Convocation 2023 FAQ

Convocation is like a week away! How is that even possible? Graduation is a mixed bag of feelings—excitement, confusion, nostalgia, apprehension—and we know that you have a lot of questions on your mind.

We put together this little FAQ to help answer some of your most pressing questions and concerns. If you still need clarification or are looking for something not included in our FAQ, please refer to ontariotechu.ca/convocation or email convocation@ontariotechu.ca.

CONGRATULATIONS on your big achievement! This is a huge accomplishment — we’re so proud of you!

How do I get my 2 guaranteed tickets for Convocation?

You must register to attend Convocation through the Marching Order website. Once you’ve registered you’ll be sent your tickets electronically. The university has sent this information to your student email address, so please see their email for instructions. Although the deadline to be guaranteed two tickets was on May 17,  you may still have time to get your tickets by registering for Convocationton. Unfornuatley there are no tickets guaranteed for anyone just registering now. Please note that you must register for Convocation and Graduation seperately.

When or how will we know if there are extra tickets available for graduation?

Once you’ve registered on the Marching Order website, you will be directed to a form where you can request additional tickets. You then will be placed on a waitlist. After May 17, the university will determine how much extra space is available and begin releasing extra tickets to students based on the waitlist and availability. Extra tickets will also be emailed electronically and processed in order of the waitlist.

Please be advised that the size of the graduating faculty determines how much extra space is available (i.e. Engineering has a larger graduating class, therefore they will have less seats available compared to other facilities).

Is there overflow seating in the gym or in Shawenjigewining Hall?

Unfortunately there is no overflow seating. The receptions will take place in Shawenjigewining Hall after the ceremony and it has a similar capacity to the Convocation tent.

Where will convocation take place?

Convocation is under a large tent set up on Polonsky Commons. The tent itself is sheltered, but the surrouding space is open air.

When should guests arrive, and how long will the ceremony be?

Guests should arrive with ample to find parking and find their seat at least 10 minutes prior to the start of ceremonies. The length of ceremony depends on the number of people graduating, but there is a 4.5 hour window of time between the morning and the afternoon ceremonies. Last year, most ceremonies and receptions lasted about three to three and a half hours.

Do children need their own ticket?

Any children over the age of 2 needs their own seat and so are required to have a ticket.

Will the graduation ceremony be live streamed for those who cannot attend?

Yes. All ceremonies will be streamed live at ontariotechu.ca/convocation. Following the ceremonies, all the video links will be placed on this page and can be watched and downloaded afterward. This information will be sent again to graduating students’ Ontario Tech emails a couple days before Convocation as a last minute reminder.

Can we keep our cap and gown?
You can keep the cap, but the gown and hood are university property and must be returned.

How can I get my class composite photo?

The OTSU will have a table set up each day in Shawenjigewining Hall before and after Convocation for grads who have taken their photos with our partner at Lassman Studios. You must have taken your grad photo with them prior to May 12 and opted in to be included in your faculty composite.

Where can I pick up my composite if I cannot attend Convocation?

If you do not attend Convocation or are unable to pick it up during the Convocation ceremonies, you can drop by our office in Shawenjigewining Hall anytime during office hours, or have someone pick it up on your behalf.

If you would like to have someone pick up your composite on your behalf, you must email otsu@ontariotechu.ca to notify our staff of who and when will pick it up on your behalf.

Please note that we only store composites until the end of the calendar year.

Can I get a grad photo taken on the day of my Convocation ceremony?

While Lassman studios won't be doing grad photos on site, the university has Grad Images who will be taking professional pics of grads, which will be available for purchase. They will take a photo of grads crossing the stage (when they shake hands) and then just off stage when they get their parchment. Grad Images will have all of the graduates' emails and addresses to send them digital or print proofs should they wish to purchase any.

As always, you are welcome to take your photo with us in the fall and winter semesters, or, if you require a quick turnaround photo taken by Lassman, please email questions@lassmanstudios.com who can arrange a time for you to take one at their off-campus location.

Good luck, and congrats again!

💙 The OTSU