed the RSVP deadline. Can I still attend my convocation ceremony?
Yes, but there will be a $100 onsite fee to rent your regalia, and you will not be able to submit the name pronunciation form. Our Marshals will do their best to pronounce your name properly.
NOTE: You must have been approved to graduate.
I submitted the Name Pronunciation Form but made a mistake. Can I fix it?
If it's before the deadline, yes, we can make a change. If it's after, we are unable to make any changes.
My name is really easy to pronounce. Do I need to submit the Name Pronunciation Form/recording?
We encourage you to. Just because it's easy to pronounce to you doesn't always mean it'll be easy for whichever Marshal will be recording your name, and it's also your last chance to decide how you want your name announced as you cross the stage. However, it's up to you - we will record your name with or without the form.
Can I have a different preferred first and/or last name than my legal name?
For what is read aloud when you cross the stage, yes, as long as you submit the form before the deadline.
- When picking up your parchment, you may have to give them your legal name if they have any difficulties finding your parchment, though.
For your parchment, no. We can only put your legal name on the credential you have earned.
Does this mean AI is reading our names?
No. Our Platform Marshals record the name of every graduate per convocation, and this form helps them ensure they read and record your name properly.
Why are names recorded instead of read aloud?
There are quite a few reasons, but the mains ones are:
- It helps keep ceremonies within an appropriate timeframe
- It helps ensure names are read properly
- It reduces stress and uncertainty for both grads and Marshals, as we otherwise have to stop and ask every single grad to say their name to us before they cross the stage