Ceremony Day - What to Expect (Thunder Bay Campus)
Planning ahead:
- We advise that purses, bags, jackets, phones, keys, etc. are left with guests or in your vehicle as you will not be returning to your original seat during the ceremony. The venue can become warm so please make sure you dress appropriately. You will most likely want to wear something lighter under your regalia gown. Some people may prefer to leave their suit jackets with their guests - there will not be a coat check available for this event.
- Since this is a formal ceremony, kindly ensure that cell phones and/or mobile devices are turned off or placed on silent.
- Remember to bring your receipt that was emailed to you when you rented your regalia, you will need this to pick up your regalia.
Arrive at The Thunder Bay Community Auditorium (map)
Graduating Students - please arrive at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium at the arrival time specific to your ceremony. Ceremony times will differ depending on your program, be sure to check the schedule for your specific date and time.
Once you have arrived, you will then proceed to pick up your items:
- Guest tickets, more details below - front lobby
- Your platform card (your name card), more details below - big white tent
- Academic regalia (gown and hood) - you should have already pre-ordered this, more details below - big white tent
You may pick up your guest tickets on the day of your ceremony at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium - located in the front lobby area starting at your arrival time. You or your guest(s) may pick up your complimentary tickets.
2. Pick up your platform card
The platform card will be available in the big white tent, near the parking lot. It will identify your name, faculty, program, and platform number on it. You will show this card when you cross the stage so keep it handy. The name reader will use it to announce your name as you cross the stage. If you have a name that is normally difficult to pronounce, you may want to use a pen/marker to add a phonetic spelling of your name to the card to assist the reader.
3. Pick up your regalia (gown and hood)
Once you have your platform card you will be able to pick up your regalia (gown and hood) - same location. Make sure you have the Gaspard receipt that was emailed to you when you pre-ordered your regalia online. You will need to present this receipt in order to pick up your gown and hood. If you did not pre-order your regalia ahead of time, the "day of" rental fee will be $50.
Volunteers will be nearby to help you put on your gown, and pin the hood to your gown. However, students graduating from the Masters level will be asked to fold their hood and carry it into the Auditorium on their left arm.
Line up in your Marshalling area
You will be marshalled depending on the degree/diploma type you are receiving. For example: Arts and Science students will be marshalled separately from Business students. Signs will be posted to assist you. If you are unsure of your degree type, you can also view it on your platform card or ask one of our friendly volunteers.
Procession Line - into the Ceremony
When the ceremony is about to start the marshals will lead you into the Auditorium so please follow their directions. As a reminder, the ceremony will be recorded and streamed live so smile for the camera!
Greet the Chancellor and receive your degree/diploma parchment
During the ceremony when it's time to cross the stage, you will be prompted by the marshals. When you get up remember to bring your platform card with you. At this point, the marshals will once again ask to see your card and may make some last minute order/line changes. You will then be directed to the podium where you will give the card to the Name Reader. As your name is being read, you will cross the stage, greet the Chancellor of the University, shake hands with the Dean of your Faculty, and receive your degree/diploma parchment.
Return to the seating area
After crossing the stage you will return to the seating area, but you will not return to the same seat as you were in previously. For this reason you should not carry anything into the venue with you. We advise that you leave purses, bags, jackets, phones, keys, etc. with your guests or in your vehicle.
The Recessional
At the end of the ceremony your marshals will guide you out of the venue. You may want to plan ahead with your guests as to where to meet up in the venue when the ceremony is finished. This is a great time to take some photos! #LAKEHEAD2017
Following the ceremony, when you are ready, you may return your regalia to the same place you picked it up.
Enjoy your day, and congratulations!