2012 Convocation Information for Students
Ceremonies are scheduled for June 14th and 15th, 2012
Printed Program Booklet
The Convocation Program is a public document that lists graduates of all programs. Should you desire that your name not be included in the program or given to the TRU Alumni Association, please inform the Ceremonies Office by email at ceremonies@tru.ca.
Ceremony Duration
Each ceremony is approximately 1.5 hours in length.
Guests
Guest seating is first-come, first-served. Guest should arrive early for a choice of seating.
Parking
Students pay parking lots on campus are free for graduates and guests on the day of Convocation. Please refer to the attached map for guidance.
Regalia (Cap, Gown and Stole)
Thompson Rivers University provides your regalia; it is not necessary for you to reserve or pay fees for wearing the regalia on the day of your ceremony.
However, regalia must not leave campus, and must be returned 1.5 hours after the ceremony ends. Graduands not returning the regalia will be invoiced for replacement costs.
Take weather conditions into consideration, and ensure that your footwear is comfortable.
Regalia can be rented at the TRU Students' Union in the Independent Centre (250.828.5289) at any time throughout the year for studio photographs.
Arrival and Check-In Procedure
Graduands should arrive in Student Street in the Old Main building 1.5 hours before the ceremony.
Look for Station 1 in the vicinity of the Registrar’s office. Signage will direct you to subsequent stations.
- Check in and receive your Gowning Card
- Proceed to the Gowning Room
- Pick up your Name Card which you will hand to the usher on stage
- Proceed to the Academic Procession line-up past the campus cashier
Graduands requiring mobility assistance, interpreters, or other special assistance must make prior arrangements by email ceremonies@tru.ca, or phone 250.828.5267
Academic Procession
Once you have proceeded through the check-in stations in Old Main, you will line up in alphabetical order near the sign for your program. Convocation volunteers will be there to assist you. Ensure that you retain your Name Card for handing to the stage usher.
The Academic Procession is scheduled to start punctually. Once the Registrar has determined that participants are in order, the procession is led by the Registrar, the Platform Party, faculty and graduands. Faculty marshals in full regalia will lead each section of the procession.
Once graduands have been seated in front of the stage, you will be asked to sing O Canada. Wear your cap during the National Anthem even though dignitaries on stage may remove theirs.
Walking Across the Stage
When it is time for graduands in your program to cross the stage, you will be escorted by an usher to the appropriate location. It is essential that you bring your Name Card for announcing your name on stage. You will hand your Name Card to the usher standing at the stage.
Photography on Convocation Day
The Artona Group provides professional photography services as graduands cross the stage, and after the ceremony in the Horticulture Gardens.
While waiting to go on stage, please look for the photographer in front of the stage, and watch the procedure for taking two photographs. There will be tape on the stage floor marking where you should stand for the photographs.
Artona will mail proofs after the ceremony, and the accompanying order form will give you a choice of layouts and prices.
Visit the Artona website for more information: www.artonagroup.com or toll free at 1-800-668-3866.
Congratulations!
Walking across the stage is the most ceremonial part of your day and marks a major milestone in your life!
Please be considerate of your fellow graduands by returning to your seat after you pick up your credential.
Credentials (certificates, diplomas, degrees)
Students who attend the Convocation ceremony, and who have met all the requirements for graduation, will receive their credentials as they come off the stage.
Students who cannot attend will receive their credentials by mail.
If you have not completed your program or owe fees, you will receive a letter from the Credential table. If you have questions pertaining to eligibility, please contact the Registrar’s office at 250.828.5032 or lmcabee@tru.ca.
Reception
Graduands and guests are welcome to light refreshments immediately following the ceremony. There is no charge for the reception which is held in the Horticulture Gardens.
The Gardens are a beautiful location for family photographs, and Artona Group will also be on site for those who would like professional photography. In case of inclement weather, the reception will be held indoors in the Campus Activity Centre.
Memorabilia
The Bookstore in the Campus Activity Centre carries rings, frames, and a wide array of memorabilia.
Regalia for Studio Photographs
The Student Union rents regalia through-out the year for studio photographs. Please phone 250.828.5289 or email info@trusu.ca
Webcasting and Video
TRU staff record the ceremony and broadcast it live over TRU’s website during the ceremony. We have received positive feedback from friends and family who cannot attend the ceremony but enjoyed watching it on line.
After the ceremony, staff will post the videos to the Convocation website here.