Convocation 2012 Information for Faculty/Staff

Convocation is the final step of university study for most of our students. This day holds great significance not only for the students and their relatives, but also for Trent University. Your presence is certainly an indication of the respect and pride that you feel for this new cohort of graduates. Moreover, the students are always very proud to see their professors in great numbers on stage at the time of the presentation of degrees.  They are equally as proud to see staff that they have come to know during their time here at Trent.

Thus you are strongly encouraged to participate in Convocation, and, if you so desire, to meet with the students and their relatives after the ceremony.

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Student Gowning
All Student Gowning will take place in the Otonabee College Commons, upstairs in Otonabee College. Please note: due to limited space only students will be permitted in Otonabee College Commons - all guests are asked to proceed to the University Court, Bata Library.

Faculty/Staff Gowning

All Faculty/Staff who wish to participate in the Convocation ceremonies are asked to dress in their academic regalia for this event.

For members of faculty and staff who wish to walk in the academic procession, but do not have their own robes, the Convocation Manager would be pleased to arrange for the rental of academic dress. Forms will be emailed out in April and available through this link: Gown Rental Form.

Rented items will be available on June 6, 7 and 8 in the foyer outside the Morton Reading Room, Champlain College between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m. for the morning ceremony and between 2:00 and 2:30 p.m. for the afternoon. It is requested that rented items be returned immediately following the ceremonies to enable their speedy return to the rental company and to avoid extra charges.

Faculty/Staff Procession

All Faculty/staff who wish to walk in the academic procession are asked to rsvp their intentions.   The procession cards along with invitations will be emailed to Faculty/Staff in April. 

Receptions
The University will hold receptions in honour of the graduating class immediately following each ceremony in the Champlain College Great Hall and the Lady Eaton College Dining Room, where light refreshments will be served. The receptions are open to everyone attending the graduation ceremony and you are encouraged to attend.

Inclement Weather

TRENT'S CONVOCATION CEREMONIES ARE HELD OUTDOORS - RAIN OR SHINE.  PLEASE COME PREPARED FOR THE WEATHER.

 If the day is warm, light-weight clothing, a hat and sunscreen are recommended. Umbrellas and raincoats are advised if weather conditions are unsettled. Comfortable shoes are recommended as there is some walking involved.

Convocation will proceed outdoors in a light rain. If there is severe weather or a heavy downpour, graduating students and the stage party may participate in a shortened ceremony in Wenjack Theatre. Guests of the students will be able to view the ceremony live from the Gym at the new Athletics Centre. Guests of the graduates will not be permitted into Wenjack Theatre.

Parking

In order to free up parking in the central areas and close to the colleges for graduating students and their guests, we are asking faculty and staff who normally park on the east side of the river to use the Mackenzie House Parking Lot or lot U located by Peter Gzowski College and park close to Mackenzie House.  Similarly, we are asking faculty and staff who normally park on the west side of the river to use the North parking lot (lot P), and parking lot B located in front of Blackburn Hall.  Please keep parking around the Bata Library, Blackburn Hall, Lady Eaton and Champlain Colleges free for visitors.

In order to free up Traffic Congestion on the West Bank - please use the north entrance whenever possible.

Your thoughtfulness in this matter will be appreciated by the graduating students and their families.