FAQ

question mark symbolClick the questions to find out the answers to some of our most Frequently Asked Questions.

Welcome to the 2024 Convocation FAQ page! The upcoming 2024 Spring Convocation ceremony will take place June 18-21, 2024 in Ottawa, ON. If you can’t find what you are looking for, please email us.

How can I find out what I am allowed to bring into the Canadian Tire Centre?

Please review the rules and policies set out by the Canadian Tire Centre by clicking here.

Can I bring my own regalia or adornments to wear with my gown?

Additional regalia is not permitted during the convocation ceremony. Convocation is a momentous occasion that symbolizes academic achievements, and graduating students are provided with a stole and gown representing Algonquin College’s academic dress. We kindly ask that no additional regalia such as sashes, stoles, signs, pins, hats, sports team items, flags, or any other external affiliations be displayed on the regalia during the convocation ceremony. This is to ensure that all participants feel equally represented and respected during this collective celebration of academic accomplishment.

However, in alignment with common practices at other institutions and our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, Indigenous graduands are permitted to wear traditional Indigenous attire or regalia in lieu of a gown. This exception is meant to celebrate and honor the cultural heritage and contributions of Indigenous students.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in upholding the College’s values during the convocation ceremony. By adhering to the regalia guidelines, we can ensure that this occasion remains a meaningful and inclusive experience for all participants.

Do my guests need tickets to attend? How many guests can I invite?

As graduate guests are unlimited this spring, we will not be monitoring guest tickets. Please bring as many friends as family as you would like!

Where can I see the professional photograph that was taken of me at Spring Convocation 2024?

Perth

To view your proofs, please click the link below. Note: proofs are not touched up. All touch ups will be done to the images you order.

June 6th, 2024

https://johnabutlerphotography.pixieset.com/june62024algonquincollegeperthconvocation/

To order after viewing your proofs, go to the link below:

https://form.jotform.com/Johnabutler/universitycollege-graduates-order-f

Ottawa

To view your proofs, please click the link below. Note: proofs are not touched up. All touch ups will be done to the images you order.

June 18th, 2024

June 19th, 2024

June 20th, 2024

June 21st, 2024

To order after viewing your proofs, go to the link below:

Is masking mandatory for Algonquin College 2024 Spring Convocation Ceremonies?

At this time, masking is not mandatory for the 2024 Spring Convocation ceremonies. The COVID-19 pandemic is being closely monitored by Algonquin College. Algonquin College continues to prioritize the health and safety of the College community. Algonquin College will continue to follow Ottawa Public Health guidelines, and precautions will continue to be encouraged at Convocation, including hand washing and hand sanitizing. If you are showing symptoms, please refrain from joining in-person and enjoy the ceremony via the livestream on the convocation webpage.

I am an international student and want to invite my family to my Convocation. What do I need to do?

For the most up-to-date information about Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), please refer to the IRCC website at: www.canada.ca  (immigration tab) or call them at 1-888-242-2100. It is your responsibility to know the rules and regulations that apply to you as an international student.

The International Education Centre (IEC) can help answer some of your questions. Current international students can email iecsupport@algonquincollege.com for assistance or visit the IEC office:
• Location: C021, Student Central, DARE District
• Office hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:45 pm

If a family member or friend would like to visit you in Ottawa, they will need to apply to visit Canada. You can provide supporting documentation to help support their application to visit Canada, namely:
• Proof of Enrollment Letter
• Letter of Invitation
• Convocation details (optional)

1. Proof of Enrollment Letter:

You can print your own Proof of Enrolment letter from your ACSIS account. You will need to know the expected graduation date of your academic program when requesting your letter. If you are not sure, check with your coordinator, and make sure to add two months. For example, if you are in your final semester and complete your final exams in:
April – choose June as your expected graduation date
August – choose October as your expected graduation date
December – choose February as your expected graduation date

If you are unable to download the proof of enrolment letter, you can request a letter here 

IRCC’s Help Centre website provides helpful information

On the site above if your friend or family member wants to visit Canada, they must apply to the Visa Office responsible for his or her country or region. A visa officer will review the application and decide whether to issue a visa/permit. 

2. Letter of Invitation

You can help your friend or family member by writing a letter of invitation. It should explain how you will help the person. A letter of invitation can help, but it does not guarantee the person will get a visa/permit.

See more about the letter of invitation that you would produce.

Note that the IEC does not prepare invitation letters or letters that include information about the Convocation Ceremony. This is information that you can include in the invitation letter that you write yourself and provide to your family member(s) or friend(s).

3. Convocation Ceremony

If you are graduating and you would like to invite your family member(s) or friend(s) to attend your Convocation Ceremony, you can include the details of your Convocation Ceremony on your invitation letter.

See more about your Convocation Ceremony.

If you have questions about your Convocation Ceremony you can email: convocation@algonquincollege.com

When will I receive my invitation to Convocation?

You will receive an email to your Algonquin Live email address inviting you to Ottawa’s Spring Convocation ceremonies, the last week of May. These emails will only be sent to those who have successfully completed their program requirements and are eligible to attend Convocation. 

Where can I apply for an award to be presented at Convocation?

A graduating student may apply for a Cross College Award(s) or may be nominated by a fellow student, faculty member, or others in the College community. There are four Cross College Awards for which a student may apply or be nominated; International House Award, President Rosser Award, Steve Stafford Memorial Continuing Education Award, and the Robert C. Gillett Leadership Award.

Click here to view the Cross-College Awards requirements

How long is the ceremony?

The lengths of the ceremonies vary; however, the average time allotted for a ceremony is two hours from when you enter the arena ceremony area, to the conclusion of the event. Note: this does not include the mandatory graduate arrival time of one-hour prior to the ceremony start time.

What happens if I owe money to the College?

Outstanding payments to the College (tuition fees, parking fines, media/resource fines, etc.) must be paid prior to your Convocation Ceremony, otherwise, your credential will be withheld until all outstanding fees are paid. 

I have completed a credential through Continuing Education, or part-time through AC Online. Do I need to apply to graduate?

Yes. If you are a Continuing Education or part-time AC Online student, you need to complete the ACSIS Application to Graduate for Part-time Students, and pay the Application to Graduate fee. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks to receive your credential in the mail. 

What if I do not wish to have my name published in the Convocation Book?

Advise the Registrar’s Office (convocation@algonquincollege.com) as soon as possible if you do not want your name published in the convocation program. 

Do I need to apply to graduate?

If you are a full-time student, you will have paid a “graduation fee” as part of your tuition. There is no need to submit an application and you will be sent an invitation to Convocation via e-mail once your graduate status has been confirmed. If you are a Continuing Education or part-time AC Online student, you do need to complete the ACSIS Application to Graduate for Part-time Students, and pay the Application to Graduate fee. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks to receive your credential in the mail. 

How do I know if I am graduating?

All graduates will receive information via e-mail (please check all email addresses you have given Algonquin College) once their graduate status has been confirmed. Alternatively, graduated statuses may be viewed on your ACSIS account by choosing “View GPA” and historic transcript.