Convocation
Georgian College and the Automotive Business School of Canada (ABSC) host convocation ceremonies in June and October each year. Learn about upcoming ceremonies.
Graduates are not permitted to attend future convocation ceremonies. Those who choose to attend convocation must attend the ceremony that aligns with the date they were deemed a graduate.
Gown rental is now closed
Graduates who did not order a convocation gown by the deadline (May 15) are not permitted to participate in the ceremony.View the spring ceremony breakdown by program.
2022/2023 graduates
Ceremony dates, times and locations
Review dates, times and locations for upcoming ceremonies, including a breakdown of programs for the upcoming June ceremonies.
All convocation ceremonies will be livestreamed.
Convocation gifts
Visit Georgian Stores (Bookstore) or share the link with someone who should buy you a gift! to see our selection of credential frames, ceremony liripipes, graduation pins and much more!
The Commencement Group is taking orders for commemorative convocation T-shirts. These shirts will have the names of your entire graduating class on them.
How do I receive my credential?
Credentials will be released to graduates attending convocation at the ceremony. For those who do not attend, your credential will be available for release the day following the ceremonies. Please contact transcriptreq@georgiancollege.ca for information on how to obtain your credential.
How can I show I am a graduate if I do not have my credential?
Once you have been deemed a graduate, a letter confirming your graduation status and a PDF version of your transcript will be automatically uploaded to the document hub on MyGCLife.
Information for students
TO RECEIVE YOUR CREDENTIAL, YOU MUST APPLY TO GRADUATE WHETHER YOU CHOOSE TO ATTEND CONVOCATION OR NOT.
Students in their last semester of study including classes, co-op, Praxis or internship should request to graduate.
Students who wish to attend a convocation ceremony must attend the ceremony that aligns with the date they were deemed a graduate. Students are not permitted to attend future convocation ceremonies.
How to apply to graduate
- Log in to Banner.
- Select View academic records and fee account details.
- Select Apply to graduate.
- Select the final term of study using the dropdown menu and click submit.
- Select curriculum.
- Select the program that you will be graduating from.
- Ensure your personal information is correct, as this information is used to produce your credential.
If you’re a part-time or continuing education student requesting your credential, please email the records and registration team to assist in completing your application.
Frequently asked questions
Students who miss the deadline are still required to apply to graduate when the application reopens on Banner. Please refer to the important dates calendar for application windows.
All applications are entered into our convocation queue to be reviewed at the end of the term. Applications are reviewed individually to ensure all requirements have been met. Due to the high volume of applications received, this process can take up to six weeks once the term has ended.
Ensure all outstanding fees and fines are paid in full, and all outstanding book/equipment rentals have been cleared. If you owe fees or parking fines, or if you have outstanding rentals or library books, you may attend the convocation ceremony, but we are not able to release your credential or transcript until your account has been cleared. In addition, we cannot produce an enrolment letter or release your name to an external third party (e.g., for board exams).
The Georgian College Students’ Association (GCSA) co-ordinates photography with Lassman Studios. For portrait sittings before convocation, visit Lassman Studios Photography and enter Georgian as your school ID to book your photo session.
Convocation policies
Georgian College convocation late arrival policy
Graduate procession will begin on time for all convocation ceremonies. Once the procession has begun, any late arrivals will wait in a designated area until the procession is complete and all students are seated.
Event staff will permit late arrivals to participate in the ceremony, provided they arrive no later than 15 minutes after the start of the ceremony. Any student arriving later than 15 minutes past the ceremony start, will not be permitted to cross the stage. Alternate options may be provided, and students will have the ability to obtain their credential.
Late arrivals will be ushered to the side entrance of the ice pad where the platform party and faculty enter. These graduates will be seated behind the last group of students in the third section of seats, and will cross the stage last.
Arrival procedures
Graduates are asked to arrive 60 minutes before the scheduled ceremony time. Upon your arrival at the Sadlon Arena, signs and staff will direct you to the registration area. The gowning area will not be secured and we cannot guarantee the safety of your personal possessions. We strongly advise that you do not bring purses, hats, or valuables with you to the gowning area. Instead, please leave these articles with your guests. Please note: Guests and family (including children) are not allowed to accompany graduates into the gowning or graduate seating areas. Your family and guests will be directed to the public seating area and you may reconnect with them at the completion of the ceremony.
After the ceremony
Your ceremony is expected to last approximately two hours. We ask graduates and guests to be considerate and remain seated for the duration of the ceremony. Please ensure that your gown is returned promptly to the gowning area after you have taken photos with your friends and family. Once your gown has been returned, you will receive your credential.
Information for guests
Tickets and seating
Graduates are able to bring as many guests as they would like to the convocation ceremonies. Guests do not require tickets. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Arrival time
Doors open one hour prior to the scheduled start time. Guests should be seated no less than 15 minutes prior to the start time. Guests who arrive late may be asked to wait to be seated if the ceremony has begun.
Accessibility
We will do our best to accommodate your needs upon your arrival. Our facilities are wheelchair accessible.
Children
A typical ceremony lasts approximately two hours in which young children may find it difficult to sit quietly for the duration. Children who are attending must be supervised by an adult in the audience. Children are not permitted to sit with the graduating student, nor are they permitted to cross the stage with the graduating student.
Food and drinks
Food and drinks are not permitted in the convocation ceremony, with the exception of bottled water. You are invited to the Alumni reception following the ceremony where light refreshments will be available.
Flowers, gifts, and diploma frames
Surprise your graduate with a bouquet of flowers. Flowers are available for purchase at all convocation ceremonies. You may also purchase flowers online in advance for the convocation ceremonies through Convocation Flowers, one of our Alumni Association partners.
Bear Essentials has a great selection of clothing, grad rings, gifts and diploma frames available for purchase.
Ceremony dates, times and locations
June 19 to 21
Graduates of December 2022 and April 2023 will be recognized at the spring ceremonies on June 19 to 21 at the Sadlon Arena in Barrie.
Oct. 5
Graduates of the Automotive Business academic area from December 2022 to August 2023 will be recognized at the ABSC ceremony on Oct. 5 at the Georgian Theatre, Barrie Campus.
Oct. 23 to 24
Graduates of August 2023 will be recognized at the fall ceremonies on Oct. 23 to 24 at the Sadlon Arena in Barrie.
Spring ceremony breakdown
Please note: Programs are listed alphabetically, not in the order graduates will cross the stage.
Programs:
- Academic and Career Entrance
- Addictions: Treatment and Prevention
- Autism and Behavioral Sciences
- Child and Youth Care
- Community and Justice Services
- Community Integration Through Co-operative Education
- Developmental Services Worker
- Early Childhood Education
- General Arts and Science – English for Academic Purposes
- General Arts and Science – Liberal Studies
- General Arts and Science – Liberal Studies Foundation
- General Arts And Science – One Year
- General Arts and Science – Shki Miikan (New Road)
- Honours Bachelor of Human Services (Police Studies)
- Honours Bachelor of Police Studies
- Indigenous Community and Social Development
- Police Foundations
- Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training
- Protection, Security and Investigation
- Social Service Worker
- Therapeutic Recreation
Programs:
- Advanced Care Paramedic
- Biotechnology – Health
- Communicative Disorders Assistant
- Dental Assisting (Levels I and II)
- Denturism
- Enhanced Practice for Internationally Educated Nurses – Complex Care
- Esthetician
- Massage Therapy
- Medical Skin Care Therapies
- Mental Health – Interprofessional Practice
- Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant
- Opticianry
- Paramedic
- Personal Support Worker
- Pharmacy Technician
- Practical Nursing
- Pre-health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees
- Registered Nurse – Critical Care Nursing
- Veterinary Assistant
- Veterinary Technician
Programs:
- Advertising and Marketing Communications
- Aviation Management
- Bookkeeping
- Business
- Business – Accounting
- Business – Entrepreneurship
- Business – Marketing
- Business Administration
- Business Administration – Accounting
- Business Administration – Human Resources
- Business Fundamentals
- Business Management
- Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Management and Leadership)
- Human Resources Management
- Law Clerk
- Marketing Management
- Medical Transcription – Health Records
- Office Administration – Executive
- Office Administration – General
- Office Administration – Health Services
- Paralegal
Programs:
- Bachelor of Business (Golf Management)
- Baking and Pastry Arts
- Culinary Management
- Culinary Skills – Chef Training
- Event Management
- Fitness and Health Promotion
- Food and Nutrition Management
- Global Business Management
- Golf Facilities Operation Management
- Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Golf Management)
- Hospitality – Hotel and Resort Operations Management
- Hospitality Administration – Hotel and Resort
- Recreation and Leisure Services
- Sport Administration
- Supply Chain Management – Global
- Tourism – Marketing & Production Development
- Tourism – Marketing and Product Development
Programs:
- Art and Design Fundamentals
- Big Data Analytics
- Computer Programmer
- Computer Programmer Analyst
- Computer Programming
- Computer Programming and Analysis
- Computer Systems Technician – Networking
- Digital Photography and Imaging
- Fine Arts
- Fine Arts Advanced
- Graphic Design
- Graphic Design Production
- Hairstyling
- Honours Bachelor of Interior Design
- Information Systems Security
- Interactive Media Design – Web
- Interior Decorating
- Jewellery and Metals
- Mobile Application Development
- Museum and Gallery Studies
- Photography
- Research Analyst
Programs:
- Architectural Technician
- Architectural Technology
- Artificial Intelligence – Architecture, Design, and Implementation
- Cabinetmaking Techniques
- Carpentry Techniques
- Civil Engineering Technician
- Civil Engineering Technology
- Construction Techniques
- Electrical Engineering Technician
- Electrical Engineering Technology
- Electrical Techniques
- Environmental Technician
- Environmental Technology
- Gas Technician
- Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician
- Kitchen and Bath Design
- Marine Engineering Management
- Marine Engineering Technology
- Marine Technology – Navigation
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Technician – Precision Skills
- Mechanical Technician – Tool and Die
- Mechanical Techniques – Marine Engine
- Mechanic Mechanical Techniques – Small Engine Mechanic
- Plumbing Techniques
- Power Engineering Technology
- Project Management
- Welding Techniques
Livestreaming
Attend the convocation ceremony virtually
We stream our convocation ceremonies so that loved ones near and far who cannot attend in person can watch their graduate cross the stage.
At Georgian College, we respect the need to protect personal information. Pursuant to section 39(2) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), students’ images, names, program, degree/diploma/certificate earned and year of graduation as they appear in convocation programs and in webcasts are considered public information. Participants acknowledge that by attending convocation, their image and/or voice may be captured by photograph, videotape, audiotape, live webcasting and otherwise reproduced during the ceremonies. This personal information is collected under the legal authority of the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Act, 2002 and in accordance with Sections 38(2) and 41(1) of FIPPA.
Personal information will be broadcast through live webcasting for the purpose of enabling individuals who are unable to attend convocation to view the ceremonies. Any information captured through photograph, videotape or audiotape may be used for promotional, administrative, educational or research purposes. Personal information may be disclosed to outside service providers for processing and production. If you have any questions about the collection of personal information by Georgian College during convocation, please contact the Office of the Registrar by telephone at 705.728.1968 or email. For more information about FIPPA, please contact Georgian’s Access and Privacy Office by telephone at 705.722.5189 or by email.
Contact us
Georgian’s convocation team supports students through the graduation and convocation process and creates a celebratory ceremony at which graduates are recognized for their academic achievements.
The Office of the Registrar offers remote and in-person services to students in all campuses Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Office of the Registrar
c/o Convocation and Graduation
One Georgian Dr.
Barrie, ON L4M 3X9
Please contact us via email and our team will respond within two business days.
convocation@georgiancollege.ca
