Frequently asked questions

Yes. You will receive an email from noreply@tassel.com on or after September 9, 2025 with instructions on how to register.

We recommend business attire and comfortable shoes, as you will be standing for a significant amount of time. A ceremonial black gown will be provided to wear over your clothing. Please keep in mind that the gown can be warm, so dress accordingly. Graduates are not permitted to carry items such as flowers, flags, or signs when crossing the stage.

Graduates will reserve a gown through Tassel when they confirm their attendance. Graduates will not be permitted to cross the stage without a gown.

Bingemans Conference Centre is located at 425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener, ON, N2B 3X7. Please note: There are many entrances to the Bingemans property. Be sure to take the street directly across from Waterloo Brewing. Follow the street all the way down the hill to Marshall Hall.  

Graduates should arrive 1 hour and 15 minutes before their designated ceremony time. It is especially important to allow travel time to arrive within the registration period. If you do not register on time, you will not be able to sit with your classmates or join the ceremony until after all graduates have crossed the stage.

You will not be able to sit with your classmates or join the ceremony until all graduates have crossed the stage. Late grads will be seated in a separate room where they can watch the ceremony via TV.

Your ONE Card or photo ID is mandatory to receive your registration card and document. Coats, bags, or other items can be left at coat check or with your guests.

You will receive your graduate document after you have crossed the stage. Any documents not picked up will be mailed immediately following the convocation ceremony. Make sure your address is always kept up to date on the Student Portal.  

A preferred first name, if indicated in the Student Portal, is used on your registration card, the in-ceremony display screen, and in the digital program. We are unable to change a preferred last name unless it is the result of a legal name change.

When you indicate your attendance on Tassel, you will have an opportunity to specify that you require special accommodation. Closer to your ceremony date, a member of our team will email you to confirm your accessibility requests and provide contact information for assistance upon your arrival, ensuring a smooth convocation. Please note: our venues are wheelchair accessible.

When you indicate your attendance on Tassel, you will have an opportunity to specify that your guest requires special accommodation. Closer to your ceremony date, a member of our team will email you to confirm your guest's accessibility requests and provide instructions for what to do upon arrival. Please note: our venues are wheelchair accessible.

Graduates are permitted to bring two guests. Guests do not require a ticket and are encouraged to arrive early to be seated before the ceremony, as seating is not reserved. After the ceremony begins, seating is not guaranteed in Marshall Hall.

No, tickets are not required. Graduates are permitted to bring two guests. Guests do not require a ticket and are encouraged to arrive early to be seated before the ceremony, as seating is not reserved. After the ceremony begins, seating is not guaranteed in Marshall Hall.

Children are welcome at the ceremony but must always remain with guests who can care for them until the event is over. Graduates will be seated together in the front section of the hall and children will not be permitted to sit among them nor cross the stage.

Conestoga does not provide Letters of Invitation. This is the responsibility of the individual inviting guests to Canada. For guidance on writing a Letter of Invitation, please refer to Letter of invitation for visitors to Canada.                      

Convocation Letters are available to students who have already achieved graduate status on their student record. You can download this letter from the Student Portal by navigating to: Services tab > Print a Letter > International Convocation Letter.                      

If you are currently studying, you may use the Currently Enrolled Letter, which includes your program end date. You can download this letter from the Student Portal by navigating to: Student Portal > Services tab > Print a Letter.    

Graduates can only cross the stage once per ceremony. When both programs are scheduled within the same ceremony, a graduate must choose one program with which they will cross the stage. Where programs are scheduled during two different ceremonies, graduates can choose to attend both.

Students who are unable to attend their scheduled ceremony cannot defer to a future ceremony               

Due to the planning, scheduling and software used, graduates are only permitted to attend their designated ceremony. Each ceremony is livestreamed and recorded.               

Any documents not picked up will be mailed immediately following the convocation ceremony. Make sure your address is always kept up to date on the Student Portal.      

Yes, there is a livestream available.  

The program is a digital book in PDF format and will be available on the Convocation home page the first day of Convocation week.  

Graduates who have outstanding fees can still participate in the ceremony, but will not receive their document until the fees are paid. You can check your financial record through the 'Financial' tab in the Student Portal.  

The ceremony portion of the event will last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and graduates are expected to remain for the duration of the ceremony.

Graduates and guests are invited to attend the reception immediately following the ceremony.

If you are in a full-time program, there are no additional costs. The convocation fee is part of the tuition fees you have already paid.      

If you are in a part-time Ontario College certificate or diploma program, you are required to pay the Application to Graduate fee.     

Immediately following the ceremony, graduates and guests are invited to a casual reception located just a short walk across the parking lot in a separate building on the Bingemans property. This is a great opportunity to celebrate, take photos and enjoy complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Please note that the reception does not include a meal.

You do not need to apply to graduate if you are a full-time student finishing your final academic level.      

If you are in a part-time program, finishing your final course and wish to graduate, you must complete an Application to Graduate prior to the graduate status deadline. The form can be found in the Student Portal, under the "Services" tab. Then select the "My Forms" button.

If your status is Special Timetable, you must advise your Enrolment Officer when you are nearing completion of your final course.

Note: If you are currently taking an OntarioLearn course, please email ConvocationQuestions@conestogac.on.ca. Final grades for these courses must be received by the graduate status deadline to be eligible to graduate in the upcoming ceremony.

If you have additional questions, please email ConvocationQuestions@conestogac.on.ca.  

Graduates who have achieved High Distinction and President's Honour List are denoted in the program. Graduates who have achieved Conestoga Honour List, Distinction, High Distinction and President's Honour List will have their award displayed on screen during the ceremony as they cross the stage.      

Visit Academic recognition for more information about our Honours Procedure and how your award is recognized.      

At convocation, a photographer will take a picture of each graduate on stage after they receive their liripipe or hood. Approximately two weeks after convocation, students can visit the Convocation web page to find their photo, create an account, and make a purchase.

Portrait sittings are also offered during Convocation week. These sittings are private, by appointment only, and will take place at the Kitchener – Doon campus. Other dates may be added based on demand for this service. For more information, or to make an appointment, visit mygradphotosconestoga.com.  

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, on-site first aid personnel and a Lost and Found station are available. For safety reasons, the following items are not permitted: banners, flags, noisemakers, food and drink, animals (except service animals), projectiles, or any item deemed hazardous or disruptive by management.

Graduates are expected to uphold a respectful and celebratory atmosphere during the ceremony. To ensure a smooth experience for all, the following actions are not permitted when crossing the stage:    

• Carrying personal items such as flowers, bags, or signs
• Bringing children or guests on stage
• Engaging in disruptive behaviour, including taking selfies or using props like confetti or projectiles
• Making remarks from the stage, such as shouting or using slogans

Graduates who do not follow these guidelines will not receive their credential on stage. Instead, their degree, diploma, or certificate will be mailed to them after the ceremony.  

Graduates and guests are welcome to capture special moments using cameras or recording devices. However, we kindly ask that everyone remain seated during the ceremony to avoid obstructing the view of others.

Whether you're visiting from out of town or planning a celebration after the ceremony, Kitchener-Waterloo offers a wide range of excellent accommodations and dining options. Explore Waterloo Region.        

The Bingemans venue opens to graduates and guests 1 hour and 15 minutes before the ceremony. Marshall Hall, where the ceremony takes place, will open to guests at least 45 minutes prior to the start time, allowing staff to prepare the space for a comfortable experience.

As a new member of Conestoga's alumni community, you join a global network of over 225,000 graduates. Stay engaged through career services, professional development, events, and exclusive alumni benefits. Be sure to register for your alumni account, update your contact information, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn, and use #ConestogaAlumni to share your journey. Watch Stay Connected After Graduation and visit Alumni to learn more.  

Congratulations! To support your transition from student life to the alumni community, we've developed the Grad Launch resource guide. To access it, create your alumni account.    

• Students completing programs in December 2025 will be invited to the Winter 2026 Convocation the week of March 2-6, 2026.
• Students completing programs in April 2026 will be invited to the Spring 2026 Convocation the week of June 22-26, 2026.
• Students completing programs in August 2026 will be invited to the Fall 2026 Convocation the week of October 26-30, 2026.

You can ask Cliffy using the chat feature in the bottom right corner of this screen, or email ConvocationQuestions@conestogac.on.ca for more information.