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Convocation
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Are flowers available at graduation?
Yes. Roses are available for purchase before and after the graduation ceremony.
You can also purchase photo frames, diploma/certificate frames, graduation photos and DVDs of the convocation ceremony.
Do my guests need an invitation?
No. The invitation is a keepsake and does not have to be presented for entrance to the ceremony.
How do I know if I am graduating?
Students who expect to graduate in June should perform a "graduation self-audit" through their MyCampus account.
- Log in to your MyCampus account at www.durhamcollege.ca/mycampus.
- Select the blue Administrative Service link.
- Select Student Information.
- Select Student Records.
- Select degree evaluation.
Post-secondary students who use the online application to graduate should check their graduation status in late May or early June. At this time the status will change from “Applied – Under Review” to “Approved – Not Yet Awarded” (which means you are graduating), or to “Not Eligible” (which means that according to our records, you are not eligible to graduate.) If you feel an error has been made, you should contact the Student Liaison in your school office immediately.
How long will the ceremony be?
The ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes. Should the ceremony last a little longer, we ask students to be considerate and not leave the ceremony early.
How many people can I bring?
You may bring an unlimited number of guests to your graduation. This is a very important day for you and your loved ones to celebrate your accomplishment. Please note that graduates are not allowed to bring children into the gowning or graduate seating areas, or to walk across the stage with them.
Members of my family are arriving separately. How can I make sure they sit together?
Family members should try to arrive 30 to 45 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony and arrange a meeting point. There is ample seating for all guests and parking is available at various public lots around the General Motors Centre.
One of my guests uses a wheelchair. Is the General Motors Centre (GMC) wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the GMC is wheelchair accessible. There is wheelchair parking on the west side of the facility and there is an elevator to take guests to the second floor seating area. Elderly or disabled guests can also be dropped off at the front of the building with easy access to the elevator at the front doors.
What happens after the ceremony?
After the ceremony you will have approximately 20 minutes to have photos taken with your classmates and family.
Please ensure that your gown is returned promptly to the gowning area after you have taken photos with your friends and family. Once this has been done, you will be directed to the location where you will receive your diploma or certificate.
Please note: If you have previously received your diploma or certificate (i.e. at the time you originally completed your program), you will not receive another one at this time.
What information will I receive in the mail?
In late April you will receive an invitation and “dear potential graduate” letter that provides details about convocation. This letter is not confirmation that you are graduating – it is a letter that is sent out to all students in the final semester of their program who may be eligible to graduate. You must apply to graduate using the online application on MyCampus. This is the only mailing you will receive about convocation.
What is the deadline to apply to graduate for June convocation?
The deadline to apply to graduate is Friday, April 8, 2011. This deadline is in place to allow the Office of the Registrar sufficient time to conduct graduation audits, prepare the convocation program, and to have credentials printed.
What should I wear?
Convocation is a formal event and as such, students are asked to dress accordingly. The GMC is air conditioned.
Please note: The gowning area will not be secured and we cannot guarantee the safety of your personal possessions. We strongly advise that you do NOT bring purses or valuables with you to the gowning area. Please make alternate arrangements for your articles to be left with your guests for the duration of the ceremony.
What time should I arrive at the General Motors Centre (GMC) and where should I go?
Graduates are asked to arrive at the GMC one hour before their ceremony time to be gowned and placed in special order for the procession into the seating area. The gowning area is located on the lower level when entering through the main doors. Staff will be on hand and signs will direct students to the gowning area. The ceremony will begin promptly at either 10 a.m. or 2 p.m.
