Convocation

You’ve worked hard for this, and we want to make sure you feel prepared for your big day!

Here is everything you’ll need to know about Convocation.

IMPORTANT INFO:  

• If you are on track to graduate, invites will be sent from the Registrar’s Office to your NLC email between Apr 30 – May 6. RSVP before the deadline using the link that is in your invite. This is mandatory to ensure that you get a gown and guest tickets.
• Due to our venue’s fire code regulations, we are limiting guest tickets to two per graduate.
• Extra Tickets: Guests without tickets can queue at the venue's designated area and any extra tickets will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. 
• Please note that tickets are non-transferable and must be picked up by the graduate who reserved them.
• The Convocation ceremony is roughly 2.5 hours. If you cannot commit to participating in the ceremony for this length of time, we kindly ask that you not attend. It is very distracting to have people leaving throughout the ceremony.

Getting Ready:

• Look your best. Wear comfy shoes, a nice outfit, and eat a good meal before you go.
• If you’re traveling from out of town, make sure you know how long it will take so you can arrive in time to get your gown.
• If you plan to stay in Slave Lake for the night, we recommend booking a hotel as soon as possible.

Arrival at the Slave Lake Multi-Rec Centre:

• Plan to arrive between 9 am and 11 am, with enough time to get your gown, have your photos taken (optional), and be ready for the mandatory rehearsal at noon. From rehearsal you will be taken in your line-ups to the ceremony at 1pm.
• When you arrive, follow the signs leading to the Fieldhouse Arena.
• Visit the gown table first. You will be given the following:
  • Grad gown sized by height. Must be returned to the same location after the ceremony.
  • Grad cap and stole – Yours to keep!
  • Name card. Please bring this with you during the ceremony when you come up to the stage for your scroll.
  • Guest tickets: If you requested 1 or 2 guest tickets when you RSVP’d, these will be given to you now. Give them to your guests.
• The Gown Table will start to close at 11:45. If you arrive after 11:45, you will not get a gown.
• Check your name card. Your name card will include your preferred first and last name and your program name. Please make sure the information is correct. If your name is commonly mispronounced, please have the gown attendant write the phonetic spelling on the back. If your information is not correct, please let them know asap.
• If you did not sign the marketing consent form for photos, and are not comfortable having your photo taken, please take your ‘I do not want a photo’ card to the photographer.
• After you get your gown you can visit one of the photo booths. Or, professional graduate portraits are available towards the middle of the Fieldhouse. These are first-come, first-serve. You will pay the photographer directly.
• The professional photographer will close the lineup at 11:45. If you want professional graduation photos, it is best to come early as the lineup usually starts at 10 and goes right until she closes. She will not be taking photos after the ceremony.
• If possible, leave bags, coats, and belongings with your guests.  If you bring your phone, make sure to turn off the flash and remain seated during the ceremony.
• Browse the lobby: In the lobby, you will find snacking options, and a photobooth to check out with fellow graduates. Don't forget to take photos with friends and family at the venue.
• Please try to find time to visit the restroom before the rehearsal at noon, or before 12:45 when you MUST be in your line-ups in the Fieldhouse.

Lining up with your program

• The mandatory rehearsal starts at noon in the Fieldhouse.
• Enter the grad prep area (near the gown table) and find your program sign (Business & Administrative Studies or Human Service Careers, for example). The representative for your program will put you in lines grouped by sub-program (i.e. Business Administration or Social Work, etc.). If you must use the restroom, ensure that you are back by 12:30
• Make sure you are standing in your program line-up at least 15 minutes before the ceremony starts.

The ceremony

• Wait for the procession into the auditorium. All grads will enter the auditorium in the lines that you were placed in at the rehearsal. Attendants will guide you to your seat.
• Enjoy the first half of the ceremony. This will include a blessing from our Elder, singing of ‘Oh Canada’, Greetings from the Board of Governors, the Keynote Address, Greetings from the NLCSA, and Presentation of Student Awards.
• Get ready to walk the stage. The volunteers will let you know when to get up and where to go.
• When you arrive at the podium, pass your name card to the Reader. She may confirm the pronunciation of your name and then you will walk up the stairs and wait until she calls your name. You will then walk to the middle of the stage to get your scroll.
• If you are not comfortable shaking hands with President Mitchell, do not raise your hand.  
• Enjoy the rest of the ceremony. You will be guided back to your original seat to enjoy the rest of the ceremony. As a courtesy to your fellow graduates, do not leave until the ceremony ends. 
• Our Row Attendants will let you know when it is time to leave the auditorium. 

After the ceremony

• Please wait until the Platform Party has left the stage, and the row attendants have signaled that it is time to leave.
• Return to the Fieldhouse and return your gown. Your cap and stole are yours to keep!
• CELEBRATE! Congratulations, you've done it. Take a moment to reflect on all you've accomplished.

 Details for guests and loved ones

• Upon arrival, have your guests get their guest ticket from you (details above).
• If you have more than two guests, they may stand in the designated waiting area. If we have room in our venue at 12:30, we will open up the line.
• The auditorium doors open at noon. We encourage family and friends to find their seats at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony. There is no assigned seating with guest tickets, so please encourage them to arrive early to get a good view.
• There is a concession stand in the lobby to purchase refreshments.

Graduation and convocation - What is the difference?
Graduation is the formal process of completing all your academic requirements for a certificate or diploma program. When you graduate, you officially receive your certificate or diploma, and we will send it to you by mail.

Convocation is a ceremony that celebrates your completion of a certificate or diploma program. It is a formal event where you will typically wear a cap and gown and walk across a stage.

Am I required to RSVP to attend convocation?
If you wish to secure guest tickets and a cap and gown for convocation, sending an RSVP is required. We cannot promise availability of a cap and gown on convocation day to anyone that has not RSVP. Furthermore, if you do not RSVP, you cannot bring guests.

When do I register for convocation?
If you are on track to graduate, we will send you an email inviting you to RSVP to attend convocation closer to the convocation date. Convocation attendance is optional; you are not required to attend in order to receive your parchment or to graduate.

What happens if I miss the deadline to RSVP for convocation?
If you miss the deadline, you can attend but will be unable to bring guests. All available guest tickets will have been allocated to those who RSVPd by the deadline. Also, we may not have enough caps and gowns for graduates who attend on convocation day but did not RSVP.

How many guests can I bring?
Those who RSVP will be eligible to request up to two guest tickets. Due to our venue's fire code regulations, we cannot promise extra tickets will be available. On the day of the event, guests without tickets can queue at the venue's designated waiting area and any extra tickets will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. 

How do I find out more about my eligibility to graduate?
If you have questions about eligibility, please contact your program advisor at 866-652-3456.

When can I expect my parchment or graduation documents?
You can expect to receive your parchment within six to eight weeks of the completion of your program. It will be mailed to the address we have on file for you.

Need more information? Contact us: 
convocation@northernlakescollege.ca

Congratulations Northern Lakes College graduating class of 2024. You did it!

MEDIA RELEASE  »    PHOTO gallery  »

Professional Photograph Information -Professional photos that were taken of each student as they walked across the stage to receive their scroll are now publicly available here. 

AWARDS

Board of Governors’ Scholarship
This award recognizes a student who has completed a program at Northern Lakes College and has exemplified the philosophy of lifelong learning. The award recognizes high academic achievement, attendance, passion for lifelong learning, and plans to pursue further educational opportunities.

2024 Recipient: Lorena Ahmadi

Board of Governors’ Leadership Award
This award recognizes a Northern Lakes College student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the enhancement of student life and/or community well-being.

2024 Recipient: Jennifer Sharron

Doreen Bellerose Memorial Award
This award is offered in memory of Doreen Bellerose, a former College student and employee, who worked hard to overcome obstacles to pursue her educational goals. The award recognizes the recipient’s efforts and devotion to overcoming obstacles while continuing to do well at school.

2024 Recipient: Crystal Ferguson

Governor General’s Collegiate Bronze Medal
The Governor General’s Medal, established in 1873, is one of the most prestigious awards that can be received by a student in a Canadian educational institution for exceptional academic achievement.

2024 Recipient: Linda Birks

Louise McKinney Scholarship
Nomination to Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund

Established by Alberta Scholarship Programs in honour of Louise McKinney, this award recognizes exceptional academic achievement and is intended to encourage outstanding students to continue their studies at the post-secondary level.

2024 Recipient: Barrett Cunningham

Jason Lang Award
Nomination to Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund

Established by Alberta Scholarship Programs in honour of Jason Lang, this award recognizes exceptional academic achievement and is intended to encourage outstanding students to continue their studies at the post-secondary level.

2023-2024 nominees:
Lorena Ahmadi
Connor Baldry
Lee Berry
Angela Blize
Finlay Bonnell
Tammy Bower
Rachel Braun
Benjamin Carnegie
Ralph Dayot
Travis Dion
Judith Furegati
Hayley Grey
Blake Healy
Hsiu Ping Huang
Jordyne Kapitaniuk
Jade Langdon
Audrey-Eve Martin-Gauthier
Michael McGee
Brittney Noseworthy
Tracy O'Hara
Lenralyn Pagarigan
Katie Perepeletza
Kezia Roberts
Rachelle Sarpalius
Brady Schalk
Julianne Tait
Mackenzie Taylor
KariLynn Thiessen
Jillian Tuazon
Ricky Tuazon
Sarah Van Engel
Miranda Wagar
Curtis White
Vera Wiebe
Mariah Wierenga
Robin Wright
Maria Wulfhorst
Ralene Zadunayski     

Student Convocation Award
Funded by the Student Convocation Scholarship Fund, this award recognizes a student demonstrating high academic achievement in the completion of the prerequisite courses to move on to a chosen career goal.
2024 Recipient: Judith Furegati

Christopher Taylor Award of Excellence
This award is offered in memory of Christopher Taylor, a former instructor in the Paramedic programs at the College. Christopher was one of the most caring critical care practitioners in the paramedic profession and had a keen desire to pass on his extensive experience to students. Two awards are given in recognition of the recipients’ excellence in education and professionalism.
2024 Recipients: Kennedy Biro & Hailey Thiessen