The big moment you’ve been working toward is nearly here: Convocation!  

We’ve compiled all the information and final reminders you need to help your day go smoothly so that you can focus on enjoying the moment. Remember to visit the Convocation site for complete details and updates.   

Acadia Convocation ceremonies for each faculty are as follows:  

Faculty of Theology and Faculty of Arts
Thursday, May 15, 2025
10 am
Convocation Hall
Livestreamed on May 15th   

Faculty of Pure and Applied Science
Thursday, May 15, 2025
2:30 pm
Convocation Hall
Livestreamed on May 15th  

Faculty of Professional Studies
Friday, May 16, 2025
10 am
Convocation Hall
Livestreamed on May 16th   

LEADING UP TO CONVOCATION:  

Guest tickets   

If you ordered tickets for guests to attend your ceremony, make sure you’ve forwarded or printed these for your guests. 

Livestreams 

All ceremonies will be livestreamed. Links will be available on the Convocation site, so be sure to share that info with the people who can’t attend in person. 

We will also be hosting an in-person livestream of each ceremony in Fountain Commons. 

Baccalaureate Service   

On Wednesday, May 14th at 10:00 a.m., Acadia will host its optional religious service at Manning Memorial Chapel. All are welcome to attend this free event, no RSVP or ticket required. For those who wish to watch the service remotely, a livestream will be available and posted on the chapel’s YouTube channel.   

Other official grad events   

In addition to the Convocation ceremonies and Baccalaureate Service, grads can take part in other official events this week. Tickets are required and may already be sold out.  

Parents Night 1, Wednesday, May 14, 8:00 pm at The Axe (A few tickets left!)
Parents Night 2: Thursday, May 15, 8:00 pm at The Axe (SOLD OUT)
Grad Banquet, Thursday, May 15, 7:00 pm at Wheelock Dining Hall (Ticket sales closed) 

Flower orders 

Drop a hint to your loved ones that they should shower you in both praise and flowers! Guests can purchase flowers in advance or right up until the start of your ceremony from Convocation Flowers. 

Want to know what to expect?   

Feel extra prepared by watching the recordings from last year’s Convocation ceremonies to see what happens when it’s your turn to graduate.  

ON THE DAY OF YOUR CONVOCATION:

Parking & Shuttle 

There will be plenty of parking for you and your guests available at the Athletics Complex, and a shuttle to bring folks with limited mobility up the hill to Convocation Hall. 

When and where to arrive 

Go to the Athletics Complex two hours before your Convocation ceremony.  

Get your regalia and name card 

Pick up your cap and gown at the Athletics Centre. (If you missed the pre-order deadline, you’ll need to pay $57 + tax for the rental of your regalia.) You’ll also get your name card (hold onto it). 

If you have self-identified as being of African descent, a Kente Stole will be included with your regalia, and extras will be available on hand. 

Indigenous students who arranged to pick up a beaded cap will be able to pick it up on the day of their ceremony in Rhodes Room 101 (Welkaqnik). Medicine pouches for any Indigenous students who wish to carry them will also be available for pick up in Rhodes. 

Line up   

Get dressed in your cap and gown and then head over to assemble in front of Raymond Field one hour before your Convocation ceremony. Make sure you have your name card with you – you’ll be handing that to a Convocation Marshal before going on stage.  

In case of rain   

If it’s raining, you’ll instead assemble at an alternative location.  An email will be sent day of with directions. 

What NOT to do or bring   

Do not bring your phone or other disruptive items like confetti, sparklers, or noise makers into Convocation Hall or on stage.  

Time to celebrate!   

Immediately following the Convocation ceremony, you and your guests are invited to the Welcome to the Alumni Reception in the Athletics Centre. Cheers!  

Return your regalia 

The cap and tassel are yours to keep, but the hood and gown must be returned to the Athletics Complex after the ceremony.   

Diploma frames   

Acadia will be providing an optional service for grads who wish to have their diplomas framed using the mats bearing Acadia’s official colours and logo. Sample frames and order forms will be available in the new Hall of Fame room at the Athletics Complex after the ceremonies. Read more about the pricing and framing options available.  

Do you have last minute questions? Check to see if the answer is on the Convocation website. Still not sure? Reach out to convocation@acadiau.ca.  

Congratulations and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!