Guest Information

Trent University Peterborough's convocation ceremonies are held outside on the University Court beside Bata Library in good weather. It is a beautiful setting and the students prefer it outdoors, but the setting has very limited shade. Please come prepared for sun, heat, wind, and cold. Sunscreen and a hat are strongly recommended. 

Please review the following pieces of information before Convocation:

• Guest Limit & Inclement Weather
• Invitations
• International Guests
• Masks & Safety
• Accessibility & Accessible Parking
• Flowers, Frames & Gifts
• Restaurants & Accommodations
• Directions
• Parking
• Bus Service

Guest Limit & Inclement Weather

Guest limit is 6 guests per graduate for outdoor ceremonies, and 3 guests per graduate for indoor ceremonies in case of inclement weather. Guests do not need to register, there are no tickets, and all seats are on a first-come, first-served basis. The capacity limits are to ensure everyone is comfortable throughout the ceremony.

Peterborough ceremonies are held outside, so dress accordingly to the weather and be prepared for the sun. In case of inclement weather, the call will be made 1 hour before the ceremony, and everyone will be directed to the Gym in the Athletics Centre. 

Additional guests can watch the live-streamed ceremonies from several on-campus locations:

• Stohn Hall in the Student Centre
• Wenjack Theatre in Otonabee College
• Champlain College Lecture Hall Room 307
• Bata Library Theatre Room

Invitations

It is not necessary for guests to have invitations to attend Trent's convocation celebrations. An electronic invitation is available for graduates to download and use, if they please

International Guests

If your relatives are international and require a visa to attend your Convocation, here are the steps for this process:

1. Request a Letter of Enrollment on your myTrent
   1. Undergraduate Students: Academics > International > International Undergraduate Letter Request
   2. Graduate Students: Academics > Academic Record > Verification of Enrolment Request
2. Write a Letter of Invitation to invite your relative to Convocation. The Canadian Government provides clear information to help you write a Letter of Invitation on their website.
   • A letter of invitation can help but does not guarantee the person will get a visa/permit.
   • Trent University does not write a letter of invitation; you do so yourself.
   • View an example SAMPLE ONLY letter. Students are responsible for customizing and writing this letter for their own purposes.
3. Pass both letter to your relative to include in the visa application to be submitted for processing.
   • If necessary, the 2023 Convocation ceremony schedule can also be submitted.

Masks & Safety

Masks will be welcome but optional for convocation ceremonies at Trent Durham and on our Peterborough campus. We respect the decision of students and their guests with regard to their choice on masking for these days of achievement and celebration. As always, the University continues to monitor conditions and will advise our campus communities of any changes to plans. If you are feeling unwell, please do not come to campus.

Accessibility & Accessible Parking

Guest parking is permitted on West Bank, overflow parking is on East Bank.

Elderly guests or persons with limited mobility can be dropped off at the Bata bus loop or use the accessible parking in front of Bata Library (Lot I). Friendly ushers will assist guests from the Bata bus loop who may require accommodation in the accessible seating area, which is located under a tent on the upper podium. Elevator access is available for guests who require it. If you require a cane, walker or wheelchair, we recommend you bring it with you to the ceremony.

Please consult the Accessibility Information FAQ. For any student accessibility concerns, please contact convocation@trentu.ca.

Flowers, Frames & Gifts

Guests can pre-order flowers for their graduate which can be picked up at the ceremony. Please wait until after the ceremony to give your graduate their flowers as they are not allowed to carry anything on stage. You can also order degree frames with a Trent branded mat and branded gifts from the Trent Bookstore. Their store and a merchandise booth will be open for the ceremonies.  

Restaurants & Accommodations

Peterborough has a number of excellent restaurants if you would like to book a meal with your graduate for after the ceremony. You can find restaurant and accommodation listings on the tourism site or "The Boro" site.  Alternately, you can stay on campus! Contact conferences@trentu.ca to book.  

Directions

Trent University Peterborough is located at 1600 West Bank Drive for GPS/electronic directions. 

Directions to Trent University's Symons Campus.

​Parking

Map of Symons Campus in Peterborough. 

Parking is free for the convocation ceremonies. Guest parking is permitted on West Bank, overflow parking is on East Bank.

Students may be dropped off at the Student Centre on the West Bank for gowning before you park. Please note that the distance from the parking lots to the actual ceremony can be up to 0.5 km. Elderly guests or persons with limited mobility can be dropped off at the ceremony site at the Bata Library on the West Bank. After parking, please follow the signs and make your way to the University Court in front of the Bata Library for the ceremony.

Bus Service

Peterborough Transit has many buses that come to campus. 

Convocation ceremonies are public events that are recorded in various ways including webcast, video and photography. The ceremonies will be live-streamed on trentu.ca during Convocation and will be available to view after Convocation for the benefit of friends and family who are unable to attend in person. These images and recordings may be used for official purposes, such as promoting Trent University. If you have any questions, please contact joannesokolow@trentu.ca.