FAQ

Algonquin College offers red Indigenous Graduation Stoles that feature the four colours of the medicine wheel, which is relevant to many First Nations groups across Turtle Island. The infinity symbol represents the Métis, and the inukshuk represents the Inuit. 

If you would like to cross the stage wearing a red Indigenous Graduation Stole, please request one at the Canadian Tire Centre when you approach the v-stole table.

After the ceremony, before greeting your guests, please return your gown to Algonquin College staff. This helps ensure that all gowns are accounted for and ready for the next ceremony. When you meet your guests at Gate 1, Algonquin College staff will be there to assist you. Gowns will be available for photo opportunities, but please make sure to return them before leaving the Canadian Tire Centre.

Alumni continue to have their ACSIS and email account, but not their network accounts after graduation. This article is intended for students and alumni at all campuses.

For more information visit: https://algonquincollege.my.site.com/myACSupport/s/article/As-an-Algonquin-College-alumni-what-IT-services-can-I-access 

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

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.

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!

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.

• https://www.johnabutler.com/2025-algonquin-college-convocation

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

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

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

Registering for Convocation
In mid-April, graduates from the 2024 Spring term and 2024 Fall term, and students registered in their final level of studies in the 2025 Winter term will receive an invitation to register for Convocation to their Algonquin Live email address. Please note: registering for Convocation does not confirm your program completion and graduation eligibility; you must successfully complete your program requirements by June 10, 2025 in order to be permitted to attend the 2025 Convocation ceremonies.

Official Convocation Invitations
Confirmation of graduation for the Ottawa and AC Online Campuses will be sent in May 2025.

• If you are an international student requiring information on how to invite your family from outside of Canada, please refer to this detailed instruction sheet.

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

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.

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. 

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. 

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

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. 

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.