Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Graduation and Convocation?
Which ceremony do I attend (morning or afternoon)?
Where do I pick up and return my regalia (cap and gown)?
When I arrive at the ceremony, where do I go?
Where can my guests and I park?
Will there be a photographer on site?
After I graduate, how do I become a member of MRU alumni?
I'm not attending Convocation. How do I receive my parchment?

convocation students

1. What is the difference between Graduation and Convocation?

Graduation marks the completion of your studies — you have successfully completed all the necessary requirements in your program. As a result, you will receive an academic degree, diploma or certificate.

Convocation is a time-honoured tradition that commemorates graduates' accomplishments. It refers to the formal ceremony where the administration, faculty, Mount Royal community, family and friends honour graduates' achievements.

2. Which ceremony do I attend (morning or afternoon)?

A student information package will be available mid March and will outline which faculties will be participating in the morning ceremony and which faculties will be participating in the afternoon ceremony.

Note: This only applies to Spring Convocations.

3. Where do I pick up and return my regalia (cap and gown)?

Your Convocation regalia will include a gown, cap and tassel. Prior to the ceremony you can pick up your regalia at the Multi-Purpose room (U133), located next to the Stanley Gymnasium. You must return your gown immediately following the ceremony to room U133. The cap and tassel are souvenir items for you to keep.

4. When I arrive at the ceremony, where do I go?

You should proceed to room U133, the Multi-Purpose room next to the Stanley Gymnasium, to pick up your regalia. Then continue to the Stanley Gymnasium to receive your parchment, line up and prepare for your ceremony. Your name is read from your parchment as you cross the stage so please keep it with you at all times. Mount Royal staff will be available to help participants gown and prepare to proceed to the Triple Gymnasium.

Graduates will line up with their classmates for the academic procession in the same order as their names appear in the Convocation program, which will be provided at the gym.

If you believe your name may be difficult to pronounce, please notify a staff member and the readers will be informed of the phonetic pronunciation of your name.

5. Where can my guests and I park?

Complimentary parking is available in all student, employee and visitor parking lots the day of the ceremonies.

6. Will there be a photographer on site?

A photographer will be on site for those who wish to have their photo taken on the day of the ceremony. Graduates are encouraged to have photos taken in advance to avoid long lineups on the day of the ceremony. The student information package includes information on how to book an advance photo session.

7. After I graduate, how do I become a member of Mount Royal Alumni?

You are eligible to be a member of the Mount Royal Alumni Association if:

you have successfully completed at least 30 credits of credit courses,
one year has passed since you have enrolled, or
you have completed a certificate, diploma or degree program at Mount Royal.

8. I'm not attending Convocation. How do I receive my parchment?

If you have chosen not to attend Convocation your parchment will be mailed out to you the first business day after the ceremony. The parchment will be mailed to the most current address we have on file for you. Please ensure you update your record with your most current address.