AT THE CEREMONY

Regalia and permitted attire

Concordia's academic regalia is comprised of a gown and hood.* These are loaned to you at no cost. You are responsible for returning the regalia at the conclusion of your ceremony at Place des Arts. Failure to return the regalia will result in a charge to you from our regalia provider, Gaspard, for the cost of the regalia.  

Graduates are asked not to carry flags, noisemakers or other objects with them across the stage at convocation.  

Concordia reserves the right to remove any articles from graduates that do not adhere to our official convocation regalia. 

* Certificate and diploma graduates will be provided a gown only, unless a previous degree was obtained from Concordia. First Nations, Inuit and Métis graduates are welcome to wear traditional regalia in addition to, or in lieu of Concordia regalia. Concordia-issued stoles are also permitted. 

Your marshalling card

Remember to bring the marshalling card you received at gown distribution! It tells you what time to arrive and the order of the graduates to ensure you receive the correct degree on stage.

A digital version of your marshaling card will be sent to you by email on November 27.

Before the ceremony starts

Please refer to the table below to determine what time you should arrive before your ceremony.

When you arrive at Place des Arts the marshals will place you in the correct sequence according to the number on your marshalling card.

If you did not get a gown or hood at gown distribution, staff on site at Place des Arts will assist you.

Etiquette during the ceremony

Here are some points that you might find nice-to-know:  

• This is a happy occasion - smile!
• Be on time, which means being early!
• Keep your marshaling card in hand until you are ready to cross the stage. You will need to present it immediately before crossing.
• Graduates and guests stay for the entire ceremony.
• Gowns do not close in the front so what you wear will show.
• Be considerate of the graduate following you on stage - ask your guests to keep their clapping to a respectful minimum.
• Please save items such as champagne, balloons, and noise makers for your post-convocation activities.
• Remember that the convocation venue does not accept purses, backpacks or other kinds of bags at their coat check.
• Use the coat check for jackets, coats, sweaters, umbrellas, etc. Show your marshalling card and avoid paying the $4 fee.
• Please don’t carry or wear flowers - leave these with your guests for later!
• Please make your childcare arrangements before the ceremony. There are NO childcare facilities at the venue.

How does the ceremony end?

The ceremony ends with brief remarks by the Chancellor. Next, the platform party — the members of the faculty, staff, Board and Senate — leave the stage and exit the hall.

Please stay seated until everyone has left the stage. A photographer on stage will then take a picture of all the graduates all together. They will provide directions about sitting or standing at that time. After the photo op, you may leave the hall. As you leave the hall, the convocation Marshals will direct you to the exits and to gown return.

After the ceremony: celebration!

Congratulations! You are now a Concordia alumnus!

Now is the time to take pictures and celebrate with your nearest and dearest! 

Please remember to return your gown before you leave - the gown supplier will bill you for the full value of the gown if it is not returned.

Don't forget to look for Concordia Stores selling Concordia University frames for your diploma!