Ceremony Instructions

Explore what time to arrive on campus, what to expect throughout your graduation ceremony, and where you can celebrate after with family and friends.

The procession of students walking through the courtyard.

General information

Convocation Ceremonies are held in the Gymnasium of the Recreation Facility. Each ceremony is 90 minutes in length.

Check-in, regalia and procession

We ask you to arrive at Parking Lot M 1 hour and 30 minutes before your ceremony start time.

Please ensure you bring your UBC student or government issued ID for check-in.

Appropriate academic attire is required of all participants.

  • If you’ve missed the deadline to reserve regalia in advance, please arrive at the Student Marshaling Tent in Lot M 1.5 hours before your ceremony start time. The cost to rent your regalia is $75 on site (cash, debit or credit).

Staff and Marshals will be on-site to ensure a smooth graduation experience.

As you join the procession, you will receive a card inscribed with your name.

  • You MUST remain in your own line and in your original position within that line. Your position in the procession is decided by your required order of appearance when you cross the stage.

Crossing the stage

When it is time to cross the stage, you will be directed to rise and follow the marshal to the platform.

Stop on the platform and hand your name card to the person reading the names. As your name is read out, pause for a moment in front of the Reader’s Podium facing the audience so that a picture of you can be taken.

Proceed across the platform, pausing for a photo with the Chancellor.

A marshal will then direct you back to your seat.

The recession

After the ceremony the new graduates remain in their places until a marshal directs the formation of a procession to leave the building.

Following the ceremony, we ask that you meet your friends and family back at Parking Lot M.