Prepare yourself and your guests for what to expect at your convocation ceremony.
The ceremony isapproximately two hourslong. Grads will sit together closest to the stage, and guests will sit in general seating. Please note that there are no childminding services on site. Guests and graduates can purchase snacks and beverages before the ceremony. Light refreshments will be served after the ceremony.
Overview of the day
When to arrive
Give yourself plenty of time to travel to the ceremony. Traffic will be busy.
Morning ceremony
8:30am – Check-in and gown pick-up
Afternoon ceremony
1pm – Check-in and gown pick-up
Parking
Allow for time to park and walk to the PISE building.
Parking is free in Lots P5 and P8.Space is limited, so carpooling is recommended.
Accessible parking spaces are available but must be reserved in advance. Please call 250-370-4570 or email convocation@camosun.ca to make arrangements.
There is a drop-off area near the PISE entrance.
Check in and pick up your name card
You must visit the check-in tent to pick up your name card. You cannot cross the stage withouta name card.
Pick up your cap and gown
Allow extra time to pick up your regalia. Take your name card up to room 329 in PISE to pick up your cap and gown, hood or stole.
Note: Tassel position is important 🎓
Before you graduate, your cap tassel lies to the right. After the last graduate has crossed the stage, the Master of Ceremonies will invite you to move your tassel to the left.
Coat check
There is a complimentary, self-serve coat check for graduates. Space is limited.Arrive early if you wish to use this service. Before checking your coat or blazer, take all valuables out of your coat pockets. Purses, bags and valuables should be held by your guests.
Grad line up
Start lining up with the other grads 45 minutes before the ceremony. Marshals, wearing green gowns, will direct you to your designated area, assemble you alphabetically, and lead you into the gymnasium.
Morning ceremony
Begin to line up at 9:15am.
Afternoon ceremony
Begin to line up at 1:45pm.
Crossing the stage
A marshal will lead you to the stage and indicate when it’s your turn to cross.
Move up to the podium and hand your name card to your Dean.
Pause while your name is announced, cross the stage and shake hands with the college President and the Chair of Camosun’s Board of Governors.
Leave the stage and return to your seat.
Out of respect for the other graduates, please stay seated until the ceremony finishes.
Return your gown and stole
After the last graduate has crossed the stage, the Master of Ceremonies will invite you to move your tassel to the left.
You will exit the gymnasium and be directed to where you can return your gown and stole.
After ceremony
After the ceremony, grads and guests are invited to meet outside of PISE for to enjoy light refreshments and take photos.
Photo booth on site
Tag us with#CamosunGrad2025
Fresh flowers
Fresh, locally grown bouquets are available for purchase on site.
Gifts for grads
If you're looking for a gift for your graduate, the Camosun Bookstore will be on site with Camosun hoodies,.