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Cap and gown

Handling convocation with grace and style
May 16, 2011
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By Naila Jinnah


So it’s time to graduate from Concordia University. Congratulations! But before you raise a metaphorical glass to your educational freedom, here are some things I wish I had known about the convocation ceremony.

It’s long. Most convocation ceremonies last about two hours. You have to be there an hour early and, yes, stay for the whole thing. Suggestion? Go to the washroom before it’s time to line up to enter the hall. Also, you won’t be sitting near your friends and family. Graduates all sit together, in alphabetical order by major, to facilitate the process of getting up on stage and receiving your diploma (finally).

And, if sitting in the right order doesn’t make things easy enough, ushers guide graduates throughout the ceremony. When you hear your name on the loudspeakers, you’ll know it’s your time to shine. Your 15 seconds of fame (or less!) will be shown on big screens around the hall, so don’t fret: Grandma and Grandpa won’t miss a thing. Plus, a professional photographer will capture your walk across the stage, so Mom and Dad can simply sit back and enjoy your golden moment. An email will be sent out after the ceremony with instructions on how to get that professional shot. If your family isn't able to make it to your convocation, don't worry, they'll still be able to see your big moment: There will be live webcasts of all the ceremonies.

Expect a lot emails with instructions and reminders; the first have already been sent and more are on the way. Don’t forget to pick out your cap and gown in advance, along with your marshalling card. That card is the single most important thing to bring to convocation. It is your ticket in and tells you when you’re supposed to show up and where you’re supposed to line up. Guests don’t need to purchase tickets to attend the ceremony but seating is first-come, first-served. The general guideline is to limit guests to four. You will also have to clear any outstanding fees on your student account before you can confirm your attendance at convocation.

The writer at her convocation.
Naila Jinnah at her convocation in 2008.

Make sure you wear comfortable shoes so that you don’t trip while on stage. Your gown will remain open, so dress accordingly. Since you will have picked it up in advance, you’ll have plenty of time to test out every single outfit in your closet, and a few in the shops too. It is also worth noting that you will not be able to carry around a purse or backpack — leave it with your guests for the duration of the ceremony.

It’s a good idea to keep your cellphone on you to gather guests and friends after the ceremony. The lobby will be swarming with people, finding family members and giving school friends one last hug. Just make sure you turn off your ringer. And I mean a full power off or silent mode. Can you imagine your hip vibrating as your name is called? 

Be warned! The ceremony will take place in an air-conditioned room, and your gown won’t keep you warm. Ladies, if you’re wearing a dress, your legs may get chilly. Men, please don’t pair socks and sandals. While your outfit does not have to be semi-formal, it should be clean and smart. Remember that it may be warm outside, where many families gather post-ceremony to take additional pictures and enjoy a complimentary vin d’honneur.

All in all, my convocation was an unforgettable experience. Now that you have the scoop, I’m sure your big moment will be just perfect. And don’t forget to stay in touch with your alma mater — you are now officially part of an international group of well-connected alumni. Check out your new benefits at Alumni Relations. Even if you’re returning home to elsewhere in Canada, the United States or abroad, with your degree in hand, you can hook up with a local chapter of alumni.

Naila Jinnah is the current president of the Concordia University Alumni Association’s Journalism Chapter. She graduated from Concordia University’s Specialization program in Journalism in 2008.

Related links:
•  Convocation
•  Alumni Relations

 



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