Updated on May 10, 2023
Who’s invited to Convocation?
Graduates of John Abbott College who completed their studies in summer 2022, fall 2022 or winter 2023 are invited to attend their graduation ceremony at John Abbott College on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.
Potential graduates of winter 2023 who find they must take additional courses to fulfill their program requirements will not be eligible to participate in this year’s Convocation ceremony.
Below is the schedule of important dates for the upcoming ceremony.
IMPORTANT DATES
| April 24, 2023 | Convocation Invitations Received by Mail or Omnivox |
| May 15, 2023 | Attendance Confirmation/Payment Deadline |
| May 31, 2023 | Winter 2023 Grade Deadline |
| June 5, 2023 | Convocation Gown and Ticket Pick-Up |
| June 8, 2023 | Convocation |
Convocation Ceremony
The Convocation ceremony will take place outdoors on the Oval, in front of the Herzberg Building, weather permitting. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the Casgrain building gymnasium with a live broadcast on the John Abbott College YouTube channel. On the morning of Convocation, an announcement will be posted on the John Abbott website as to the location (Oval or Gymnasium) of the ceremony.
REGISTRATION / PAYMENT
2023 Convocation – Attending Ceremony:
https://johnabbott-estd.omnivox.ca/estd/frma/?SV=A33275
2023 Convocation Package Only (Not Attending Ceremony):
https://johnabbott-estd.omnivox.ca/estd/frma/?SV=D29A45
FACULTY AND STAFF
Faculty members will be asked to assemble in the Herzberg hallway in front of the RO (H-128), no later than 5:45p.m. At the directed time, the academic party will lead the processional into the Convocation area. Dais guests will be directed to take their places on stage. All other attending faculty and staff will be directed to the faculty and staff seating area.
STUDENTS
Students will be required to arrive on campus no later than 5:00 p.m. in the Agora and will be given further instructions by a member of the Registrar’s Office and the academic marshals.
All guests must be seated before the procession begins at 6:20 p.m. sharp, with the ceremony starting at 6:30 p.m.
Following the ceremony, graduates and their guests are invited to a reception. Convocation generally lasts about 3 hours, including the reception.
Please note that by attending this event, you understand that photos will be taken, and that the College may use them in any future publications.
Convocation Questions / Answers
When is Convocation?
Each June, John Abbott College holds a Convocation ceremony to present ceremonial certificates to its graduating students. Family, friends and faculty are welcome to attend these joyous events and join graduates as they celebrate and receive recognition for their academic achievements.
This year, Convocation will take place on Thursday, June 8, 2023. The procession of academic staff and graduates will begin at 6:20 p.m. with the ceremony beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Who can attend Convocation?
Graduates of John Abbott College who completed their studies in summer 2022, fall 2022 or winter 2023 will receive an invitation to attend Convocation from the Registrar’s Office in April.
Potential graduates of winter 2023 who find they must take additional courses to fulfill their program requirements will not be eligible to participate in this year’s Convocation ceremony.
How do I inform the College that I plan to attend?
Invitations will be posted in students’ Omnivox account in April. The invitation contains a link to pay on-line via credit card. It is recommended that you print a copy of the receipt for your files. The deadline to confirm your attendance is May 15th. All graduates who pay by the May 15th deadline are guaranteed 2 guests’ admission to the Casgrain gymnasium (should the event be moved indoors).
Please note it is possible that NO TICKETS will be available for the gym unless you have paid the Convocation Ceremony fee by the May 15th deadline.
If you are a graduate (not a guest) that has mobility concerns (i.e.: wheelchair, crutches, cane, etc.) please contact us at 514-457-6610 extension 5265. A member of the Convocation Committee will be in contact with you to make arrangements for Convocation Day.
Where is the ceremony held?
The ceremony is held outside on the Oval in front of the Herzberg building, if the weather is nice. If it is raining, the ceremony is held in the Casgrain building gymnasium with two air-conditioned locations in the College, where the ceremony will be broadcast live. Please note that all of our venues are wheelchair accessible.
On the morning of Convocation, an announcement will be posted on the John Abbott website, the John Abbott Portal and a Twitter announcement will be made as to the location (Oval or Gymnasium) of that evening’s ceremony.
Do I need a ticket for the ceremony?
No. Graduates do not require a ticket.
How many guests can I bring?
Maximum 4.
If the ceremony has to be moved indoors due to weather conditions; there are fire code regulations that must be followed, a maximum of 2 guests per student will be permitted in the Casgrain gymnasium and tickets are required for entry to the gym. Up to 2 additional guests per student will be able to watch the live broadcast of the ceremony from the comfort of two air-conditioned locations at the College.
Do my guests need tickets?
Yes.
If the ceremony has to be moved indoors due to weather conditions; there are fire code regulations that must be followed, a maximum of 2 guests per student will be permitted in the Casgrain gymnasium and tickets are required for entry to the gym. Up to 2 additional guests per student will be able to watch the live broadcast of the ceremony from the comfort of two air-conditioned locations at the College.
Please note it is possible that NO TICKETS will be available for the gym unless you have paid the Convocation Ceremony Fee by the May 15th deadline.
On Monday, June 5th, your reserved tickets (along with your cap and gown) will be available for pick-up outside in front of the Arctic Circle entrance to AME between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. – tickets will not be distributed outside of these hours. If you wish for someone else to collect your tickets, please provide that person with a copy of your invitation to attend convocation. They will be required to present your invitation in order to collect the tickets.
If you are not able to collect your reserved tickets on June 5th, they will be given to you when you pick up your line-up card at Convocation (June 8th) starting at 4:30 p.m. in the Agora. Please note that no other arrangements are possible.
I have a large family - is there a waiting list for additional tickets?
No.
If the ceremony has to be moved indoors due to weather conditions; there are fire code regulations that must be followed, a maximum of 2 guests per student will be permitted in the Casgrain gymnasium and tickets are required for entry to the gym. Up to 2 additional guests per student will be able to watch the live broadcast of the ceremony from the comfort of two air-conditioned locations at the College.
Must I remain for the entire ceremony?
Yes, out of respect for your fellow graduates please remain in your seat until the end of the ceremony.
How long is the ceremony?
The ceremony will last approximately 2.5 hours and graduates and guests are asked to stay until the end of the ceremony to prevent any disruptions. The ceremony will be followed by a reception.
Will families and friends be able to buy flowers on-site to present to their graduates?
Yes, for your convenience, a local flower company will be on the premises with bouquets for sale. If you wish to pre-order, please go to: www.thecommencementgroup.com/johnabbott
May we take photographs during the ceremony?
Your guests may take photos but they must not obstruct anyone’s view or block the aisles or exits.
Do I have to wear an academic gown?
Yes. All graduates will wear a black gown and cap. The souvenir gown and cap with the 2023 tassel are yours to keep. You must come to the College on Monday, June 5 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to pick up your gift bag at the entrance to the AME Building.
What do I do after I have picked up my line-up card?
When you arrive at the College on convocation day, you must pick up your line-up card in the Agora. This card lists your name, and program, and indicates your line-up order. All the graduates will be asked to congregate in the Agora. A member of the Registrar’s Office will call your row number and you will be instructed where to line up in preparation for the procession.
How do I know where to go on the evening of Convocation?
The invitation you will receive in April will explain when to arrive and where to go. You will also receive a line-up card with your name and program on it as well as your line-up order. This card is very important. You must have it with you when you approach the stage (see below). Your name, as it appears on the line-up card will be announced by the convocation reader as you cross the stage.
How will I know when it is my turn to walk on stage?
A marshal will instruct you when it is your turn to go on stage. You will present the line-up card you received when you collected your cap and gown to the convocation reader who will announce your name. You will then walk across the stage and shake the hand of the Director General who will give you your ceremonial certificate. You will then continue across the stage and exit from the opposite side. You will be directed to proceed immediately back to your seat and to remain seated until all of your fellow graduates have received their certificates.
Do I need to return the cap and gown?
Graduates keep their souvenir gown, cap and tassel.
Is the ceremonial certificate I receive at convocation my official DEC diploma?
No. The ceremonial certificate you receive at convocation is a ceremonial certificate prepared by the college for your graduating class. For DEC graduates, your official diploma that is issued from the Ministry of Education will be received at the college approximately 6 months after you have graduated. For Continuing Education, AEC graduates, you will have already received your attestation from the college.
How do I receive my official DEC diploma?
It can take up to six months before the college receives the DEC diploma from the Ministry of Education. As soon as the college receives your DEC diploma from the Ministry of Education you will be mailed a letter from the Registrar’s Office (a copy of the letter will also appear in your Omnivox account). It is important to keep your address up-to-date in your Omnivox account after graduation so that we can communicate this information to you. You may pick up your diploma or we will mail it to you upon request (accompanied with the required processing fee as indicated in the letter).
For Continuing Education, AEC graduates, you will have already received your attestation from the college.
What if I do not attend the ceremony?
If you do not attend the ceremony but wish to receive your ceremonial certificate and a souvenir copy of the Convocation Program, you must make your payment online. The Convocation package will be mailed out to graduates 2 weeks after the ceremony. On-line orders will be accepted only until May 15th.
May I still attend Convocation if I fail a course?
No. You will receive an MIO advising you that you are no longer eligible to attend Convocation and you will be issued a refund.
If I take a course in June 2023 to finish my program, may I still attend Convocation?
No. Only graduates of John Abbott College who completed their studies in summer 2022, fall 2022 or winter 2023 may attend.
When can I have my graduation photo done?
Student Activities (H-159) organizes graduation photos. Please contact Student Activities (H-159) to book your photo session.
Convocation Day Information
On the morning of Convocation, an announcement will be posted on the John Abbott website, on the John Abbott Portal and a Twitter announcement will be made as to the location (Oval or Gymnasium) of that evening’s ceremony.
Graduates are to report to the Agora starting at 4:30 p.m. to pick up their line-up card. As the proceedings are lengthy, graduates are advised to eat before arriving.
Starting at 5:40 p.m. in the Agora, a member of the Registrar’s Office will call out the graduates’ line-up number in processional order within your program. The graduates are provided with their line-up number when they pick up their cap and gown. Graduates will line up as instructed by the academic marshals.
Faculty members are asked to assemble outside the Registrar’s Office, H-128, no later than 5:45 p.m. At the directed time, as directed by an academic marshal, the academic party will lead the processional into the Convocation area. Dais guests will be directed to take their places on stage. All other attending faculty and staff will be directed to the faculty seating area. All will remain standing until after the singing of the national anthem.
Following the entrance of the academic party, graduates will march into the graduate seating area accompanied by the strains of traditional processional music. During the procession, march briskly and follow the instructions of your academic marshal. Remain standing in front of your seats until after the singing of the national anthem. You will be directed when it is time to sit down.
Graduates should wear their caps at all times except during the singing of the national anthem, when the gentlemen are asked to remove theirs. The correct way to wear a cap is to have the larger part of the skull of the cap at the back of the head, with the top board parallel to the ground. The tassel should be worn on the right side of the cap until the student receives their ceremonial certificate, when it will be moved over to the left side.
During the presentation of the certificates, the Director General will shake hands with each graduate and the Academic Dean will present the graduate with their ceremonial certificate.
The ceremony generally lasts for approximately 2.5 hours after which the graduates and audience are requested to remain in place until the platform party has left the stage. The audience will continue to remain in place while academic marshals lead the faculty, followed by the graduates, away in the recessional accompanied by the strains of traditional recessional music. The reception will take place thereafter. All participants and their guests are invited to attend.
