Information for graduates

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

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Congratulations to all graduates on your academic success!

Prepare for your Convocation ceremony:

1. Apply to graduate

Students must complete the application to graduate to initiate the degree audit process. This step is a requirement regardless of your intent to attend convocation.

2. Book graduation photos

Capture your time at Ontario Tech with professional graduation photos. The graduation photo service is organized by the Ontario Tech Student Union (OTSU). Visit the OTSU grad photos website for up-to-date information, FAQs and to book your session.

3. Check the Convocation schedule

Ceremonies are faculty-specific. Check the schedule to confirm the day and time of your ceremony and save the date.

4. Register to attend your ceremony

Students who have applied to graduate will receive an email from MarchingOrder on behalf of the university to register for Convocation. You will be prompted to register to attend, provide the phonetic pronunciation of your name and reserve your guest tickets. Returning users may login in at ontariotechu.marchingorder.com

5. Rent a gown

Graduates are required to order a gown through Gaspard to participate in the ceremony. Visit the Gaspard regalia rental website. An advance rental fee of $37 or an on-site rental fee of $50 will apply.

Dress code: While there is no official dress code, comfortable, professional attire under the gown is recommended. Graduates might be standing for some time while waiting for the procession; we suggest you wear comfortable shoes.

6. Bring your mask

Masks are required while inside all university buildings.

Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear their masks during outdoor Convocation-related activities because physical distancing during the day’s events cannot be guaranteed.

For more details, see Do I need to wear a mask?

7. Arrive 90 minutes prior to the start of your Convocation ceremony

Arrive at the Science Building, West Atrium. Graduates are required to arrive early to check-in, pick up regalia and line up for the procession. Graduates must have their student ID or government-issued ID to present at check-in to receive a participation card and receive the degree parchment.

8. Ceremony duration

The duration of each convocation ceremony is approximately two hours. Out of respect for all ceremony attendees, graduates and their guests are expected to remain for the entire ceremony.

9. Attend the reception

Ontario Tech Alumni Association looks forward to celebrating you, alongside members of your faculty at the reception. Receptions will begin immediately following the ceremony at Shawenjigewining Hall. Snap some pictures and introduce your guests to classmates and professors.

10. Return your rented gown

Return your gown to the Science Building within one hour of the end of your ceremony. Gaspard will charge students for goods not returned or goods returned damaged.