Graduating

Preparing for Graduation

Graduation marks the completion and realization of your academic goals. Once you have successfully completed and satisfied the requirements for your degree or diploma, graduation is the next step. As a student, you should continue to meet with a Student Central Professional or your Academic Advisor in your academic department to discuss your requirements for graduation. In the last year of your program, it is then time to let us know your plan to graduate. You will "officially" graduate when the Lakehead University Senate meets to approve the list of graduands. Lakehead graduates students twice a year - in May and October at the scheduled Senate meeting.

IMPORTANT!
You must let us know you plan to graduate this year. Submit your Intent to Graduate through myInfo to let us know! For students completing the program requirements by the end of August, the Fall Intent to Graduate is now open.


Attend Convocation

Convocation is a time to celebrate your accomplishments as a Lakehead University graduate, and to share this celebration with your family and friends. Every spring, Lakehead University hosts Convocation ceremonies in both Thunder Bay and Orillia. If you are graduating, this is an exceptional opportunity for you to join your classmates, and professors in celebrating your time together and accomplishments at Lakehead.  Check out the resources to help you prepare for a successful graduation and convocation ceremony celebration.

Please note, all of Lakehead University's Convocation Ceremonies are recorded. The Collection Notice for Video/Audio Recording of Convocation Events can be found HERE.

If you are an international student and require a letter of invitation for Visa purposes for parents/family/friends to attend convocation please email convocation@lakeheadu.ca for a letter template


Your Parchment

As a graduating student, you will receive a degree or diploma parchment in honour of your newly obtained academic credential. The Lakehead University parchment includes the University coat of arms, an embossed seal and signatures of senior University officials. The Lakehead University degree/diploma parchment also will include your name, degree/diploma achieved and the date of approval. This is your official proof that you have graduated from Lakehead University. At times, future employers may even ask you for a copy to provide proof of your Lakehead credential. 


Transcripts 

Upon graduation, you may want to have a copy of your official Lakehead University transcript to keep on record. Alternatively, if you plan to continue with your post-secondary studies, other institutions may require a copy of your official transcript. Employers will often ask too. The Lakehead University transcript is an official document that shows all the courses you completed, along with your grades, as well as the credential you have received.