Convocation Day

Once you are registered in your final program requirements and have determined that you are eligible to graduate, you must apply to graduate. Students wishing to attend convocation must also apply to attend convocation and pay the attendance fee before May 15, 2026. There are important deadlines associated with each application.

 

Convocation Day Reminders
What do I wear?

Graduates are encouraged to dress in business casual attire. Regalia will be provided for the ceremonies as part of the fee, so most clothing will be covered by the regalia. 
When should I arrive?

Graduates should arrive on campus no later than one hour prior to the ceremony. 

Note: Students can start to pick up their parchment folder and regalia up to 1 ½ hours before the start time of the ceremony.

Even with submission of the Convocation Attendance form, Mount Royal cannot guarantee ceremony inclusion if you arrive after the scheduled ceremony start time.
Where do I park?

Complimentary parking is available for you and your guests:

  • June 9 - Lot 6A, 7, 8 
  • June 10, 11 & 12 - Lot 1, 2, 4
Please see the Visitor Rates for details on parking in other lots on campus.
Where do I go?

Convocation activities take place at Mount Royal University's Recreation Centre. 

Graduates pick up their parchment folder and regalia in the Stanley Gym and the convocation ceremony takes place in the Triple Gym. 

Note: If a family member or guest requires accessibility seating, please note that it is located on the running track at the level 2 recreation concourse.

  • To access this area, we recommend entering through the main recreation doors and heading past the cougar statue onto the track. Once there, an area will be stationed off and an usher will be available to assist and support you and your family.
  • Please note that space is limited, so we recommend arriving early to ensure that you are comfortably settled. Additionally, there is usually extra space available for family members to sit together in this area.
How many guests can I invite to the ceremony? We respect that Convocation is a day to celebrate with friends and family; however, due to the capacity of our venue, guest attendance will be limited to four guests per graduate. 

Note: There will be a live stream for friends and family who can’t attend the ceremony. The link for the live stream will be posted on the MRU website on the day of the ceremony.
Graduation Photos Lifetouch Photography is the official graduation photographer for Mount Royal University.  Lifetouch Photography will be on campus in room U111 for first-come, first-served drop-in sessions on June 10 – 12, 2026.  

 

Before the ceremony - Stanley Gym (U117 - lower level of Recreation Centre)
Parchment

Pick up your parchment folder at the parchment pickup table.
Regalia

Pick up gown, hood and cap at the gown pickup table.

  • Staff wearing red vests can help you put on your regalia
  • Your tassel should be on the right side of the cap
Lining up for the ceremony

*Return to the Stanley Gym approximately 15–20 minutes before your ceremony begins

When staff announce that it’s time to line up:

  • Check the number on the colored dot on the back of your parchment folder
  • Find the matching lineup number and color. Your number helps you to line up in alphabetical order within your program and faculty.

A staff member may walk by to:

  • Verify your number
  • Ensure that you’re in the correct line
  • Adjust your gown/hood/cap if needed.

Wait in line until your student marshal escorts your line into the Triple Gym (ceremony location). For the duration of the ceremony, your student marshal is your go-to person for direction.

 

Entering the Ceremony

Follow your line to your seat in the Triple Gym and remain standing until instructed to sit.

The ceremony will include about one hour of speeches, presentation, and performances before graduates cross the stage.

If you need assistance during the ceremony:

  • Tell your student marshal if you feel unwell or need to leave
  • Staff volunteers wearing black gowns can help you find a washroom, quiet space or medical assistance.

 

Preparing to cross the stage

Your student marshal will tell your row when it’s almost time to go to the stage.

Stand up and follow your line, walking around the back of the Triple Gym to the front right side to prepare to cross the stage.

While you are waiting your turn to cross the stage:

  • Open your parchment folder
  • Drape the folder over your left arm with the spine of the folder facing up so the announcer can read your name.

 

Crossing the stage

The announcer will read your name.

Walk across the stage:

  • If your student record indicates that you have self-identified as Indigenous, you will have a green medicine bag card in your parchment folder.  Hand the card to the Elder on stage to receive your medicine bag.
  • Shake hands with the President (optional) and have your photo taken.
  • Continue across the stage and shake hands with the faculty (optional).

Exit the stage by going down the ramp and walk straight towards the back of the Triple Gym (i.e. not across the front of the stage).

  • Follow directions from the staff member in a black gown.
  • Return to your original seat.

 

After crossing the stage

Watch the rest of the graduates cross the stage.

Near the end of the ceremony:

  • When instructed, participate in the tassel ceremony by moving your tassel from the right side of your cap to the left side of your cap
  • Please do not throw your cap for safety reasons.

At the end of the ceremony, your student marshal will instruct your row when and how to exit the Triple Gym.

 

After the ceremony
Return Regalia

Your regalia (i.e. gown and hood) must be returned after the ceremony. 

  • Please return your regalia immediately following the end of the ceremony.
  • Graduates get to keep their cap and tassel.

If you do not return your regalia, or if you return your regalia damaged, you may be subject to the following charges:

  • Gown: $109.00
  • Full Fit Gown: $150.00
  • Hood: $83.00
Celebrate!
MRU alum looks good on you! Celebrate your accomplishments by entering the Grad Giveaway or stop by the Cougars Campus store to purchase grad memorabilia and your parchment frame. Share your favourite moments on social media and tag @MRUAlumni to be featured!
Stay in touch
Your connection with Mount Royal University doesn’t end after you graduate. As an alum, you can be a volunteer, attend alumni-specific events and stay connected digitally.  


If you still have questions, contact the Convocation Office at convocation@mtroyal.ca