Convocation Ceremony Policy

Policy Number: SS-3001-1982
Policy Title: Convocation Ceremony
Policy Owner: Registrar
Effective Date: June 6, 2007
Revision Date: January 25, 2024

On this page:

  1. Purpose
  2. Application and Scope
  3. Definitions
  4. Principles
  5. Accountability and Compliance
  6. Rules
  7. Policy Revision Date
  8. Attachments
  9. Specific Links

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the College’s approach to formally recognize the successful completion of programs of studies.

2. Application and Scope

This policy applies to all students registered in full-time and part-time postsecondary degree, diploma, and certificate programs, Continuing Education degree, diploma, micro-credential, certificate and apprenticeship programs.

3. Definitions

“Award” means the special recognition to acknowledge outstanding service to the College or Community. 

“Convocation” is an official ceremony for awarding of diplomas, advanced diplomas, certificates, graduate certificates and/or degrees.

"Credential" refers to a successfully awarded Mohawk College certificate, diploma, advanced diploma, graduate certificate, degree or microcredential presented at Convocation. 

 “Graduand” is the designation for a student prior to receiving an academic credential.

“Liripipe” was first used in Europe during the Middle-Ages as a mark of distinction. A Master would take the tail of his Master’s Hood and present it to his student as a recognition that the student has successfully completed the training period and was now accepted into the Guild.

“Posthumous Award of Credentials” means a credential awarded posthumously to a student in good academic standing, who has successfully completed at least 75% of their program requirements within a timeframe established by the School with academic responsibility for the program.

“Program of Studies” is an official list of all of the required courses and other academic requirements embracing all semesters of levels of an approved diploma or certificate program, successful completion of which leads to a credential.

“Regalia” refers to the clothes that comprise the long-standing tradition of ceremonial academic costume including gown and hood.

4. Principles

Convocation ceremonies are an integral part of the business of the College. Mohawk College respects the tradition of convocation with a number of ceremonies annually at which students who have successfully completed the current graduating program of studies for their program, and are deemed clear to graduate, with no holds on their account, will be awarded the appropriate credential.

5. Accountability and Compliance

5.1 Accountability Framework

This policy has been approved by the Senior Management Team.

5.2 Compliance

The Registrar’s Office is responsible for monitoring this policy and ensuring compliance.

6. Rules

6.1 Under the auspices of the Board of Governors, Mohawk College will conduct annual convocation ceremonies to formally recognize successful completion of an academic credential for full-time postsecondary, Continuing Education and Apprenticeship programs.

Mohawk College will conduct two annual convocation ceremonies to recognize successful completion of a postsecondary programs in the Spring and Fall.

Mohawk College will conduct one annual convocation ceremony to recognize successful completion of certificate and diploma programs offered through Continuing Education and Apprenticeship programs.

6.2 With limited exceptions, graduands are required to follow the long-standing dignity and ceremonial tradition of wearing the traditional academic regalia at all times during the ceremony, except:

  • Indigenous students who may opt to wear their traditional Regalia;
  • Students who may opt to wear their ceremonial dress
  • Active military personnel who may opt to wear their dress uniform; and
  • Clergy/members of religious orders who may opt to wear their religious apparel when receiving their academic liripipe.

Graduands will be informed of ceremony expectations prior to convocation. Graduands who refuse to comply with the dress code will not be allowed to participate in the convocation ceremony.

6.3 Awarding the Credential

Students who have successfully completed the current graduating Program of Studies for their program and are deemed clear to graduate, with no holds on their account, will be awarded the appropriate credential. Students attending a Convocation ceremony will have a Liripipe bestowed on them by the Vice President, Academic or designate and receive their credential. 

Graduates not attending a Convocation ceremony will have their credential mailed to them following their Convocation.  Returned or unclaimed credentials will be destroyed after 5 years.

Following their convocation, all graduates will receive an electronic version of their credential through the MyCredsTM learner portal.

6.4 Special Recognition Awards

Special Recognition Awards may be presented during convocation and can include Student and Community Member Awards. The Registrar’s Office is responsible for coordinating the Student Awards during the convocation ceremonies.

The Office of the President is responsible for coordinating the presentation of any Community Member Awards during the convocation ceremonies. 

Specific information regarding awards is included in the Special Recognition Awards policy. 

The Mohawk Executive Group is responsible for approving the recipients of Community Awards and the Office of the President will prepare and submit the citation for convocation purposes, which includes preparing the printed citations and securing appropriate signatures.

Recipients of special recognition awards and/or alumni members will be extended an invitation to be a convocation ceremony guest speaker as per The Special Recognition Awards Policy. 

Convocation ceremonies will be videotaped and streamed live on the web. Mohawk College reserves the right to use photographs and videos taken during convocation in College print and electronic publications.

6.5 Convocation ceremonies will be videotaped and streamed live on the web. Mohawk College reserves the right to use photographs and videos taken during convocation in College print and electronic publications.

6.6 Ceremony Cancellation

In the event that a ceremony must be cancelled (severe weather, extended power outage, etc.) graduates will be invited to the next convocation ceremonies; for example, a ceremony cancelled in June would have graduates invited to attend in October. When a ceremony is cancelled, graduates will have their credentials mailed to them. 

7. Policy Revision Date

7.1 Revision Date

January 2029

7.2 Responsibility

The Registrar is responsible for monitoring this policy every five years or earlier when required.

8. Attachments

9. Specific Links

Appendix A - Convocation Ceremony Procedures

Note: Overall, procedures will continue to be reviewed, benchmarked, and enhanced based on sector best practices. e.g. North American Association of Commencement Officers (NAACO).

P1. Students who are eligible to graduate, from postsecondary degree, diploma, certificate programs and apprenticeship programs, are required to submit the “Application to Graduate” form by the published deadline.

Continuing Education students who are eligible for a diploma, certificate, or micro-credential, according to program regulations, must submit the “Application to Graduate” form by the published deadline.

An invitation to attend an appropriate Convocation ceremony will be issued by the Registrar’s Office to each student who is confirmed eligible to graduate.

P2. Convocation ceremonies include an Indigenous welcome and Indigenous procession, followed by the procession of graduands and the platform party. The platform party includes the President, the MSA President, Alumni representation, academic faculty, Board of Governor representatives, Senior Leadership Team members, the Convocation Speaker, special guests and staff entering the Centre.

The platform party begins the Ceremony recession led by a bag-piper.

On behalf of the Board of Governors, the Registrar (or designate) will convene the Convocation ceremonies, with appropriate assistance from the Events Team, Academic Schools and other College divisions as appropriate.

P3. The Convocation Host will commence the ceremony with the land acknowledgement, introducing the singing of the National Anthem; a welcome message; and the introduction of the platform party. Included as part of the speakers list is the Convocation Speaker, either the Distinguished Fellow or alumni representation, the Mohawk Student Association President and the President of Mohawk College will give their remarks.

Graduands will be directed to individually cross the stage after their name is read by the designated reader. The Vice President Academic, will bestow a liripipe on each student.

The President and CEO (or designate) will extend formal congratulations to each student.

The Board of Governors representative brings greetings from the Board and gives the Charge to the Graduates. Presentation of awards, when applicable, are presented by the Vice President Students, International and Alumni and/or the Registrar prior to the closing of the ceremony.

P4. Graduands are prohibited from:

  • wearing hats unless they are part of their traditional ceremonial dress as noted in the policy;

  • pinning anything to their gown; and

  • carrying anything into the McIntyre Performing Arts Centre at the time of the ceremony (i.e. cell phones, cameras, purses, pictures, flowers, food or drink etc.).