Two graduands looking in the mirror while getting ready at Convocation.
Estimated Read Time:
3 minutes
Estimated Read Time:
3 minutes

10 tips for a memorable convocation ceremony

Fall 2026 convocation ceremonies are right around the corner. Follow these tips to ensure a smooth, memorable celebration.

By

RO Team

As we approach this year's Fall Convocation ceremonies at the Fort Garry campus October 20-22, 2026, we are excited to celebrate another class of UM graduates and commemorate your success. Congratulations to all those who are graduating!

Here are 10 tips to make for a memorable and easy convocation experience.

1. Ensure your guests have their tickets.

Each graduate may claim up to five complimentary guest tickets for their ceremony. Graduates have been sent links to their UM student email addresses to claim their complimentary tickets. Once you have downloaded your tickets, share them with your guests by emailing the PDF or by printing copies to distribute before the ceremony. Please note: each ticket is unique and can only be scanned once, so please ensure each guest has their own ticket. Children aged 3 and under do not require a ticket.

2. Arrive on time.

The Fort Garry ceremonies will be held in the IG Wealth Management Athletic Centre. Graduates should report to the James Daly Field House in the Max Bell Centre 60-90 minutes before their ceremony. View the Convocation day schedule for details. Don't forget - there is road construction on and around campus, so give yourself extra time to arrive and review the latest road closures and construction notices.

3. Plan what to bring.

Bring your photo ID to pick up your procession card. We recommend leaving other valuables with a friend or family member. 

4. Look your best.

Convocation is a formal occasion, meaning dress clothes are recommended even under your gown and hood. Please avoid wearing corsages, boutonnieres, fraternity or sorority adornments. Indigenous students can wear traditional Indigenous attire in addition to or instead of the other approved academic regalia (gowns, hoods, etc.). Indigenous students can also pick up an Indigenous graduation stole at the James Daly Field House on the day of your ceremony. 

5. Know where to park.

On Tuesday, October 20 and Wednesday, October 21 complimentary parking is available in the U Lot off Chancellor Matheson Road and in the Q Lot on Dysart Road, across from St. Paul's College.

On Thursday, October 22 complimentary parking is available in the Q lot on Dysart Road, across from St. Paul's College and in the B Lot on Freedman Crescent, south of University College. There will be a shuttle running continuously from the B Lot to IGAC from 1:30 to 6:30 P. M.

Complimentary parking begins at 12 P..M. (noon) on each ceremony day.

See this interactive parking map on Fort Garry campus. 

6. Make any necessary arrangements for accessibility support.

Everyone deserves to have a memorable experience! Contact Student Accessibility Services as soon as possible if you require assistance with ASL interpretation, or other accessibility support.

7. Take graduation photos.

Photographers will be present for individual and family photo sessions before and after the ceremony. A photographer will also be capturing the moment you cross the stage.

8. Include family, friends and loved ones, no matter how far away they are.

Guests should enter IG Wealth Management Athletic Centre and take their seats before the ceremony begins. Doors open 1 hour prior to the ceremony. If you have a guest with mobility issues, they should talk to a Convocation Ambassador in a blue shirt for seating accommodations. Those unable to attend in person are welcome to tune in virtually by accessing the live streams that will be posted on the Convocation website.

9. Share the experience.

Post your pictures and videos on social media and tag @umanitoba and @umstudent in your posts for your fellow graduates and the UM community to see!

10. Celebrate the journey!

Convocation Day is meant to honour you and your accomplishments. Join up with friends and family after the ceremony to capture the moment at our photo backdrops or across campus.

Stay informed

To stay up to date on what to expect and how to prepare for Convocation, visit UM's Convocation webpage.

 

1393 degrees are being awarded at Fall 2026 Convocation ceremonies, bringing the total number of UM graduates to 5,547 in 2026. Many will stay in Manitoba and supply high-demand skills to the labour market, contributing to UM's $7.3 billion economic impact on our community.

Boilerplate: Convocation

UM Bisons are at the centre of it all, making a difference here in Manitoba and around the world. Many graduates recognized at Convocation will stay in Manitoba, supplying high-demand skills to the labour market and contributing to UM’s economic impact on our community.