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:
|
| 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.
|
| 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) |
A Guide for our Convocation Guests: On behalf of the faculty and staff at Lakehead University, thank you for joining us to honour the Class of 2026. We recognize the vital role supporters play in the success of our students, and we are delighted to share this significant milestone with you. To ensure you have a memorable experience, please review the details below. Your Tickets Each graduate may request up to 4 guest tickets. All guest seating is general admission; no assigned seats. How to get your ticket: Graduates will receive a link to reserve e-tickets; please coordinate directly with them to receive your digital ticket. Note: Graduates do not require a ticket to attend their ceremony. Online viewing For friends and family joining us from afar, we invite you to join us online. Watch the live broadcast here: watch online Arrival Time Ceremony Timing: Please confirm the specific date and ceremony time with your graduate. Parking Complimentary parking is available at both the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium (Ceremony) and the Lakehead University Campus (Reception). Please note that these are two separate locations, approximately 20-minute walk between them. You are welcome to park at either site—or anywhere in between—but please plan your parking choice based on your mobility needs and the walk between events. For campus parking, we recommend using the lots accessible via Balmoral Street. Accessibility If graduating students have accessibility concerns they should email convocation@lakeheadu.ca as soon as possible. If guests seated in the audience require accessible seating they should make the usher aware. There will be easy access seating available for those that require it. Photography To ensure every guest has a clear view of this special moment, a professional photographer will capture each graduate as they cross the stage. We kindly ask that guests remain seated throughout the ceremony so everyone can enjoy the view. Merchandise Take Home a Memory: Help your graduate celebrate their hard work with a special gift. The Lakehead University Bookstore has a wide selection of memorabilia available, including high-quality frames to showcase that hard-earned degree. Fresh flower bouquets will be available for pre-order or purchase on-site at the ceremony location. To pre-order flowers for this special occasion, visit: Flowers Thunder Bay campus Reception Immediately following the ceremony, we invite all graduates and their guests to a celebration at our beautiful campus! The reception will be held by the scenic Lake Tamblyn (weather permitting) and inside the Agora. At the reception, enjoy complimentary refreshments, celebrate with fellow graduates, capture memories. Graduates will have the opportunity to pick up their official parchment and return their regalia as well. We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 with you! |
| 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 In the email you receive with your RSVP to convocation you will be given the option to indicate if you self-identify as an Indigenous student and would like to receive an Honour Cord. About 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.
|
| 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). Please keep that in mind when you choose where to park. It is an approximate 20 minute walk between the two locations. You can choose 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. |
| Photography, Merchandise, and Flowers |
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. A link to the photos and an opportunity to purchase the photos will be emailed to your Lakehead University email account a few weeks after your convocation ceremony. Individual portraits - Thunder Bay: There are local photographers available in Thunder Bay, some examples include: Email: hello@shinephotostudio.com Phone: 807-631-5162 Keiran John Smith email: keiranjohn@gmail.com Instagram: @smiths_digitalhouse Merchandise Whether 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 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.
|
| 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 six-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 six-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) |
A Guide for our Convocation Guests: On behalf of the faculty and staff at Lakehead University, thank you for joining us to honour the Class of 2026. We recognize the vital role supporters play in the success of our students, and we are delighted to share this significant milestone with you. To ensure you have a memorable experience, please review the details below.
Your tickets Each graduate may request up to 6 guest tickets. All guest seating is general admission, no assigned seats. How to get your ticket: Graduates will receive a link to reserve e-tickets; please coordinate directly with them to receive your digital ticket. Note: Graduates do not require a ticket to attend their ceremony.
Online viewing For friends and family joining us from afar, we invite you to join us online. Watch the live broadcast here: watch online
Arrival Time The 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.
Parking Free parking is available onsite. The closest parking is located 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.
Accessibility If graduating students have accessibility concerns they should email convocation@lakeheadu.ca as soon as possible. If guests seated in the audience require accessible seating they should make the usher aware. There will be easy access seating available for those that require it.
Photography To ensure every guest has a clear view of this special moment, a professional photographer will capture each graduate as they cross the stage. We kindly ask that guests remain seated throughout the ceremony so everyone can enjoy the view.
Merchandise Take Home a Memory: Help your graduate celebrate their hard work with a special gift. The Lakehead University Bookstore has a wide selection of memorabilia available, including high-quality frames to showcase that hard-earned degree. Flowers Fresh flower bouquets will be available for pre-order or purchase on-site at the ceremony location. To pre-order flowers for this special occasion, view online: Orillia campus
Reception Immediately following the ceremony, we invite all graduates and their guests to a celebration in the space adjacent to the auditorium (an indoor reception). At the reception, enjoy complimentary refreshments, celebrate with fellow graduates, capture memories. Graduates will have the opportunity to pick up their official parchment and return their regalia as well. We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 with you! |
| 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 In the email you receive with your RSVP to convocation you will be given the option to indicate if you self-identify as an Indigenous student and would like to receive an Honour Cord. About 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:
|
| 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. |
| Photography, Merchandise, and Flowers |
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. A link to the photos and an opportunity to purchase the photos will be emailed to your Lakehead University email account a few weeks after your convocation ceremony. Individual portraits - Orillia: Graduation portraits will be held on May 9th in the Alumni Commons (Orillia Campus). Sessions must be booked in advance here Merchandise Whether 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 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.
|