Search Website
Get ready for your ceremony
Get ready for your ceremony
Get ready for your ceremony
Congratulations!
You’ve fulfilled your graduation requirements, now make sure you’re ready for your convocation ceremony by following our checklists below.
✔️ Know your ceremony date and time
Double‑check the Order of Ceremony so you’re not mixing up days.
✔️ Register for convocation
Registration opens in early spring. Register by May 31 and include name pronunciation so you get the perfect stage moment.
✔️ Order guest tickets
You’ll order them at the same time you register.
✔️ Order your academic regalia
You'll be able to order your regalia on March 20. Order by the earlybird deadline of May 8 to save time and money! If you miss the earlybird deadline, order by May 15. If you’ll be wearing traditional Indigenous regalia, just let the Convocation Team know via email.
✔️ Arrange accessibility needs early
If you or your guests need accommodations, submit requests at least two weeks before your ceremony.
✔️ Pre-register for your free 5x7 ceremony photo
Register through Grad Images — if you don't register ahead you won't get access to your promo code.
✔️ Buy your diploma frame
Available for ordering from The Bookstore. Get it early so you’re ready for post‑ceremony photos.
✔️ Dress for the occasion
Your gown zips up, but people will see what’s underneath. Don't be afraid to dress up! Suits, jackets, dresses, and dress pants are great choices. Most importantly, wear comfy shoes because you'll be standing a lot and going up/down stairs.
✔️ Bring as little as possible
You can’t carry items or wear hats across the stage. Leave all personal items with your guests before entering the venue. Check out the "What to Bring" drop down menu below for more information.
✔️ Get your tickets and ID ready
Have your graduate ticket on your phone or printed, and bring your ONECard or government-issued photo ID. You’ll need it for entry, your Call Card, and regalia. Ensure your guests have electronic or printed copies of their tickets.
✔️ Arrive early
Graduates enter Canada Life Place at Gate 4; doors open 2 hours before the ceremony. Be there by 8:45 a.m. (morning) or 1:45 p.m. (afternoon).
✔️ Pick up your Call Card and Regalia
Once inside, volunteers will direct you through the venue to get your Call Card and regalia - they're the key to your moment on stage.
✔️ Head to your lineup location
You'll get instructions about lining up, putting on your regalia, and the procession before crossing the stage. Volunteers will guide you through the process.
✔️ Cross the stage → get your degree → return to your seat
Everyone is expected to stay until the Chancellor officially dismisses the ceremony.
✔️ Celebrate, take photos, then return your regalia
Return your regalia by 6:30 p.m. at Canada Life Place or drop it off at the Dellelce Family Bookstore (or in their after‑hours box).
✔️ Order your Official Western Letter
You can request it through Student Center by going to Convocation, Degree and Graduation → Degree and year awarded. To help decide which letter best suits your request, view sample letters.
✔️ Include a copy of your study permit
Your guests will need this as part of their visa application.
✔️ Attending as a walk on?
You'll need to write a Letter of Invitation.
✔️ Graduating In Absentia?
Download Western’s official In Absentia statement first, then use it to write your Letter of Invitation.
✔️ Get more information from Western International
View Western International's website for more information.
Important Details About Your Convocation Day
From regalia to photos, find all the important details to make your ceremony day go as smoothly as possible.
Morning Ceremony Timeline:
- 8:00 am: Gate 4 opens for graduate entry
- 8:45 am: All graduates should be at the venue
- 9:00 am: Gates 1 and 5 open for guest entry
- 9:30 am: Graduate processional begins
- 10:00 am: Academic processional begins; ceremony begins
- 12:00 pm: Approximate adjournment of ceremony
Afternoon Ceremony Timeline:
- 1:00 pm: Gate 4 opens for graduate entry
- 1:45 pm: All graduates should be at the venue
- 2:00 pm: Gates 1 and 5 open for guest entry
- 2:30 pm: Graduate processional begins
- 3:00 pm: Academic processional begins; ceremony begins
- 5:00 pm: Approximate adjournment of ceremony
Lineup:
You will arrive at Canada Life Place (Gate 4). Volunteers and signage will point you through the venue to your lineup location. You will:- Show your Graduate Ticket to enter the venue.
- Collect your Call Card (has your name, pronunciation, degree, lineup number).
- Pick up your pre-ordered regalia or order it on site.
- Proceed to the lineup location.
- Put on your regalia (volunteers can assist).
- Use your lineup number to lineup in the right row in numerical order.
Ceremony:
- The graduate processional begins at approximately 9:30 am / 2:30 pm.
- The academic processional begins promptly at 10:00 am / 3:00 pm.
Crossing the Stage:
- Graduates cross the stage two at a time.
- Doctoral candidates will be hooded on stage. All Masters, Undergraduate, Diploma and Certificate candidates will cross the stage already hooded.
- If graduates receive two credentials during the same ceremony, they will cross the stage once with the higher credential.
- After crossing the stage, graduates will pick up their parchment(s) behind the stage and return to their seat for the duration of the ceremony.
- Photos will be taken during stage crossing; make sure to smile!
Etiquette:
- This is an event to honour each graduate's accomplishments. You are expected to conduct yourself with decorum and in a mature and responsible manner. No photos are to be taken on the stage (i.e., no selfies or selfie sticks).
- Graduates are expected to stay for the duration of the ceremony. Ceremonies are approximately two hours.
- If you have an emergency or require additional support, please find one of the many volunteers and they will assist you with your questions or engage the appropriate personnel to offer support.
Regalia Pick-Up:
- Regalia is picked up at Canada Life Place (Gate 4) beginning at 8:00 am for a morning ceremony and 1:00 pm for an afternoon ceremony.
- You will need your Western ONECard or government-issued photo ID.
- Didn't preorder your regalia? You will need to rent regalia on-site; an increased fee will apply. Cash is not accepted for on-site orders.
Regalia Drop-Off:
Regalia must be returned on your convocation day at one of the following locations:
- Canada Life Place (Gate 4) by 6:30 pm
- The Dellelce Family Bookstore during store hours or at the drop-off box outside the store after store hours
Regalia Exemptions:
All graduates must cross the stage wearing regalia, however exemptions can be made in the following instances:
- Indigenous students who may opt to wear traditional regalia;
- Active military personnel who may opt to wear their dress uniform;
- Clergy/members of religious orders who may opt to wear their religious apparel.
For questions, please reach out to the Convocation Team.
The only thing you need for your ceremony is your Graduate Ticket and photo ID.
- During your ceremony, you can't carry ANY items including purses, flowers, coats, etc.
- You are only permitted to cross the stage with your Call Card and regalia, and will not return to the same seat once you cross the stage.
- Small cross-body bags or belt bags that can be worn under your regalia may be permitted.
- Leave all your belongings (unless medically necessary) with your guests or in your vehicle before entering Canada Life Place. You will not see your guests after entering the venue until the ceremony ends.
Western University and Canada Life Place do not accept responsibility for articles lost, stolen or removed in error from the venue.
Pick up a diploma frame at Canada Life Place (Gate 4) or at the Dellelce Family Bookstore (lower level, UCC). While you’re there, don’t forget to grab a FREE tassel—while supplies last! View store hours here.