Graduate Checklist

 

Review the information below to make sure you are all set for your ceremony. 

Note: Information on this page is for Peterborough ceremonies. If you are a student attending a Durham ceremony, please visit the Durham Convocation site.

Prior to Convocation Day

On Convocation Day

Not Attending Convocation?

Still have questions? Visit our frequently asked questions page. 

Prior to Convocation Day

1. Apply to Graduate

You will not graduate and receive your degree/diploma/certificate unless you complete the Application to Graduate. 

You are able to graduate after successfully completing both the general requirements and your specific program requirements, which are outlined in the Academic Calendar. To ensure that you are on track to graduate, start with the Do It Yourself Degree Check, then connect with an Academic Advisor. 

Undergraduate students must apply by APRIL 7, 2026 for their names to appear in the 2026 convocation listings. 

For more information on applying to graduate as a Graduate-level student, please refer to the Registrar's Graduate Program & Degree Completion page, or contact the School of Graduate Studies (graduate@trentu.ca). 

To ensure your name is read correctly as you cross the stage at Convocation, you must provide the pronunciation. Most of the ceremony name readers speak English as their first language; if you think the reader will mispronounce your name, please write your entire name phonetically in the Application to Graduate. You can reference this guide for instructions on how to break down your name. 
 

2. Find your ceremony date and time on the Convocation schedule

The 2026 Convocation schedule is now live. 

Note: If you are a Nursing or Business major, or are completing a joint major, you will have the opportunity to select which ceremony you want to attend with when you complete the RSVP. 
 

3. Get your grad photos done

Graduation photos are a wonderful memento of your years of hard work. You will have time after your ceremony to take photos in your gown, but if you would like to take photos in advance here are some options. 

  • You can take your own photos. This year, the Convocation team is managing Trent's regalia rental services on Peterborough campus as a pilot project.
    • Undergraduate and Graduate regalia (gown and hood) are available to rent for $50 from March 12 to April 30. There will be no gown rentals offered after April 30 until Fall 2026.
    • To order visit Trent University's Marketplace and select "Gown Rental for Photos - March 12 to April 30"
      • Find your program and select an available date for pick up (**we highly recommend placing your order before confirming a photographer as only select dates are offered).
      • Provide your student number and select your size and hood colour (based on your degree).
      • Payment by debit or credit is processed at the time your order is placed.
    • Gown pick-up will take place on Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Alumni House.
    • Gowns must be returned the following Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the same location. 
       
  • Miranda Studios is a local Peterborough business that offers in-studio and on-campus appointments all year, and has a full supply of Trent regalia and props. Additionally, Miranda Studios takes photos of every student as they cross the stage, so your family can sit back and enjoy your moment and not worry about getting the perfect photo. Proofs of stage photos will be sent to you shortly after the ceremony with the option for purchase.

Take a look at the Official Trent Convocation Academic Regalia documents to see what regalia you will be wearing during your Convocation ceremony, and to know which regalia to book through Marketplace.

4. Register to attend your ceremony

The RSVP will be available in April.  
 

5. Guest Tickets

Guest tickets are required for the Peterborough ceremonies for all guests over the age of two. Tickets will be scanned upon entry, and seating is first-come first first-served.  

You will have the opportunity to claim up to 4 tickets when completing your RSVP, and it is your responsibility to share the tickets with your guest before the ceremony.

Other guests are welcome to come to campus and view the ceremonies in Stohn Hall and meet up with you after the ceremony for pictures around campus.

On Convocation Day

1. Arrive 1 hour before your ceremony

Please check in at the Student Centre one hour before your ceremony. This will leave you plenty of time to check-in, get your gown and hood, and soak in the excitement. 

Don't forget to bring your Student ID or another piece of photo ID (i.e. driver's license or health card). This will be required for check-in and degree pick-up. 

Please leave bags or purses with your family as there is no room for them. Please arrange for your guests to care for your children as they cannot be with you in gowning or in the student area. Just bring your ID, phone and a water bottle if you would like one.

Review the 2026 Convocation schedule to confirm your ceremony date. 
 

2. Check-in

When you arrive at the Student Centre, volunteers will welcome you and direct you upstairs to check in with the Registrar's Office. 

In order to check in, you MUST have a piece of photo ID. 

Once checked in, you will receive your name card, which lists your degree, program, and line-up number. HOLD ON TO IT - you MUST have this card with you at the ceremony in order to walk the stage.  
 

3. Gowning 

Gowns and hoods are provided. You do NOT need to purchase regalia for Convocation. 

After you have checked in and received your name card, you will be guided to the gowning room (TSC 2.02). Hand your name card to the gowning volunteers, who will provide you with a gown and hood. Take a look at the Official Trent Convocation Academic Regalia document to see what regalia you will be wearing.

You MUST return your regalia by 12:30 p.m. for morning ceremonies or 4:30 p.m. for afternoon ceremonies, before picking up your degree. 
 

4. Take the green pledge 

Upon exiting the gowning room, you can choose to take the green pledge and wear a green ribbon during the ceremony:

"I pledge to explore and take into account the social and environmental consequences of any job I consider and will try to improve these aspects of any organization for which I work."
 

5. Line up 

Once you have been gowned, you line up in the student procession on the second floor of the Student Centre.  

15-20 minutes before the ceremony is scheduled to begin, you will be lead to the ceremony. 

Note: In the case of inclement weather, you will be given disposable ponchos with hoods to cover you during the quick walk from the Student Centre to the Athletics Centre. You will have time once inside the Athletics Centre to remove the poncho before entering the ceremony. 
 

6. Ceremony flow & stage directions

  • Following the Indigenous procession and bagpiper, graduates will process into the ceremony, through the middle aisle and take their seats to the left of the stage.
  • Students will be called row by row to cross the stage. Hand your name card to the stage marshal and cross the stage when you hear your name called.
  • On stage, you will shake the hand of the Chancellor Stephen Stohn and a member of Trent University's Senior Leadership team. Miranda Studios will capture a few photos of the special moment.
  • Upon exiting the stage, you will be greeted by a representative of the Trent Alumni family and directed to Miranda Studio's portrait area for another photo, then head back to your seat.
  • Note that photos taken by Miranda Studios will be available for purchase. Proofs and purchasing options will be sent to your Trent email in the weeks following the ceremony. 
     

7. Capture the moment

After the ceremony, you can take photos with your family and friends on our beautiful campus or in front of backdrops in the Student Centre. The Flags representing the countries of the International students that are graduating in 2026 will be hung at the Student Centre, facing the river. 

 

8. Return your gown

You MUST return your gown and hood by 12:30 p.m. for morning ceremonies or 4:30 p.m. for afternoon ceremonies, before picking up your degree. 
 

9. Pick-up your degree

Your degree will be available for pick-up at the Event Space in the Student Centre following the ceremony after you return your gown. Make sure to bring your student card or a piece of photo ID. 
 

10. Enjoy your new alumni status 

While in the Event Space, head over to the Alumni table to meet the Alumni Engagement & Services team. They will welcome you to the Alumni family, gift you your alumni pin, and help get you connected with the Trent Alumni Perks app to unlock all of your new exclusive discounts and benefits. 

Visit trentu.ca/alumni for information on the benefits, services, programs and events offered to you for free!  

Not Attending Convocation?

1. Apply to graduate

To graduate and receive your degree, you must complete the Application to Graduate and receive confirmation from the Registrar's Office (undergraduate students) or the School of Graduate Studies (graduate students) that you have completed all of your requirements to graduate. 

To learn more about the application process, watch the How to Apply to Graduate video or visit the Office of the Registrar website. 

If you have questions about the status of your application to graduate, please contact: 

2. Degree certificate pick-up

  • Students who have successfully completed their degree requirements and are free of financial obligations to the University are eligible to receive a degree or diploma.
  • Degree certificates will be held for two years. After this period, you must request and pay for a replacement.
 Undergraduate StudentsGraduate Students
Spring Graduates 
(following the Winter term)

  • You can pick-up your degree certificate at your Convocation ceremony from the Office of the Registrar (student or government ID required).  

  • Alternatively, you can visit the Office of the Registrar in Blackburn Hall to pick up your degree. Please see your degree conferral email to confirm the date that your degree will be available. If you have any questions, please contact registrar@trentu.ca. 

  • You can pick-up your degree certificate at your Convocation ceremony from the School of Graduate Studies (student or government ID required). 

  • If you cannot attend Convocation, you can pick up your degree certificate from the School of Graduate Studies in Blackburn Hall after the Convocation ceremonies (student or government ID required). If you have any questions, please contact graduaterecords@trentu.ca. 

Fall Graduates
(following the Summer term)

  • Please visit the Office of the Registrar in Blackburn Hall to pick-up your degree. Please see your degree conferral email to confirm the date that your degree will be available. If you have any questions, please contact registrar@trentu.ca. 

  • Alternatively, you can wait to pick-up your degree certificate at the next Convocation ceremonies.  

  • Please visit the School of Graduate Studies in Blackburn Hall to pick-up your degree certificate after you have received your "Degree Parchment Available for Pick Up" email from the School of Graduate Studies. If you have any questions, please contact graduaterecords@trentu.ca. 

  • Alternatively, you can wait to pick-up your degree certificate at the next Convocation ceremonies. 

NOTE: Convocation ceremonies are public events that are photographed, recorded, and livestreamed on trentu.ca/live. By attending, you are providing consent that Trent University may use your likeness in any future Trent materials without compensation. If you have any questions, please contact convocation@trentu.ca.

Trent University respectfully acknowledges it is located on the treaty and traditional territory of the Mississauga Anishnaabeg. We offer our gratitude to First Peoples for their care for, and teachings about, our earth and our relations. May we honour those teachings.

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