Making the Most of Your Convocation

Embarking on the exhilarating journey towards convocation? Congratulations!  

For information about upcoming ceremonies, including schedules, dates and times, visit our convocation page.

When it comes to celebrating the culmination of your academic endeavors, 'the devil is in the details' as they say: all the little things can add up to make a big difference. Fear not! As you prepare to stride across the stage, we can help ensure you attend to every detail meticulously. From wardrobe essentials to logistical must-haves, we've curated the ultimate checklist to streamline your convocation preparations, leaving you free to savor every moment of this monumental occasion.

Preplanning

• Graduates need to arrive 90-minutes before their ceremony. Plan how long it will take you to get to the venue, find parking and get inside.
• Plan your wardrobe. It’s a special occasion, so wear something nice. Business casual to business dress is fairly common. You will be wearing a gown and stole (scarf) or hood, so consider what will be most comfortable to wear underneath.  
• Plan what you’re bringing with you.
• Think about how you want to celebrate after the ceremony? Will you head to campus for some photos?  Would you like to have lunch or dinner with your loved ones?
• Guests can consider pre-ordering flowers or shop online from our selection of diploma frames and other convocation gift items.

Arriving

Graduates:

• Say goodbye to your guests and head to the registration table to collect your name card.  
• Pick up your gown. If you pre-ordered your gown, it will be ready with your name on it. If not, you can order it on the spot for $65.
• Find your program and line up with your graduating class (our marshalls can help).
• Carefully follow instructions from any Fanshawe staff, faculty and Convocation ambassadors.

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For Guests  

• Before taking your seat, you may choose to pick-up flowers, explore diploma frames or alumni swag.
• Plan to be in your seat 15 minutes before the ceremony, to ensure a clear path for the graduate and platform procession.
• Get comfortable and get your camera ready to record your graduate’s big moment!  

Enjoy the day

• Approximately 10 minutes before the ceremony, graduates will begin the procession into the ceremony. Take in the moment to enjoy the day, look around and appreciate your accomplishments. This is a day to celebrate everything you have achieved during your time at Fanshawe. 
• Take in the amazing remarks from the platform party and the guest speaker. 
• Enjoy your moment crossing the stage and don’t forget to smile! (Enthusiasm is always welcome!) 
• Return to your seat and continue to respectfully cheer for your fellow graduates crossing the stage. 
• Listen to the closing remarks and information about Alumni Perks now that your are part of our alumni association. 

Following your ceremony 

• As you head out onto the concourse, it will be busy.
• Graduates and guests can then take pictures with classmates, family and loved ones.
• Grads and guests may also head outside to take photos with their gowns and credentials. 
  • Please note: once graduates and guests leave the building, they will not be allowed re-entry.
• Graduates are asked to return their gown and scarf/stole or hood within one hour of the conclusion of their ceremony.
  • Please note: if your gown is not returned, your card on file with Gaspard may be charged.

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Sharing everything on social!  

• Make use of Fanshawe’s Convocation gifs!
• Tag @fanshawecollege and @fanshawealumni
• Hashtags #FanshaweForever #FanshaweGrad26 

After Convocation

• Welcome to the Fanshawe College Alumni Association! You're officially one of our hundreds of thousands of successful alumni now! Sign-up for your Fanshawe Alumni Perks!  
• Follow Fanshawe Alumni on Facebook, X and Instagram

• Share your accomplishment on LinkedIn!  
• Take advantage of your 10% discount for continuing education courses and microcredentials.
• Make use of Employment and Student Entrepreneurial Services as you look for that first job post grad.  
• Most importantly, remember you are a part of Fanshawe Forever!