Graduation Information

Welcome to your Graduation Central! This is your official hub for all 2025 UCN Convocation details—from ceremony times and dress code to guest seating, gown pick-up, and photo tips. Check back for updates as your big day approaches!

Convocation Website (10)

Convocation Ceremonies

UCN Grad 2023

Join Chancellor Edwin Jebb, President & Vice-Chancellor Doug Lauvstad, and UCN’s leadership in celebrating the 2025 graduating class.

Thompson Campus

  • Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025

  • 8:00 a.m. Pipe Ceremony – Ininiwi Kiskinwamakewin Centre

  • 10:00 a.m. Convocation – CA Nesbitt Arena, TRCC, 274 Thompson Drive

  • Click here to watch the ceremony live.

The Pas Campus

  • Date: Friday, June 27, 2025

  • 8:00 a.m. Smudge table available – Mamawechetotan Centre

  • 10:00 a.m. Convocation – Roy H Johnston Arena, 523 Smith Street

  • Click here to watch the ceremony live.

Note: Pipe ceremony at the Pas Campus has been cancelled.

Eligibility to Graduate

Last Chance to Apply for Graduation!
If you want to cross the stage at the 2025 Convocation in Thompson or The Pas, you must apply by Monday, May 19, 2025.

What to do:

  • Complete the Graduation Application Form

  • Pay the late fee of $105.00 (GST included) through the Bookstore (The Pas or Thompson)

  • Make sure all information is filled out correctly

 

Enrolment Services will collect your application to Graduate form and confirm if you have met all requirements for the appropriate credential. You can contact Enrolment/Student Services to confirm the status of your application/eligibility.

Don’t miss your opportunity to take part in this milestone—apply now!

If you have any questions, please email info@ucn.ca

Convocation At a Glance

Convocation Website (234)

Ceremony Dates & Locations
Thompson Campus

  • Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025

  • Pipe Ceremony: 8:00 a.m. – Ininiwi Kiskinwamakewin Centre

  • Convocation Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. – CA Nesbitt Arena (TRCC), 274 Thompson Drive

The Pas Campus

  • Date: Friday, June 27, 2025

  • Smudge Table available: 8:00 a.m. – Mamawechetotan Centre

  • Convocation Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. – Roy H Johnston Arena, 523 Smith Street

Arrival Times
Graduands/Graduates – Arrive by 9:00 a.m. to line up, receive instructions, and prepare
Guests – Seated by 9:45 a.m.; late arrivals may need to wait until after the procession

Important Reminders

  • No personal items during the procession—leave bags, purses, flowers, and jackets with guests

  • Wear your full UCN academic attire (gown, v-stole, cap & tassel); dress lightly under your gown.

  • Low-heeled shoes are recommended for safety

  • Return gowns by 1:00 p.m. on your ceremony day—cap and tassel are yours to keep

  • Photography allowed from the front row during stage crossings—vacate space after use

  • Free parking is available at both venues.

  • Let Enrolment Services know ASAP if you require accessibility accommodations:

    • The Pas: 204-627-8500

    • Thompson: 204-677-6450

Information for Graduands

Academic Apparel Pick Up

The UCN academic apparel you have reserved (via the Application to Graduate) can be picked up as follows:

Thompson

Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location: Room number: 213
Second Floor, UCN, Thompson

Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Time: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Location: Gordon Beard Arena
Thompson Regional Community Center (TRCC)

The Pas

Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025

Time: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Location: Roy H Johnston Arena
Main Lobby

Date: Friday, June 27, 2025

Time: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Location: Roy H Johnston Arena
Main Lobby

What should I wear?

The Convocation ceremony is a formal occasion. Graduands are required to wear UCN academic attire during Convocation ceremonies which consists of a gown, v‐stole, and cap and tassel. The academic gowns can be warm; we recommend that you do not wear suit jackets, sports coats, or heavy sweaters under your gown. For safety reasons, we also recommend shoes with lower heels. The length of the gowns is mid‐knee to mid‐calf.

Please Note: You are not permitted to carry personal belongings in the processional. We recommend you leave items such as the following with a family member or friend:

  • flowers or gifts received off stage
  • purses or bags
  • jackets
  • programs

 

What if I have accessibility requirements? 

 We ensure that this event is as accessible as possible, for both graduands and guests. We always ensure that a wheelchair‐accessible ramp is set up with the stage at each event and both venues are accessible for guests. We ask that you notify us as early as possible about considerations you may need at the event by contacting: The Pas Campus Enrolment Services at (204)627‐8500; Thompson Campus Enrolment Services at (204)677‐6450 or speak with your Academic Advisor.

How many guests can I bring and where can they sit? 

In alignment with the Manitoba Government's request to limit non-essential travel, we’ve asked graduates to limit the number of guests who travel to attend the ceremonies in person.

Guests are asked to take their seats in the venue no later than 15 minutes before the ceremony begins. Late arrivals will be asked to wait until the academic procession has ended before entering the arena.

At The Ceremony

Where should I park? 

There is free parking for graduands and guests at both venues.

What time should I arrive? 

You must report to the venue and designated lineup area by 9 a.m.

Your guests, family, and friends should be seated at least 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the ceremony, which starts at 10:00 a.m.

Reserved seating is clearly marked; guests may sit in any area not marked as reserved.

What happens prior to and during the ceremony? 

Please gather at the designated gowning area by 9 a.m.

  • Gordon Beard Arena – Thompson Convocation
  • Roy H Johnston Arena, Main Lobby – The Pas Convocation

Attendants will be on hand to line up graduands by program and last name. You will process into the arena, be seated, and recess in this order.

While in the procession line, you will receive a card with your name printed on it. DO NOT lose or exchange this card as this is how the emcee will announce you as you cross the stage.

Students, instructional staff, and invited guests participate in the academic processional and recessional in the following order:

Processional Order

  • Eagle Staff Carrier
  • Chancellor
  • President & Vice‐Chancellor
  • Instructional Staff and Faculty
  • Registrar
  • Graduands

Recessional Order

  • Eagle Staff Carrier
  • Chancellor
  • President & Vice‐Chancellor
  • Platform Party Guests
  • Instructional Staff and Faculty
  • Registrar
  • Graduates

How will the emcee know how to pronounce my name? 

During the ceremony, you will present your name card to the emcee and discreetly whisper the pronunciation of your name to him/her before s/he announces you to enter the stage and receive your credential.

Photographs 

Your family and guests are welcome to take photographs as you cross the stage to receive your parchment. The front row is designated as a ‘picture row’ and can be used at the appropriate time to take pictures. We only ask that your family and guests surrender the spot once you have crossed the stage for other family members and guests to use. Please avoid overcrowding the area where graduates leave the stage or line up to enter the stage.

What do I do on stage? 

After you are called to cross the stage, you approach the Chancellor who will present you with your parchment or folder. He will have you stand between him and the President and Vice‐Chancellor for a photo opportunity. The President and Vice‐Chancellor will then move you along to the Dean and Instructional Staff members for an additional photo opportunity. After that, you will exit the stage and return to your seat.

In respect of the entire graduating class, we ask all graduates return to their seats after receiving their credentials and that all graduates and guests remain until after the processional.

After The Ceremony

What do I do after the ceremony? 

At the end of your ceremony, graduates, instructional staff, and platform party guests will recess out of the event space to a reception area.

 

Academic Apparel Return 

The cap and tassel are yours to keep.  All other academic apparel must be returned no later than 1 p.m. on June 25 and June 27 as follows:

 

Thompson Ceremony 
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
CA Nesbitt Arena (TRCC) – Bill Comaskey Wellness Center

The Pas Ceremony 

Friday, June 27, 2025

Roy H. Johnston Arena – Main Lobby

If you do not return all of your apparel, you will be liable to pay the full value (plus taxes) as listed below and these will be charged to your student account.

Certificate/Diploma/Bachelor Gown: $126.08

Full‐Fit Gown: $190.89

V‐Stole: $26.56

Souvenirs 

Your campus bookstore will be onsite at each venue to sell a wide variety of souvenirs, and a limited supply of flowers will be made available prior to the event.

Thompson Ceremony - CA Nesbitt Arena (TRCC) – Main Lobby

The Pas Ceremony - Roy H. Johnston Arena – Main Lobby

If you would like other items to remember your time at UCN, please visit the campus bookstores in The Pas and Thompson prior to or after Convocation for mementos.

Contacts 

For graduation eligibility or other questions about your credentials:

UCN Enrolment Services

Thompson: 204.677.6450

The Pas: 204.627.8500

If you have any questions regarding Convocation, please contact: convocation@ucn.ca

Grad Pictures

Grad Photos for 2025 have been completed.

Grad Photo Retakes – One Day Only

Lifetouch/Prestige will be on-site at UCN The Pas Campus on Wednesday, June 11 for one day only to offer grad photo retakes.

  • Students who previously booked appointments will be contacted directly by the studio to reschedule.
  • If a student has not been contacted, they may reach out to Lifetouch directly at 1-888-676-1647.
  • Students who have not yet booked an appointment may also call the same number to inquire about availability.

Please note: Due to short notice, Lifetouch has not provided a booking link or QR code for this session.

General Information

  • Schedule your photo appointment online! You can only book an appointment on the dates provided for your school by selecting your school’s name in the drop-down menu, and then entering the first and last name that the school has on file for you.
  • If you are having your original photos taken, you have the option to prepay your session fee online or it must be paid to your photographer at the time of your photo session. Debit or credit is preferred, but cash and cheque will be accepted. Cheque made payable to Lifetouch Canada.
  • If you are having your retake photos taken, you must give your original set of proofs to your photographer to have retakes done at no charge, or you must pay the session fee again.
  • Photos will be taken UCN The Pas Campus – Main Lobby across - Please arrive 10 minutes early!

 

Contemporary Poses

Contemporary poses can be included in your session. This is of the individual graduate only and is done in casual dress. Your portrait session is about capturing your true personality, so we encourage you to bring in a prop such as a musical instrument, sporting equipment, etc.

**Please note: due to allergies, animals are not permitted during any grad photo sessions**

 

A Word about Your Proofs

Two to three weeks after your photo session, you will receive a set of proofs by Canada Post and an email with a link so you can view your graduation proofs online. Keep in mind that your proofs are not retouched, but your finished portrait order will include basic retouching at no charge to eliminate blemishes & soften lines. Premium retouching is available at an additional cost.

 

Getting Ready!

  • If you are wearing a mask, you will be asked to remove it just prior to the start of your session.
  • Hair and makeup must be done before your photo session starts.
  • If you are bringing in a prop, please ensure you have it ready at the time of your session.
  • Lifetouch will provide the traditional grad gown, hat, tassel, v-stole and roses.
  • You are welcome to wear your own dress shirt (of any colour) with or without tie. Please ensure your tie is pre-tied before your appointment or use a clip-on tie. 
  • Graduates who prefer to not wear a dress shirt with or without a tie, we suggest wearing a v-neck or scoop neck shirt. Please come prepared to your session already dressed in this attire. 

 

If you have questions about Prestige packages, or need help booking an

appointment, please call Lifetouch Prestige Customer Service at 1.888.676.1647

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Alumni Club

Welcome to the UCN Alumni Club!
You’re just steps away from becoming a UCN graduate—and that means you’re also joining a growing community of alumni! The UCN Alumni Club is your way to stay connected, share your story, and support future grads.

Join the club today! Watch for Alumni Club team members at your convocation events—they’ll be there with smiles, sign-up info, and a small gift to celebrate your achievement.

Learn More