Frequently Asked Questions - Convocation

You have questions and we have answers! Review our FAQ's below to learn more about what to expect and how to prepare for Convocation 2025.

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

Question Quick Links

Have a question that isn't listed? Please email convocation@trentu.ca.

What do I need to know as a graduating student?

Review our graduate checklist to make sure you are all set for your ceremony!

What if I can’t attend Convocation? Will I still graduate? How do I get my degree?

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.
Degree certificates will be held for two years. After this period, you must request and pay for a replacement.
Degree certificates and official transcripts will not be released if you have any outstanding balance owing to the University or have outstanding library fines.

	Undergraduate Students	Graduate 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.

Is there a fall Convocation ceremony?

No, Trent only holds Convocation in June. Everyone that graduated in the fall or January are encouraged to attend the June ceremonies and their name will be included in the electronic program.

Do I need to register for Convocation?

Yes! Check back in late February or early March to learn more about the RSVP process.
But before you let us know you're attending your ceremony, you must apply to graduate. The deadline to apply to graduate is April 7, 2026.
- Watch the How to Apply to Graduate video, or visit the Office of the Registrar website to learn more about the application process.
- If you have questions about your application to graduate, please contact:
  - Undergraduate: Registrar's Office (registrar@trentu.ca)
  - Graduate: School of Graduate Studies (graduaterecords@trentu.ca)

Do I need to rent a gown for Convocation?

No, gowns and hoods are provided to graduates on the day of their ceremony.

Can I borrow a gown and hood to take my own photos?

Peterborough
- Undergraduate and Graduate Regalia (gown and hoods) are currently available to rent for $50 for personal photos.
- Rental dates are very limited and may be subject to change based on resources and inventory available.

To place an order, visit: Trent University Marketplace and select "Peterborough Campus Gown Rentals"
- You will select from one of the available dates for pick up (**we highly recommend placing your order before confirming a photographer as only select dates are offered).
- Your student number and degree type are required to place your order.
- Payment by debit or credit is processed at the time your order is placed.
The rental service is currently managed through Conferences and Hospitality Services. Contact conferences@trentu.ca or 705-748-1260 for specific rental questions.

Miranda Studios
- Has a complete inventory of Trent University Regaia and offers on-campus (as low as $60) and in-studio (as low as $25) photography sessions. Please visit the mirandastudios.ca or contact info@mirandastudios.ca for specific details and availability.
Durham
- Photography services are offered through New Paramount, who also have a supply of Trent Regalia. Please contact the TDSA for more information or about borrowing Regalia.

How long are the ceremonies?

The ceremonies are between 1 – 1.5 hours.

How many guests are graduates allowed to invite to ceremonies in the gym?

Each graduate is welcome to invite up to four guests in the gym for their convocation ceremony, an increase from three guests per graduate in 2024.
Other guests are welcome to come to campus and view the ceremonies in rooms like Stohn Hall, and meet up with their graduate after the ceremony for pictures around campus.

Where do I get guest tickets? How do I share them with my guests?

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.
Graduates will have the opportunity to claim up to 4 tickets and sign up for the waitlist when completing the RSVP. Check back in late February to early March for more information about guest tickets.
Note: Graduates are responsible for sharing these tickets with their guests.

When will I know if I was selected from the waitlist to receive 1-2 additional tickets?

Students who opt to join the waitlist may have the chance to reserve 1-2 additional tickets.
The Convocation Team will contact students who signed up for the guest on the week of May 26 if space becomes available at their ceremony.

My relatives are international and require a VISA, how can I invite them to my convocation ceremony?

If your relatives are international and require a VISA to attend convocation, please visit our Guest Information webpage for more details.

What time do I need to arrive for my ceremony?

Come to the Student Centre at least 1 hour before your ceremony. Bring your student card! (If you don’t have it, bring photo ID).
Please leave bags or large purses with your family as there is no room for them on the stage. It is not safe for children to be on the stage so please ensure your guests can care for them.

I can’t find my student card! How do I sign in?

If possible, you can go to the Card Office and get a replacement. Your student card becomes your Alumni card which gets you discounts, benefits, and services, so it’s worth replacing!
If it’s too late to get a replacement for Convocation, simply bring government photo ID with you.

Do I need to make arrangements for myself or a guest with accessibility needs?

If you are a student with accessibility needs (i.e. difficulty walking the procession or sitting in a crowd, experience hearing or vision impairments, require a place to breastfeed, etc.) please email convocation@trentu.ca or contact Student Accessibility Services.
For information on guest accessibility, please see below:
- Parking: Accessible permit parking is provided in the lot closest to the Convocation ceremonies. Please identify yourself to the parking attendants. If you require mobility assistance devices such as a cane, walker or wheelchair, we recommend you bring it with you to convocation.
- Guests may be dropped off at the ceremony site.
- Accessible Guest Seating: Ushers in vests will assist guests at the ceremonies. Seats are available on a first come, first served basis.
- If you or your guests need to be close to the sign language interpreter please email convocation@trentu.ca.

How do I access my stage photos?

Proofs of graduate’s stage photos will be sent to their Trent email by info@mirandastudios.ca in the weeks after their ceremony.

Where can I, or my guest, breastfeed?

For a private space, please visit the designated Breastfeeding Room located in the Athletic Centre, First Aid Room. Directional signage will be placed outside of the room. If you are having trouble find it, please speak with a volunteer in a green or blue vest.

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.