Convocation at AU
Everything you need to know about your big day is shared below. Be sure to review it carefully so you’re fully prepared to celebrate this special milestone!
Important dates
March 2, 2026 – Registration for convocation opens. Eligible graduates will receive an email with a link to the online form, and registration links are added to the convocation website.
April 30, 2026 – Deadline to apply to graduate and qualify to participate in Convocation 2026. All grades and program requirements must be finalized by this date.
May 31, 2026 – Registration for Convocation 2026 closes at 11:59 p.m. (Mountain).
June 11 and 12, 2026 – Convocation ceremonies in Athabasca, Alberta.
Did you know?
Graduation means you’ve completed your program and officially earned your credential.
Convocation is the ceremony where your degree is formally conferred by the Chair of the Board of Governors.
Applying to graduate does not automatically register you for convocation. Once registration opens on March 2, 2026, you must complete the registration form by May 31, 2026, to have your name and credential announced during the ceremony.
Location
Athabasca University’s Convocation 2026 will take place in our home community of Athabasca, Alberta. Convocation ceremonies will be held at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex, followed by celebrations and activities on the Athabasca University campus.
| Athabasca Regional Multiplex 2 University Dr, Athabasca, AB T9S 0A3 | Athabasca University 1 University Dr, Athabasca, AB T9S 0A3 |
Ceremony schedule
| Thursday, June 11 | Friday, June 12 |
|---|---|
| Faculty of Health Disciplines | Faculty of Business Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences |
Not sure which faculty you belong to? Find my faculty.
Day-of schedule
All times listed in Mountain.
| Time | Activity | Place |
|---|---|---|
| 8 a.m. | Shuttles depart from Edmonton host hotels | Edmonton |
| 9 a.m. | Doors open for graduand check-in, regalia pickup, gowning, and breakfast for graduands and guests, portrait sessions available. Graduands are encouraged to arrive by 10 a.m. | Athabasca Regional Multiplex |
| 11 a.m. | Graduand orientation Ceremony hall opens (first-come, first-served seating) | Athabasca Regional Multiplex |
| 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Convocation 2026 ceremony | Athabasca Regional Multiplex |
| 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Lunch for graduates and guests, portrait sessions continue | Athabasca Regional Multiplex |
| 1:30 – 4 p.m. | Campus celebration: faculty booths, live music, food trucks, games, kids’ activities | AU Campus |
| 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Faculty meet-and-greet | Athabasca University Academic and Research Centre (ARC) |
| 4 p.m. | Shuttles depart from Athabasca | Athabasca Regional Multiplex |
| 6 p.m. | Arrival at Edmonton host hotels | Edmonton |
Accommodations
Athabasca University has arranged preferred rates at the following partner hotels in Edmonton, Alberta.
These hotels are also the designated pick-up and drop-off locations for convocation transportation.
| Hotel | Description | Address | Rate | Reservations | Booking deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renaissance Edmonton Airport Hotel | Ideal for those flying into Edmonton or driving from southern Alberta. Parking available onsite for a fee. | 4236 36 St E, Edmonton International Airport, AB T9E 0V4 | $229 CAN per night | Book online | 5 p.m. on May 13, 2026* *Rooms often sell out quickly. Book early! |
| DoubleTree by Hilton West Edmonton | Conveniently located on the west side of Edmonton with free parking. | 16615 109 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5P 4K8 | $187 CAN per night | Book online or call hotel directly at 780-484-0821 or Toll Free at 1-855-610-8733 | May 8, 2026 |
| Home2 Suites by Hilton West Edmonton | An affordable option located across the parking lot from the DoubleTree on the west side of Edmonton | 16615 109 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5P 4K8 | $169 CAN per night | Book online or call hotel directly at 780-484-0821 or Toll Free at 1-855-610-8733 | May 8, 2026 |
Additional options are available through Visit Athabasca.
Free RV parking is available at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex.
Getting to Athabasca
Optional, complimentary bus transportation will be available from our host hotel locations to help graduates and their guests travel from Edmonton to Athabasca and back.
When completing your convocation registration, please indicate whether you require transportation and how many guests will be travelling with you. This helps us ensure everyone has a comfortable ride.
You do not need to stay at one of the host hotels to use the shuttle service—parking is available at both departure locations.
Prefer to drive yourself? Enjoy a scenic countryside route with plenty of free parking available at both the Athabasca Regional Multiplex and the Athabasca University campus.
Register for Convocation 2026
To have your name and credential announced during the degree presentation, you must register for convocation before 11:59 p.m. (Mountain) on May 31, 2026. Late registrations will not be accepted.
Registration will open on March 2, 2026 and close on May 31, 2026. Eligible graduates will be contacted when registration opens.
For more information on the graduation procedure, including how to apply to graduate, see the University Calendar.
Convocation in absentia
Graduating in absentia means you will receive your credential without attending the ceremony in person.
You can register to have your name and degree featured in a pre-produced video, which will be shared on the convocation website on convocation day. This presentation— while not live—allows you and your loved ones to celebrate at a time that works best for you.
Read the frequently asked questions to learn more about AU convocation proceedings.
Guests
Convocation is a celebration for the whole family, and we want every graduate and guest to feel welcome and comfortable throughout the day.
During registration, graduates are asked to indicate the number of guests attending to help us manage venue capacity and seating. To ensure every graduate has the opportunity to bring guests, we ask that you limit your party to a maximum of 5 guests. Lap-sitting infants and toddlers do not count toward this limit.
If you wish to invite additional family or friends, they are welcome to enjoy the ceremony from our overflow viewing area located in the dining hall.
Seating in the main ceremony hall is first-come, first-served. All in-person ceremonies will also be livestreamed on the convocation website so loved ones near and far can share in the celebration.
Please note: only eligible graduates are permitted to sit with the graduating class and cross the stage.
Things you need to know about Convocation 2026
Your convocation regalia represents both your academic achievement and the proud tradition of Athabasca University.
Graduands are required to wear a gown, hood, cap, and tassel during the ceremony. Your complimentary rental gown and hood will be available for pickup onsite at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex on your ceremony day.
Please remember to bring the cap and tassel included in your grad package.
The degree you hold is reflected by the colour of the lining or trim on your hood, following academic tradition. Graduands from certificate or diploma programs wear a standard plain black gown with a black cap and tassel.
Whether you choose to participate in convocation or not, all eligible graduands who have applied to graduate will receive a grad package with a cap and tassel, and mementos from AU. Your grad package will be mailed in March via Canada Post to the address listed in your MyAU account. To prevent delays, please ensure your address is up to date.
GradPhotos.ca is the official photographer for Athabasca University and will be available onsite at convocation for portraits. Convocation day sessions will be available to book soon! Stay tuned!
You may book an appointment at any time of year to visit their studio in Edmonton, Alberta, for a photo session in the official AU cap, gown, and hood for your degree.
Most photography studios in your area that offer graduation portraits will have regalia available for use. Convocation hoods are available for purchase.
The Office of the Registrar mails your parchment 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 your 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.
If you attend convocation in person, you will be presented with a congratulatory letter from AU as you cross the stage. Please do not bring your parchment with you.
Questions?
Check out the frequently asked questions or reach out to the convocation team. We'd be happy to help!
Helpful links and resources:
Updated February 02, 2026 by Digital & Web Operations, University Relations (web_services@athabascau.ca)