Convocate Information 

Gowns and Regalia 

  • Lethbridge Polytechnic convocation gowns and stoles/hoods must be worn by all convocates. The cap and tassel, gown and stole are yours to keep.
  • Gown packages will be available for pick up at the Bookstore, daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, May 19 through Thursday, May 21..
  • A friend or family member is welcome to pick up your package on your behalf. Should these dates or times not work for you please reach out to convocation@lethpolytech.ca to discuss alternative arrangements.
  • The convocation gowns are warm, so consider the weather and wear appropriate clothing the day of your ceremony. Comfortable shoes are recommended as you will walk up and down platform ramps. Roller skates, rollerblades, skateboards etc. are not permitted. 

Academic Honours 

  • If you earned President's List recognition every term you are graduating with Honours With Great Distinction (President’s List with a 4.0 Cumulative Program GPA) and will receive a gold cord with your gown package which signifies your academic achievement.
  • If you are graduating with Academic Honours with Distinction (Dean’s List with a 3.75-3.99 Cumulative Program GPA) you’ll receive a silver cord when picking up your gown package, signifying your academic achievement.

Parking

  • Parking is free on campus Convocation Day. Convocates are encouraged to park in lots E and F and enter through the Founders Square doors on the east side of the building.  Parking Map.

Assembly of Convocates

  • Convocates must meet in their assigned assembly room 45 minutes PRIOR to their ceremony start time. Assembly room locations will be updated on the Ceremony and Program Order tab closer to the event date.
  • Once in your assembly room, a volunteer will provide you with your parchment folder and name card. It is important that you keep this material with you and leave it intact until you cross the stage during the ceremony. You will be asked to line up in alphabetical order (by last name) by program, and to maintain that order for the processional into convocate seating area in the gym.
  • Convocates only in the assembly areas.  

Important note: Please do not carry coats, bags, cameras, flowers or other souvenirs with you from the assembly area into the convocate seating area. You are not able to carry personal items across the stage and you may not get back to the same seat during the ceremony. Personal items can be checked at the Coat Check room in AN1801. Please do not leave items in the assembly rooms. 

 

Child Minding

  • Child minding will not be available. Please arrange for childcare during your ceremony. 

 

What to Expect During the Ceremony

The ceremony will be approx. 90 minutes long. The expectation is that graduates and guests stay for the duration of the ceremony to celebrate all of our graduates. 

Processional

  • It is important you arrive with sufficient time to be placed in the procession line, which is a significant piece of the convocation tradition and impressive to experience. The entire group of convocates will proceed from the assembly area to the gym, led by bagpipes, the Grand Marshal, the Marshals, the Academic Staff and the Platform Party.

As you cross the stage

  • In preparation for announcing the convocates during the program, a number of rows of convocates will be escorted out of the seating area. From there, you will be directed by a convocation marshal, to proceed onto the platform and present your name card to the convocation announcer.  After your name is announced you will make your way across the stage to shake the hand of the President and Dean(s).
  • After you exit the stage a photographer will snap your photo, and a Marshal will direct you back to a seat.
  • This process will be repeated until all convocates have been recognized.
  • Convocates and their guests are asked to stay for the duration of the ceremony.  
  • Roller skates, rollerblades, skateboards etc. are NOT permitted.  

Food and Drink

  • Food and drink (excluding water) is NOT permitted in the gym. Please ensure you eat before your assembly time. 

Respectful Seating Etiquette During the Ceremony

  • We kindly ask all convocates and guests to remain seated as much as possible throughout the ceremony to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience for everyone. Frequent movement in and out of the gym can be disruptive to others. Please plan ahead, as guests and convocates who leave the venue during the ceremony may not be allowed back inside. 

Photography

  • A photographer will be taking pictures of all convocates after they cross the stage.  Lethbridge Polytechnic Alumni Relations has purchased the digital copy for each of our grads, thanks to TD Insurance Meloche Monnext.
  • Each convocate will receive a photo slip in their Alumni Gift bag to receive their digital image for free. Photos will be available 3-5 business days following the ceremony. Alumni Gift bags will be given to Convocates as they exit the gym after the ceremony. Convocates who leave the ceremony before it has finished will not receive a gift bag.
  • Lifetouch Photography will be offering walk up portrait sessions in the CAVE after the ceremonies end on a first come, first served basis. 

Recessional

  • At the end of the ceremony, you will be directed to stand and will be escorted by convocation marshals out of the gym. As you exit the gym you will be given a gift from Alumni Engagement. Included in this gift is the Emmerson Reyes Photography slip with the code needed to receive the digital image that was taken after you crossed the stage.

 

After the Ceremony 

  • Check with your Program Chairs or Instructors to see if arrangements are being made for your program to meet in a designated area after convocation for pictures etc.
  • Coat Check will remain open 30 minutes after the ceremony ends. Please pick up any checked items immediately after the ceremony.
  • Please walk around campus and take pictures with your family and friends! Photo backdrops will be set up around campus for you to use.
  • Get your swag, graduation gifts and souvenirs at the Bookstore on Convocation Day.  

 

Lethbridge Polytechnic Alumni Engagement

Your journey doesn't end with graduation; you are now and forever a Lethbridge Polytechnic alumni! Embrace the perks, seize the opportunities, and let your legacy shine bright!

Be Ready for an exhilarating adventure – the 50,000+ LC Alumni community is excited to welcome you, and can't wait to celebrate all of your extraordinary accomplishments along the way!

 

Convocation preparation check list

  • Apply to convocate and pay the fee via Self-Service prior to April 30, 2026.
  • Pre-Order convocation flowers at: http://www.thecommencementgroup.com/lethpolytech
  • Invite friends and family to watch the ceremony live on our Facebook page.
  • Pick up your convocation gown package at the Bookstore, daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, May 19 through Thursday, May 21. 
  • Ensure you are in your designated assembly area 45 minutes prior to ceremony start time.
  • If you feel ill on the day of the event, please remain home. 

 

Contact Information