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Information for graduates

Did you know?

Graduation and convocation are different. Graduation is the official recognition that you have completed all your program requirements and are entitled to claim the credential you have earned. Convocation is the ceremony where the chair of the Board of Governors confers your degree.

Attending convocation is optional for our grads—so applying to graduate does not automatically register you to attend convocation. To have your name and credential announced during the presentation of degrees, you must register before the deadline of May 31, 2023.

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Important Dates

April 30, 2023 – Deadline to apply for graduation in June. All final grades must be received by the Office of the Registrar, and all program requirements must be completed by this date.

May 31, 2023 – Deadline to register for Convocation 2023

June 15-17, 2023 – Convocation 2023! View the schedule of events for details

Register for convocation

To have your name and credential announced during the degree presentation, you must register before May 31 at 11:59 p.m. (Mountain). Production of a hybrid ceremony is a complex process therefore late registrations will not be accepted.

You will need your student ID number and the primary email address on file in your MyAU account to register.

A confirmation email will be sent upon successful completion of your online registration. Please verify that all information is correct.

Register for Convocation 2023

Choose how you will participate

In person

Celebrate your degree with your fellow graduates. You will be part of the procession, walk across the stage during the ceremony, and confer your degree in front of your family and friends. 

Plan to arrive at the Edmonton EXPO Centre 90 minutes prior to your ceremony to check in, gown up, and line up for the convocation ceremony.

Virtually

Grads attending virtually will experience AU's one-of-a-kind virtual 'cross the stage' moment. You will be provided with a specific time during your ceremony to join a Microsoft Teams call where you will be grouped with others graduating virtually from your faculty. Expect to spend 30 minutes on this call.

Call details and instructions will be sent to you in June after registration has closed and before the week of the ceremony.

Friends and family

Guests are welcome to attend your ceremony in-person or watch it live on AU’s website from anywhere. Tickets are not required and there is no limit on the number of guests. Seating is first come, first serve and will be open 90 minutes prior to the ceremony.

Things you need to know about Convocation 2023

Whether you choose to participate in convocation or not, all eligible graduands who have applied to graduate will receive a curated grad box containing everything you need to celebrate convocation. Your grad box will be mailed in May via Canada Post to the address listed in your MyAU account. To prevent delays, please ensure your address is up to date.

As part of Athabasca University's graduation regalia, graduands are required to wear gowns, hoods, caps, and tassels for our in-person convocation ceremonies. The cap and tassel are included in the grad box sent out to all graduands.

Graduands attending in-person

For the ceremony, you will receive a complimentary rental gown and hood to wear. When you complete your registration for convocation, a gown and corresponding program hood will be reserved for you and waiting in the gowning area before your ceremony. If you wish, you will have the option to purchase a hood following the ceremony. While the gown covers most of your clothing, your collar, legs, and feet will be visible when crossing the stage to receive your degree.

Please remember to bring and wear the cap and tassel included in your grad box.

Graduands attending virtually

We recommend wearing a plain black shirt or suit along with your cap and tassel.

You also have the option to purchase a program hood before May 31 if you prefer to wear and keep your own. We cannot guarantee delivery prior to convocation if purchased after this date.

The Office of the Registrar mails your parchment on, or shortly after, the graduation date provided in your confirmation letter. 

Your name, as it is recorded on your student academic record, will be displayed on the parchment. If you have recently changed your name, or would like to make changes to what we have recorded on your student file, you must officially notify the Office of the Registrar by completing and submitting the Student Change of Information form.

GradPhotos.ca is the official photographer for Athabasca University. You may visit their studio in Edmonton, Alta. any time of year for a photo in the official AU cap, gown, and hood for your degree. They will also be available at the Edmonton EXPO Centre to take photos on convocation day.

Alternatively, you can visit other professional photographers who offer grad photos in other locations. 

Ceremony photos

Professional photographers will take photos during the event, including photos of each graduate being recognized as they cross the stage. You will be able to download these event photos for free shortly after the ceremony.

Portraits

Book an appointment for a grad photo session at the Edmonton EXPO Centre before or after your convocation ceremony. You may choose to purchase either an individual or a family photo session; both include wearing the official Athabasca University graduation attire. 

Centrally located in downtown Edmonton, the Courtyard Marriott Edmonton Downtown and The Westin Edmonton are our preferred hotels with special rates. Both hotels are a short drive or quick light rail transit (LRT) ride away from the Edmonton EXPO Centre and offer access to Edmonton’s river valley, 4th street promenade, and more!

Use the links below to book a room directly. Rates are based on double occupancy. If you require a room that accommodates more people, the hotel's standard rate will apply.

Details about recommended hotels in Edmonton

Courtyard Marriott Edmonton Downtown
One Thornton Court
99 Street and Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5J 2E7

Rate: $169 plus applicable taxes
Booking deadline:
May 14, 2023

The Westin Edmonton
10135 100 Street NW
Edmonton, AB  T5J 0N7

Rate: $179 plus applicable taxes
Booking deadline: May 15, 2023

 

Parchment frames, rings, clothing, gifts and other AU merchandise can all be found at the AU Store.

Helpful links and resources:

  • Graduation Portraits

 Become a Fan and share your convocation experience.

Updated May 18, 2023 by Digital & Web Operations, University Relations (web_services@athabascau.ca)

https://www.athabascau.ca/convocation/ fb815f030a2a3a11238f16c42519c7e2
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