Convocation Ceremony Instructions
Convocation is the calling together of the KPU community to celebrate and honour our graduates.
Convocation ceremonies are held annually in February and June. Graduates that participate in convocation receive Convocation mementos, including a KPU-red credential holder, commemorative medallion and lanyard. Students also keep their cap and tassel. If you do not participate in your Convocation ceremonies you will not receive the mementos.
To participate in Convocation students must:
- complete all KPU courses and program requirements no later than the semester preceding the convocation ceremony
- have any transfer courses that are needed to meet program requirements assessed no later than the semester preceding the convocation ceremony
- apply to graduate and attend convocation no later than the deadline
For further information about applying to graduate, see kpu.ca/graduation
Accessibility Services - If a graduate is in need of an accommodation, please contact KPU's Accessibility Services at access@kpu.ca in advance.
Subject to Public Health Orders, KPU is anticipating an in-person convocation ceremony in February 2024.
We look forward to celebrating your achievements in June!!
FEBRUARY 2024 CONVOCATION CEREMONY SCHEDULE (for graduands and graduates who graduate(d) between June 2023 and will graduate in January 2024).
Students are NOT allowed to change their convocation date and time. The assigned date and time is the only option for you to participate. If you are graduating with more than one credential you participate in the ceremony that your highest level credential is schedule in.
We encourage you to keep an eye on our Alumni website for future events, news and opportunities to connect with your classmates, instructors and friends. Sharing stories of KPU alumni success in their career, community, or personal life, is our favourite thing to do – we encourage you to stay connected: kpu.ca/alumni.
Convocation Schedule
MONDAY, February 26, 2024 – 10:00 AM
Melville School of Business
- Accounting
- General Business Studies
- Marketing Management
- Public Relations
MONDAY, February 26, 2024 – 2:30 PM
Melville School of Business
- Economics
- Entrepreneurial Leadership
- Human Resource Management
- Legal Administrative Studies
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
TUESDAY, February 27, 2024 – 10:00 AM
Faculty of Science and Horticulture
- All Programs in the Faculty
Melville School of Business
- Computer Information Systems
- Information Technology
TUESDAY, February 27, 2024 – 2:30 PM
Melville School of Business
- Business Administration
- Business Management
- Global Business Management
- Green Business Management and Sustainability
- Technical Management and Services
WEDNESDAY, February 28, 2024 – 10:00 AM
Faculty of Academic and Career Preparation
- BC Adult Graduation Diploma (Adult Dogwood)
- Employment and Community Studies
Wilson School of Design
- All Programs in the Faculty
Faculty of Health
- All Programs in the Faculty
WEDNESDAY, February 28, 2024 – 2:30 PM
Faculty of Arts
- Anthropology
- Applied Geography
- Creative Writing
- Criminology
- Double Minor
- English
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Sociology
Convocation FAQs for February 2024
How will I receive my credential?
Upon Senate conferral of your credential, it will be mailed to the address you provided when you applied to graduate. Your credential will NOT be held until the Convocation ceremony in FEBRUARY. If your mailing address changes, please update it by visiting: https://www.kpu.ca/update-your-contact-info and inform graduation@kpu.ca after you have updated your mailing address.
Can my friends and family watch the convocation on-line?
Yes. The February 2024 Convocation will be streamed publicly for each ceremony day and time. The link for the ceremonies will be available closer to the Convocation ceremonies. No tickets or sign-up are required.
I want to wait to defer attending the June 2024 ceremony – can I do that?
Unfortunately, students are NOT able to defer their convocation to a later date. The date and time are assigned based on your Faculty, program, and the number of students that indicated they would be participating at Convocation. The assigned date is the only option for you to participate.
When I applied to graduate I was “Undecided, or indicated ‘No’ I did not want to participate in Convocation but I have changed my mind - what do I need to do to participate in the February 2024 ceremony?
Unfortunately you had to indicate or inform us by October 31, 2023 if you wanted to participate in the February 2024 Convocation Ceremony. If you did not inform us by the deadline you will not be able to participate in the Convocation ceremony.
Can I rent regalia from KPU?
KPU does not have regalia for students to rent. Contact Gaspard directly at:
Phone: 1-800-380-8214
Email: acadwest@gaspard.ca
All questions regarding regalia rental should be directed to the number or email above.
Where can I get my photos taken in my gown/regalia?
Artona will be onsite during the Convocation dates and times.
Artona has official KPU regalia at their studio in Vancouver for photo sessions. For more details, please visit https://artona.com/schools/KPU
Convocation Dates
FEBRUARY 2024 | February 26 - March 1, 2024 |
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JUNE 2024 | June 10 - 14, 2024 |
FEBRUARY 2025 | February 24 - 28, 2025 |
JUNE 2025 | June 9 - 13, 2025 |
FEBRUARY 2026 | February 23 - 27, 2026 |
JUNE 2026 | June 8 - 12, 2026 |
Directions, Maps & Parking
Directions
Click here for directions to Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Surrey Campus.
Campus Maps
Parking
There will be free on-campus parking. As space is limited, we suggest that you carpool if possible. If you are unable to find parking onsite, free parking has been arranged at Newton Athletic Park located at 7395 - 128 Street.
Day of Convocation
When You Arrive
Graduands should proceed to the gowning rooms in the Cedar Building Conference Centre to sign-in and receive their gown and regalia. Only graduands are permitted in the gowning room.
Gowning rooms will be open 90 minutes before the ceremony, and all Graduands must be signed in and gowned 45 minutes before the start of the ceremony. Early arrival is recommended to avoid delays. Please plan ahead for potential weather and traffic delays.
The Gowning Room
In the gowning room, you will receive a ceremony card with your graduation number and your name. The card number designates your position in the processional and your name as it will be announced as you cross the stage. It is important that you keep this card with you at all times and do not crumple or crease the card. If you lose the card, please advise a staff member in a blue gown immediately.
After gowning you must report to the designated line-up area in the Convocation Hall, located in the Surrey Main Atrium 45 minutes before the start of the ceremony in order to assemble for the processional.
Graduates must return their gown to gowning room no later than 1 hour after the ceremony ends.
The Auditorium
There is no secured storage space available in the Auditorium (or Gowning Room), so it is recommended that your leave personal items such as purses and coats with your family/guests.
The Procession
For each ceremony, students will first assemble in the Convocation Hall, located in Surrey Main, in order to prepare for the procession. Forty-five minutes prior to the start time of the ceremony, the procession lines will have been formed, and the marshal will explain the procedure for the procession. Each procession line is led by a marshal to the Auditorium where you will be directed to your seats. Your position in the procession lines is decided by your required order of appearance when you cross the stage. You MUST therefore remain in your own line and in your original position in that line. Once the ceremony has completed, graduates remain in their places until a marshal directs the formation of a recession to leave the building.
Need Assistance?
Convocation volunteers, recognizable by their blue gowns, will be located throughout the campus to help guide you and offer any assistance you may require.