The NorQuest Convocation ceremony is a formal, dignified event to honor the academic achievement of NorQuest students. While it is a celebration, for it run smoothly, it is requested that graduates and their families and supporters exercise etiquette to mark the occasion.
We ask that you please observe the following:
Before the ceremony
Be on time
Make sure you arrive at least one hour prior to the ceremony. This is important as it is at that time you will be told what to expect during the commencement ceremony.
If you arrive after the procession has begun, you may not be allowed to march.
Stage behaviour
The appropriate way to receive your diploma will be to accept with your left hand and shake hands with your right. Although we realize you may feel like dancing, we ask that you be respectful of the solemnity of the ceremony and refrain from doing so. You will not be allowed to take another person, such as a child, across with you.
Give personal items to family members
Once you enter the gowning area, you will not be allowed to see your family until after the ceremony. Make the necessary arrangements to give valuables such as purses or cameras to a family member prior to entering the gowning area.
Line up according to your assigned seating
You will be placed in line before going to receive your parchment and the pronunciation of your name will be confirmed.
Return to your seat and remain seated and silent after receiving your parchment
While you may want to reflect personal taste, style, or interests, please do not alter appearance of the graduation gown or cap. We also ask that you dress appropriately in formal or business casual clothing in ways that respect the different religions, ages and ethnicities at the ceremony.
Seating
Family arrives early
Be sure your family and guests arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.
Family with special seating arrangements
Family members with special seating arrangements should arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the door’s opening for the ceremony. Wheelchair seating is available with limited additional seats.
Young children
As a courtesy to other attendees, please consider making alternative arrangements for very young children. Due to fire marshal regulations, no baby carriers or strollers will be allowed in the hall.
During the ceremony
No cell phones
Cell phones are to be turned off or switched to the silent operating mode. Do not speak on a cell phone or carry on a conversation during the ceremony as this prevents others from hearing and enjoying the ceremony.
Be respectful
Convocation is both a joyous and an official event. Please express your excitement in ways that will not prevent others from hearing the speaker and enjoying the ceremony. Use of air horns, yelling, or stomping is disruptive.
Photo opportunities
There will be an official photographer for the ceremony taking 2 photos, one during the handshake and one after exiting the stage. Graduates will be able to order photographs.
Guests may take photos of their graduates from their seats; there will be no guests allowed on the floor. This will allow the ceremony to flow smoothly and reduce the distractions and disturbances to other audience members as they try to see and hear ongoing presentations.
Remain in the hall through the full ceremony
As a courtesy to and out of respect for your fellow graduates, you and your family are requested to remain in the auditorium until the conclusion of the ceremony.
At the Conclusion of the Ceremony
We appreciate you, your family and friends observing the appropriate etiquette, as stated above. This will allow everyone to share and enjoy a memorable and orderly Convocation ceremony.
If you have questions, please email convocation@norquest.ca