Pembroke Campus Convocation FAQs

FAQ: Important Information for Graduates

As a graduate, what will my experience be?

This experience will be very similar to the traditional Convocation experiences you may have seen or attended in the past. You will arrive at the Convocation venue in advance of the ceremony time with your guests. You will be directed to the area where you retrieve your graduation gown and other information. Your guests will be directed to the seating area. You will then line up and get ready to be seated in the main Convocation area with your classmates. You will hear your name and program called, and you will cross the stage. Once over the stage, you will be directed backstage to have your graduate photo taken. After you have your photo taken, you will receive your graduate packet. You will then be directed back to your seat to observe the rest of the Convocation ceremony.

Where can I find an agenda and ceremony specific information for the Pembroke Campus Convocation Day activities?

A detailed agenda is available here: Pembroke Convocation Agenda.

Do I need to register to attend Convocation?

Yes. All graduates are required to register online. At the time of registration, graduates will let the college know how many guests they anticipate bringing to the ceremony. Graduates can register online by clicking the link here: Convocation Registration.

How do I know if I am graduating?

All graduates will receive information via e-mail (please check all email addresses you have given Algonquin College on ACSIS) once their graduate status has been confirmed. Alternatively, graduated statues may be viewed on your ACSIS account by choosing “View GPA” and historic transcript.

Have you successfully completed all courses in your program of study? It is your responsibility to ensure that you have met the academic requirements to graduate. Processing of course exemptions, finalizing incomplete grades and any other outstanding issues have to be completed before you will be eligible to receive your credential.

Do you have any financial encumbrances?

Outstanding financial obligations to the College (fees owing, parking fines, emergency loans, etc.) must be paid in full prior to your Convocation Ceremony or your Diploma/Certificate will be withheld. Your financial record can be checked through ACSIS.

How do I get my credentials? (diploma/certificate, etc.)?

The Registrar’s Office will confirm your graduation status as soon as all final grades are received. Algonquin College credentials will be distributed only when your graduated status is complete.

Students who graduated from the 2024 Spring term (finished in August/September 2024) would have had their credentials mailed to them in the fall of 2024.

Those who graduated in the 2024 Fall term (finished in December 2024) had their credentials mailed to them in early 2025.

Students who are graduating in the 2025 Winter term (finished in April/May 2025) will have the opportunity to pick up their credential at the Ceremony in June. After the ceremony, all credentials that were not picked up will be mailed to the graduates.

If your mailing address has changed, please update it in ACSIS (student portal) or contact the Registrar’s Office with your updated address.

Do I need to submit an application to graduate?

If you are a full-time student you will have paid a “graduation fee” as part of your tuition. There is no need to submit an application.

If you are a Continuing Education or part-time AC Online student, you must submit a request to graduate through your ACSIS account, and pay the Application to Graduate fee. Click here for more information on this process.

I am an international student and want to invite my family to my Convocation. What do I need to do?

We encourage you to visit the Ottawa Campus Convocation FAQ page for full details provided by the International Education Centre for our international graduates. Click here for details.

Please be advised that the Pembroke Campus of Algonquin College, as well as the IEC, does not prepare invitation letters or letters that include information about the Convocation Ceremony. This is information that you can include in the invitation letter that you write yourself and provide to your family member(s) or friend(s).

I am a graduate of Indigenous heritage. Can I wear regalia that is reflective of this heritage?

Algonquin College offers red Indigenous Graduation Stoles that feature the four colours of the medicine wheel, which is relevant to many First Nations groups across Turtle Island. The infinity symbol represents the Métis, and the inukshuk represents the Inuit.

If you would like to cross the stage wearing a red Indigenous Graduation Stole, please request one when you register for the ceremony. If you forget to request, we may still be able to accommodate you when you arrive. Ask to borrow a red Indigenous Graduation stole when you check in at the gown room area.

Can I bring my own regalia or adornments to wear with my gown?

Additional regalia is not permitted during the convocation ceremony. Convocation is a momentous occasion that symbolizes academic achievements, and graduating students are provided with a stole and gown representing Algonquin College’s academic dress. (For Pembroke Campus BScN graduates, we have Ottawa U Regalia that you can borrow to wear).

We kindly ask that no additional regalia such as sashes, stoles, signs, pins, hats, sports team items, flags, or any other external affiliations be displayed on the regalia during the convocation ceremony. This is to ensure that all participants feel equally represented and respected during this collective celebration of academic accomplishment.

However, in alignment with common practices at other institutions and our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, Indigenous graduates are permitted to wear traditional Indigenous attire or regalia in lieu of a gown. This exception is meant to celebrate and honor the cultural heritage and contributions of Indigenous students.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in upholding the College’s values during the convocation ceremony. By adhering to the regalia guidelines, we can ensure that this occasion remains a meaningful and inclusive experience for all participants.