Students: Convocation: Thompson Rivers University

Regalia (cap, gown and stole)

If you applied to graduate prior to and indicated an interest in attending the Convocation ceremony, you will receive a link to order your regalia through Gaspard. There is a $30 non-refundable fee to rent your regalia. You must wear regalia to be part of the ceremony.

Order your regalia by May 16, 2025 from Welcome to Build-A-Grad website.

Regalia must not leave campus and must be returned 90 minutes after the ceremony ends. Graduands not returning regalia will be invoiced for the full replacement costs.

Take weather conditions into consideration and ensure that your footwear is comfortable.

Decorated Graduation Caps

Graduates are welcome to decorate the tops of their graduation caps for convocation. Graduation caps can be purchased at the TRU Bookstore before convocation, or graduates participating in convocation may pick up a graduation cap at the TCC, which is included with the rest of their regalia, on the day of their ceremony. Please note that decorated caps must meet the following guidelines:

Tassel attachment must not be obstructed by decorations.
Avoid large 3-D embellishments that may block the views of other students.
No hate speech, threats or vulgar language is permitted.
No slandering or disrespectful content toward individuals or institutions.
No noise-making decorations like bells or horns.

Not sure if your decorations meet the guidelines?

Email Ceremonies at ceremonies@tru.ca

On the day of your convocation ceremony, TRU will reserve the right to disallow anything that is not considered appropriate.

Arrival and check-in procedure

Arrive 90 minutes before the ceremony at the Tournament Capital Centre.

Look for the check in station. You will be directed from there.

Check in and receive your name card.
Proceed to the gowning room.
Proceed to the academic procession lineup.

If you arrive very late, you may not be able to participate.

Accessibility

The TCC is a wheelchair accessible venue. Please note that the TCC does not have wheelchairs available for guest use. Live captioning services are available during the ceremony. If you are a graduate who has concerns about participating in the academic procession, or if you have other questions or concerns related to accessibility, please contact ceremonies@tru.ca.

There are designated accessible parking spots at the Tournament Capital Centre. TCC visitors displaying a valid disabled parking permit can park for free and do not need to register their licence plate. Those requiring parking for more than two hours can make arrangements with staff at the TCC front counter.

Academic procession

Once you have gone through the check-in stations, you will line up near the sign for your program in the order of your procession number on your name card. Your procession number is your place in line and indicates the order of appearance of when you will cross the stage. Convocation assistants will help you. Make sure you keep your name card for handing to the stage usher.

The academic procession is scheduled to start punctually. It is led by the registrar, the platform party, faculty and graduands.

Walking across the stage

When it is time to cross the stage, you will be escorted by an usher. You must bring your name card so your name can be announced on stage. Hand your name card to the usher on the stage.

Please return to your seat after walking across the stage. As a sign of respect to the other graduates, we ask that you stay until the end of the ceremony.

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.

TRU Alumni

TRU Alumni is an active participant in convocation ceremonies. You and your family will be invited to join us following the ceremony for a reception.

Frequently asked questions

I received my credential in the mail today, but I would still like to attend the next convocation ceremony. What do I receive at the ceremony?

You received your credential in the mail because you graduated earlier in the year. You are welcome to apply to participate in the ceremony, and at the ceremony you will receive a certificate of participation.

I am unable to attend the convocation ceremony, but would like to receive my credential. How do I apply?

If you are unable to attend the ceremony, the Registrar’s Office will mail your credential providing you have fulfilled the requirements to graduate. Ensure you have applied to graduate.

Is regalia provided to me for the convocation ceremony?

Regalia is ordered through Gaspard and students must pre-order their regalia to participate in the ceremony. If you applied to graduate prior to , you will receive a link to order your regalia. Regalia must be returned within 90 minutes of the ceremony and if it is not returned, you will be invoiced for the full replacement cost.

What should I wear under my regalia?

Wear comfortable shoes that are suitable for the procession and weather conditions. TRU uses black gowns and caps, so black shoes, slacks, dress or skirt will blend with the regalia.

I will be participating in convocation, but I am having mobility problems, and am only able to stand or walk for brief periods of time. What is the best way to alleviate my concerns?

If you wish to be in the procession, we will arrange a chair for you in the procession waiting line. You are welcome to check in and gown early, then go directly to the stage seating. We can arrange for someone to accompany you, or you may bring a guest to assist you. Please tell the ushers of your concerns.

Students with disabilities who are graduating or persons with disabilities who are a member of the graduating student’s family should contact ceremonies@tru.ca if accommodation or access provisions are required.

Are graduates limited to a certain number of guests at the ceremony?

You are limited to six guests. Doors will open one hour prior to ceremony start time and seats are on a first-come basis. Tickets are not required.

I have an elderly guest who wants to attend the ceremony and requires family assistance. What arrangements are made for guests who require assistance from their friends or family?

Guests who require mobility assistance may park in parking spots assigned for disabled. However, for events that have high traffic, these spaces may not be available. We suggest family or friends come early or drop off their guest close to the venue. There is reserved seating for those with accessibility needs and one or two accompanying guests.

Can you provide a letter of invitation to convocation to support my family’s visa application?

TRU does not provide a letter of invitation. You must write the letter of invitation yourself. For convocation, the letter should include your graduation approval (from your myTRU account) and a link to the convocation website: Convocation

For more information on writing an invitation letter, visit Letter of invitation for visitors to Canada - Canada.ca

For questions about visa applications, please contact the Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) team at risia@tru.ca.