Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions
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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. 

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

 

Is there a fall Convocation ceremony? 

  • No, Trent only holds Convocation in June. Everyone who graduated in the Fall or January is encouraged to attend the June ceremonies, and their name will be included in the electronic program. 

 

Do I need to register for Convocation?

 

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? 

  • Durham
    • Photography services are offered during the academic year through New Paramount Studios; their team also has a supply of Trent Regalia. Please contact the Trent Durham Student Association for more information. 

 

How long are the ceremonies? 

  • The ceremonies are between 1 and 1.5 hours. 

 

How many guests are graduates allowed to invite?

  • There is no guest limit at the Durham ceremonies.  

 

Where do I get guest tickets?  

  • Guest tickets are not required for the Durham ceremonies. We encourage graduates to bring as many friends and family as possible to celebrate their success.

 

How do I invite International guests? 

  • If your relatives are international and require a VISA to attend convocation, please read and follow the information on the Guest Information webpage, prepared by Trent International. Please note that the Convocation office does not provide letters of invitation.
     

What time do I need to arrive for my ceremony? 

  • Come to the Tribute Communities 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 contact the Trent Card Office and get a replacement.
  • If it’s too late to get a replacement for Convocation, simply bring government photo ID with you. 
     

What if a guest or I have accessibility needs? 

  • If you are a student with accessibility needs (i.e., difficulty walking 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 at the Tribute Communities Centre, please review their Accessibility Resources:
    • Accessible Guest Seating: Ushers will assist guests at the ceremonies. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

How do I get my stage photos?

  • Proofs of photos, available for purchase, will be emailed 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 Tribute Communities Centre. Directional signage will be placed outside the room. If you are having trouble locating it, please speak with a volunteer in a blue vest. 

 

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.
  •  
    • 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.
    • 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. 

 

 
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. 

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.

 

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