Frequently Asked Questions

Convocation FAQ

• Who is eligible for Convocation?

  Eligibility for attendance at CNC’s Convocation Ceremony will be based on the academic year (September 1 – August 31). Students who have graduated, or who are on track to graduate by the end of the academic year, are eligible to participate in the ceremony held in June.  

• How do I apply for Convocation?

  First, Apply to Graduate.

  You will receive the link for convocation registration by email after you apply to graduate. If your program has already concluded and you have already applied to graduate, you will receive a registration email for your ceremony by email.

  Use the registration link and log in to register for your ceremony. After filling out the registration, remember to pay your Convocation fee before the due date when it appears in your CNC Connect account.

• Where do I go on Convocation day?

  Prince George: Please report to the CN Centre 2187 Ospika Blvd in Prince George with your cap and gown on between 11:00am and 12:30pm Be sure to arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the ceremony starts at 1:00pm. You must check-in at the check-in tables on the lower concourse and then proceed to your assigned seat on the arena floor.  Family and friends are not permitted on the lower concourse.  Please encourage family and friends to find seats in the arena.  CNC staff will be available to help you find your seat.

   Quesnel: Please report to the Quesnel campus, 100 Campus Way, with your cap and gown between 11:30am and 12:30pm . Be sure to arrive no later than 12:30pm as the ceremony starts at 1:00pm. You must check-in at the check-in tables and proceed to room S205 to wait until it’s time for the ceremony to begin. While you are waiting, take this opportunity to get some pictures with your family and friends.  

• What happens during the ceremony?

  Prince George: 

  Arrival:
  Arrive and take your seat on the arena floor with your classmates.

  Ceremony begins:
  When the ceremony begins, you should stand if you are able when the platform party enters.

  Stage crossing:
  Wait for your name to be called and cross the stage when it is your turn.

  After crossing:
  Return to your seat and remain seated until the ceremony ends.

  Accessibility support:
  Indicate any needs on your registration form, or email convocation@cnc.bc.ca

  Quesnel: 

  Arrival:
  Upon arrival, you will gather with your classmates and enter the ceremony together.

  Ceremony begins:
  When the ceremony begins, you should stand if you are able when the platform party enters.

  Stage crossing:
  Wait for your name to be called and cross the stage when it is your turn.

  After crossing:
  Return to your seat and remain seated until the ceremony ends.

  Accessibility support:
  Indicate any needs on your registration form, or email convocation@cnc.bc.ca

   

   

• What should I do with my purse/jacket during the ceremony?

  You should leave all valuables with a friend or family member. There will not be a secure area provided for valuables.

• How about photos?

  Event photos and stage photos will be taken on the day of the ceremony. (access to photos will be available on the convocation website within a few weeks after convocation).

• How many guests can I invite?

  We are sure that your family and friends are excited to see you graduate!  All guests are welcome to attend and do not require a ticket.

• What do my guests need to know (Prince George)?

  Prince George: CN Centre in Prince George has free parking available. It is wheelchair accessible and has a designated area for guests in wheelchairs to watch the ceremony (sections V,W, X).  If one of your guests requires any special seating, such as a seat close to the front or at the end of a row, we recommend that they arrive one hour early to select their seat.  We cannot arrange reserved seating for guests, seats will be available on a first come, first served basis. 

  Please refer to the Visiting Us page on the CN Centre website for venue details. 

  The ceremony will be livestreamed for family and friends who are unable to attend. We’ll have that link for you closer to the ceremony time (check your email)! 

  Quesnel: There is free parking available at the Quesnel campus. It is wheelchair accessible. If one of your guests require any special seating, such as a seat close to the front or at the end of a row, we recommend that they arrive one hour early to select their seat.  We cannot arrange reserved seating for guests, seats will be available on a first come, first served basis. 

• What do the gowns look like?

  You will receive a souvenir gown package for you to keep.  The package includes a black gown (zipper up the front), black mortar board (cap) and a coloured tassel with date charm.  Please read the instructions on care of the gown.  Do not wash it prior to convocation.  We recommend that you hang and/or steam you gown prior to the ceremony to help release the wrinkles from it being in the package.

• When and where can I pick up my cap and gown?

  Prince George

  The souvenir gown packages will be available to pick up in the Cafeteria 4th section on

  • Wednesday, May 27, 8:30 am - 6:30 pm and
  • Thursday, May 28, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm.

  If you are not available to pick up your gown, someone can pick it up on your behalf.  Make sure they have your student ID # and know your height.  If you do not pick up your gown during these days, they will be available for last minute pick-up on the lower level of CN Centre 2 hours prior to the ceremony on Convocation day.

  Quesnel

  You can pick up your gown at the Quesnel campus right outside the Office of the Registrar.  

  • Wednesday, May 27, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm and  
  • Thursday, May 28, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm 

• Can I decorate my graduation cap?

  Graduation cap decorations must be respectful, non-offensive, and safe. Designs may not include references to drugs, alcohol, violence, weapons, gangs, political messaging, or inappropriate language or imagery. Decorations must be limited to the top surface of the cap, and not exceed one inch in height, with nothing hanging from the sides.

  At the discretion of CNC Senior Administrator, if a customized mortar cap is deemed to be in violation of these guidelines, it must be removed and replaced with a provided cap.

  For more information, see the graduation cap decorating guidelines.

• What do I wear under the gown?

  Convocation is a formal occasion, we suggest wearing the following:

  • Men: Collared shirt, pants, tie optional (no shorts please).
  • Women: Shirt, blouse, or dress; long pants or skirt.

  Points to remember:

  • CNC graduates will receive a mortar board (cap) and tassel to wear for convocation, so you can style your hair accordingly.
  • Gowns should fall below the knee -- mid-calf is ideal. Remember that your lower legs will show beneath the gown. Gown size is determined by height so be sure to provide your correct height when you pick up your gown.

• What if I’ve already registered and now I can’t attend?

  Please cancel your attendance to let us know if you will not be attending after you have registered. We appreciate knowing that you will not be attending so that we can adjust our plans accordingly.

• Is there a Convocation ceremony in Quesnel?

  Yes, the Quesnel CNC campus will be hosting a Convocation ceremony for credentialed students. If you are a Quesnel student and are receiving a credential this year, please indicate that on your registration.  Grads will receive a souvenir gown package to wear.  You will receive further information from the Quesnel Convocation organizers.