Convocation Information
Explore the schedule, find your venue, and get ready to celebrate.
Whether you’re a graduate preparing to cross the stage or a proud supporter cheering from the stands (or from home!), we’ve curated all the details you need to make the day seamless and memorable.
But first, a few important notes for you to read before we dive in:
- Each Convocation Ceremony will be recorded and viewable online for those that are unable to attend. The Collection Notice for Video/Audio Recording of Convocation Events can be found here.
- This is a formal ceremony to honour each graduate’s accomplishments. Refrain from bringing items with you such as posters, signs, confetti, etc. to the event, neither on stage nor in the Auditorium. We expect all participants to maintain decorum and act responsibly in accordance with Lakehead University’s Student Code of Conduct.
Be sure to select your location below ↓
| Thunder Bay Ceremony Schedules |
Your ceremony date and time will be determined by the program you are graduating from. Your specific date and time will be identified in the email we send to you in April 2026. Ceremony 1 - Thunder Bay GraduatesDate: Thursday May 28, 2026 Time: Ceremony begins at 9:00am Arrival: Graduates to arrive at 7:30am to allow time to prepare Location: Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Graduates from the following:
Ceremony 2 - Thunder Bay GraduatesDate: Thursday May 28, 2026 Time: Ceremony begins at 2:00pm Arrival: Graduates to arrive at 12:30pm to allow time to prepare Location: Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Graduates from the following:
Ceremony 3 - Thunder Bay GraduatesDate: Friday May 29, 2026 Time: Ceremony begins at 10:00am Arrival: Graduates to arrive at 8:30am to allow time to prepare Location: Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Graduates from the following:
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| When you arrive at the Auditorium (what to do) |
Ready to Cross the Stage? To make sure your graduation day is seamless, we’ve broken down everything you need to know into simple steps. Please read through this guide for details on arrival time, picking up your gown rental, and ceremony procedure.
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| International Family Invitation Letter |
Coming to the end of your degree is a massive achievement, and it’s only natural to want the people who supported you to be there when you cross the stage. We are here to help bridge the gap on the visa process by providing a clear, professional Invitation Template designed to satisfy immigration requirements while celebrating your milestone. |
| Guest tickets |
Want to bring guests to your ceremony? You can reserve e-tickets for the ceremony. We’ve set a four-ticket limit per student so that everyone has a fair chance to bring their supporters along! To ensure every graduate has an equal opportunity to host guests, we kindly ask that you observe this four-ticket limit. There is no cost associated with guest tickets, and no assigned seating. The link to ticket reservation will be emailed to you, along with your Convocation RSVP, and gown rental link in April 2026. Continue to check your Lakehead University email account for updates. |
| Give this information to your guest(s) |
Thank you for Joining UsOn behalf of the faculty and staff, thank you for attending the 2026 Convocation Ceremony. We recognize the vital role supporters play in the success of our students, and we are delighted to share this day with you. For information regarding the schedule, seating, and photography, please read the following details to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Your ticketsYour graduate will be provided with a link to reserve an e-ticket for you; please ask them for further information. Online viewingFor those that are not able to attend in person, we also provide an opportunity to watch online through this link. Arrival TimeYour graduate will provide you with the details on the specific date and time of your ceremony. Although the graduates are asked to arrive early prior to the ceremony, guests may arrive anytime keeping in mind however that seating is on first-come-first serve basis. The auditorium doors open for seating 1 hour prior to ceremony start time. ParkingFree parking is available at both the Auditorium and at Lakehead University campus. Please make note that the ceremony and the reception are held in two separate locations. The ceremony will be held at the Auditorium and the reception will be located on-campus at Lakehead University (parking off Balmoral Street). Pleas keep that in mind when you chose where to park. It is an approximate 20 minute walk between the two locations. You can chose to park at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium for the ceremony, or at the University, or anywhere in between the two. PhotographyWe will have a professional photographer taking photos of each graduates as they cross the stage. We ask guests to remain seated during the ceremony so that everyone can see their graduate’s special moment. MerchandiseWhether you are looking to get something for yourself or gift something for someone you know, we have all of your memorabilia needs covered to help celebrate. Check out some items available at the Lakehead University Bookstore including frames for their new degree. FlowersFlowers are a great way to say congratulations! Flowers will are available for pre-order or purchase on-site at the ceremony location. To pre-order flowers for this special occasion, view online: Thunder Bay campus ReceptionThe Convocation Ceremony Reception is a wonderful opportunity to mingle with fellow graduates and guests and show off our beautiful campus. Both graduates and their guests are welcome to attend! The reception will be held out by our beautiful Lake Tamblyn (weather depending), and inside the Agora. Here are some of the things you can expect to see at the reception:
Hope to see you there! |
| RSVP |
In April 2026, a link to RSVP to your ceremony will be emailed to you, along with your guest ticket and gown rental links. Keep checking your Lakehead University email account for updates. |
| Renting your Academic Regalia (gown and hood) |
Lakehead University Academic Regalia
The Honour Cord Lakehead University is committed to recognizing and acknowledging the achievements of Indigenous students. The honour cord has long been used to symbolize that the wearer has attained a specific honour or distinction, academic or otherwise. Lakehead University has proudly added the tradition of an honour cord to recognize the achievements of Indigenous graduates and to celebrate and honour the richness and knowledge they bring to our university community. The medallion on the cord was adapted from a design by Alumnus Dr. Robert Bates (HBOR, BSc ’10, MD ’15) when they were an undergraduate student. The logo design presents important symbols to Indigenous Peoples with symbols of academic achievement – the feather has tassels and represents a mortarboard (graduation hat). The three specific symbols are the medicine wheel (First Nations), infinity sign (Métis), and Inukshuk (Inuit). Lakehead University is committed to working to ensure Indigenous Peoples and communities are recognized and celebrated for their contributions. Cultural Regalia Lakehead University welcomes and encourages graduates to wear formal cultural clothing or accessories during their Convocation ceremony, in addition to the academic regalia (black gown and hood). We honour and respect that traditional graduation clothing allows students to honor their heritage and culture. Common cultural graduation attire includes, but is not limited to: Indigenous Regalia: such as ribbon skirts, beadwork, or moccasins, beaded caps, eagle feathers. Cultural Accessories: Embroidered with patterns or symbols representing specific heritages, such as the Kente cloth, or adorned with specific tribal or organizational emblems. Japanese Hakama: A pleated, skirt-like garment worn over a kimono, traditionally worn by students for graduation to signify growth and new beginnings. Alaskan Indigenous Attire: Including garments like the kuspuk (a hooded tunic) or mukluks (traditional boots). Significance of Cultural Dress Heritage Representation: These items symbolize a student's journey, acknowledging their ancestors and community, rather than just the institution. Advocacy and Identity: Wearing traditional regalia can be a form of self-expression and a fight against assimilation, with many jurisdictions now protecting the right to wear these items.Symbol of Achievement: For many, wearing traditional clothing is a way to share their pride in their roots during a significant life milestone.
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| Arrival times |
Graduates are asked to arrive 1.5 hours before your ceremony start time to allow time for preparation.
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| Location of Ceremony |
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, 1 Paul Shaffer Dr, Thunder Bay. |
| Location of Reception |
Lakehead University Campus, 955 Oliver Rd, Thunder Bay (access parking lot off of Balmoral) |
| Parking |
Free parking is available at both the Auditorium and at Lakehead University campus. Please make note that the ceremony and the reception are held in two separate locations. The ceremony will be held at the Auditorium and the reception will be located on-campus at Lakehead University (parking off Balmoral Street). Pleas keep that in mind when you chose where to park. It is an approximate 20 minute walk between the two locations. You can chose to park at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium for the ceremony, or at the University, or anywhere in between the two. |
| Voices of the Class - Student Speaker 2026 |
We want to hear from you! Are you interested in being our student speaker at Convocation? In this prestigious role as Student Speaker you have an opportunity to share an inspiring message with your fellow graduating class. Make this day memorable by tapping into shared experiences and memories over the past few years dedicated to attaining this achievement. Leave fellow students with a lasting feeling of honour and inspiration as you reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and focus on the future during your speech.
|
| Prestigious Awards |
At your ceremony, in addition to hounouring our graduates we will also be honouring a number of external distinguished guest with newly awarded titles including Honorary Degrees, Fellow of the University Title, and a Civitas Award. Find out who will be attending your ceremony. |
| Online viewing |
| For those that are not able to attend in person, we also provide an opportunity to watch online. |
| The Journey Doesn't End Here - Continue you Education and Stay Connected with Alumni |
Welcome to the Alumni Family As you step into your professional future, we invite you to keep your momentum going by exploring our advanced degree programs and professional certifications. We encourage you to continue your lifelong learning journey with us through our continuing education and graduate opportunities. Beyond the classroom, you are now part of a global network. Stay connected through our Alumni Association to access exclusive mentorship, networking events, and career resources that will support you for a lifetime. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills with a Master’s degree or want to stay plugged into our professional network, we’re here to help you navigate what’s next.
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| Orillia Ceremony Schedule |
Your ceremony date and time will be determined by the program you are graduating from. Your specific date and time will be identified in the email we send to you in April 2026. Ceremony - Orillia GraduatesDate: Wednesday June 3, 2026 Time: Ceremony begins at 10:00am Arrival: Graduates to arrive at 8:30am to allow time to prepare Location: Casino Rama Resort, Entertainment Centre |
| When you arrive at Casino Rama Resort (what to do) |
Ready to Cross the Stage? To make sure your graduation day is seamless, we’ve broken down everything you need to know into simple steps. Please read through this guide for details on arrival time, picking up your gown rental, and ceremony procedure.
|
| International Family Invitation Letter |
Coming to the end of your degree is a massive achievement, and it’s only natural to want the people who supported you to be there when you cross the stage. We are here to help bridge the gap on the visa process by providing a clear, professional Invitation Template designed to satisfy immigration requirements while celebrating your milestone. |
| Guest tickets |
Want to bring guests to your ceremony? You can reserve e-tickets for the ceremony. We’ve set a four-ticket limit per student so that everyone has a fair chance to bring their supporters along! To ensure every graduate has an equal opportunity to host guests, we kindly ask that you observe this four-ticket limit. There is no cost associated with guest tickets, and no assigned seating. The link to ticket reservation will be emailed to you, along with your Convocation RSVP, and gown rental link in April 2026. Continue to check your Lakehead University email account for updates. |
| Give this information to your guest(s) |
Thank you for Joining UsOn behalf of the faculty and staff, thank you for attending the 2026 Convocation Ceremony. We recognize the vital role supporters play in the success of our students, and we are delighted to share this day with you. For information regarding the schedule, seating, and photography, please read the following details to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Your ticketsYour graduate will be provided with a link to reserve an e-ticket for you; please ask them for further information. Online viewingFor those that are not able to attend in person, we also provide an opportunity to watch online through this link. Arrival TimeThe Ceremony will take place on Wednesday June 3rd at 10am. Although the graduates are asked to arrive early prior to the ceremony, guests may arrive anytime keeping in mind however that seating is on first-come-first serve basis. The auditorium doors open for seating 1 hour prior to ceremony start time. ParkingFree parking is available onsite. The closest parking is in front of the Rotunda entrance. Please do not park around the back of the building where the Entertainment Centre is located. You will not be able to enter through those doors. PhotographyWe will have a professional photographer taking photos of each graduates as they cross the stage. We ask guests to remain seated during the ceremony so that everyone can see their graduate’s special moment. MerchandiseWhether you are looking to get something for yourself or gift something for someone you know, we have all of your memorabilia needs covered to help celebrate. Check out some items available at the Lakehead University Bookstore including frames for their new degree. FlowersFlowers are a great way to say congratulations! Flowers will are available for pre-order or purchase on-site at the ceremony location. To pre-order flowers for this special occasion, view online: Online Flower Order ReceptionThe Convocation Ceremony Reception is a wonderful opportunity to mingle with fellow graduates and guests. Both graduates and their guests are welcome to attend! The reception will be held in the space adjacent to the auditorium. Here are some of the things you can expect to see at the reception:
Hope to see you there! |
| RSVP |
In April 2026, a link to RSVP to your ceremony will be emailed to you, along with your guest ticket and gown rental links. Keep checking your Lakehead University email account for updates. |
| Renting your Academic Regalia (gown and hood) |
Lakehead University Academic Regalia
The Honour Cord Lakehead University is committed to recognizing and acknowledging the achievements of Indigenous students. The honour cord has long been used to symbolize that the wearer has attained a specific honour or distinction, academic or otherwise. Lakehead University has proudly added the tradition of an honour cord to recognize the achievements of Indigenous graduates and to celebrate and honour the richness and knowledge they bring to our university community. The medallion on the cord was adapted from a design by Alumnus Dr. Robert Bates (HBOR, BSc ’10, MD ’15) when they were an undergraduate student. The logo design presents important symbols to Indigenous Peoples with symbols of academic achievement – the feather has tassels and represents a mortarboard (graduation hat). The three specific symbols are the medicine wheel (First Nations), infinity sign (Métis), and Inukshuk (Inuit). Lakehead University is committed to working to ensure Indigenous Peoples and communities are recognized and celebrated for their contributions. Cultural Regalia Lakehead University welcomes and encourages graduates to wear formal cultural clothing or accessories during their Convocation ceremony, in addition to the academic regalia (black gown and hood). We honour and respect that traditional graduation clothing allows students to honor their heritage and culture. Common cultural graduation attire includes, but is not limited to: Indigenous Regalia: such as ribbon skirts, beadwork, or moccasins, beaded caps, eagle feathers. Cultural Accessories: Embroidered with patterns or symbols representing specific heritages, such as the Kente cloth, or adorned with specific tribal or organizational emblems. Japanese Hakama: A pleated, skirt-like garment worn over a kimono, traditionally worn by students for graduation to signify growth and new beginnings. Alaskan Indigenous Attire: Including garments like the kuspuk (a hooded tunic) or mukluks (traditional boots). Significance of Cultural Dress Heritage Representation: These items symbolize a student's journey, acknowledging their ancestors and community, rather than just the institution. Advocacy and Identity: Wearing traditional regalia can be a form of self-expression and a fight against assimilation, with many jurisdictions now protecting the right to wear these items. Symbol of Achievement: For many, wearing traditional clothing is a way to share their pride in their roots during a significant life milestone.
|
| Arrival times |
Graduates are asked to arrive 1.5 hours before your ceremony start time to allow time for preparation. Your ceremony starts time is: 10am, therefore you should arrive at 830am. |
| Location of Ceremony |
Entertainment Centre, Casino Rama Resort - 5899 Rama Rd, Orillia, ON L3V 6H6 Notes about entrances:
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| Location of Reception |
Entertainment Centre, Casino Rama Resort, located in the space adjacent to the auditorium (indoor event). |
| Parking |
Free parking is available onsite. The closest parking is in front of the Rotunda entrance. Please do not park around the back of the building where the Entertainment Centre is located. You will not be able to enter through those doors. |
| Voices from the Class - Student Speaker |
We want to hear from you! Are you interested in being our student speaker at Convocation? In this prestigious role as Student Speaker you have an opportunity to share an inspiring message with your fellow graduating class. Make this day memorable by tapping into shared experiences and memories over the past few years dedicated to attaining this achievement. Leave fellow students with a lasting feeling of honour and inspiration as you reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and focus on the future during your speech.
|
Prestigious Awards |
At your ceremony, in addition to hounouring our graduates we will also be honouring a number of external distinguished guest with newly awarded titles including Honorary Degrees, Fellow of the University Title, and a Civitas Award. Find out who will be attending your ceremony. |
Online Viewing |
For those that are not able to attend in person, we also provide an opportunity to watch online. |
| The Journey Doesn't End Here - Continue your Education and Stay Connected with Alumni |
Welcome to the Alumni Family As you step into your professional future, we invite you to keep your momentum going by exploring our advanced degree programs and professional certifications. We encourage you to continue your lifelong learning journey with us through our continuing education and graduate opportunities. Beyond the classroom, you are now part of a global network. Stay connected through our Alumni Association to access exclusive mentorship, networking events, and career resources that will support you for a lifetime. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills with a Master’s degree or want to stay plugged into our professional network, we’re here to help you navigate what’s next.
|