Staff sitting on the stage at convocation smiling and appluading

Get Involved in Convocation

Looking to get involved in Convocation?

The Convocation Chancellor giving a PhD student a degree on stage

Each spring and autumn, the Western community comes together to honour the remarkable academic journeys of our students with vibrant convocation ceremonies. These celebrations shine a spotlight on the dedication and achievements of our graduates, welcoming them with pride and joy into the ever-growing, Purple & Proud family of Western alumni.

Western staff, faculty, librarians/archivists, and emeritus/a professors/libraries/archivists are invited to participate.

Note: Photographs and video will be taken during convocation. Volunteers and members of the academic procession may appear in these images, which may be used in publications or other public-facing materials.

Support convocation in one of 12 essential roles!

Volunteer shifts are between three to six hours depending on the role and ceremony; all shifts are at Canada Life Place in downtown London on ceremony days (June 8-12).

Volunteer opportunties will launch a few months before convocation. Check back in early April for the link to sign-up and more information on responsibilities, transportation options, training and more!

Roles available:

Accessibility Assistant
Assistant Marshal (only members of faculty and support staff within a faculty)
Call Cards
Card Scanner
Degree Distribution
Dundas Place Engagement
Grad Belongings
Grad Guide
Guest Guide
Student Line-Up Space
Usher
Volunteer/Staff Entrance

The Academic Procession is a formal and symbolic component of Convocation, reflecting the University’s academic traditions and celebrating the achievements of graduating students.

Through participation in the procession, faculty and academic leaders help mark this significant milestone and honour graduates as they celebrate the culmination of their academic journey.

If you are unsure which day you would like to participate, please refer to the Order of Ceremony.

Who May Participate?

Members of Faculty, Senate, Librarians, Archivists, the Board of Governors and Emeritus/a Professors, Archivists, and Librarians are invited to join the Academic Procession and be seated on stage.

Faculty members from other Universities who wish to participate in the procession are encouraged to contact the Convocation Team.

How can I register?

Participation in the Academic Procession requires advance registration. If you are interested ub attending, please RSVP by Monday, June 1, 2026.

Stage space is limited and will be allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis.

Confirmation and additional instructions will be shared closer to the ceremony date.

Who can I hood?

Only Doctoral graduates can be hooded on stage.

What happens on the Ceremony Day?

- Members of the procession are asked to arrive at the Procession space in Canada Life Place at least one hour prior to the start of the ceremony.
- Participants who do not have their own academic regalia must provide regalia details in the RSVP form and may pick up their regalia in the Procession space. Those who did not request regalia are asked to bring their own.
- Upon being seated on the stage, participants are expected to remain there for the duration of the ceremony.
- If your plans change after registering, please inform the Convocation Team as soon as possible.

For additional information or assistance, please contact the Convocation Team.