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balcony view overlooking a convocation ceremony

Convocation Information for Volunteers

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Faculty and staff are essential to each graduate's journey, making their presence at the convocation ceremony both important and meaningful. We also invite retirees and alumni to join us as volunteers for this special occasion.

Thank you to everyone who helps make convocation unforgettable!

Registration

Thank you to our Fall 2026 Convocation volunteers!

Volunteer registration for Summer 2027 Convocation will be available in Spring 2027.

How To Register as a Volunteer

  1. Click the "Register Now" button below
  2. Choose your "spot". A spot refers to a specific ceremony AND a specific volunteer role at that ceremony
  3. Complete the participant information page – only your email address is required
  4. Click the green SAVE and DONE button to save your participant information
  5. Finally, click the blue SAVE button at the top of the screen to complete your registration
  6. You will receive a confirmation email summarizing your registration details. Save this email!!!
REGISTRATION CLOSED

Need to Edit or Cancel Your Volunteer Spot?

To register for additional spots, or edit or cancel your existing spot, follow the ‘View/Change My Commitments’ link in your confirmation email.

Volunteer Roles

Pay tribute to the graduating students as members of the platform party, dressed in regalia, on stage throughout the ceremony. Please plan to arrive to Gryphon Lounge (Room 131) of the WF Mitchell Athletics Centre (accessed from Reynolds Walk) at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.

Visiting faculty are welcome to join the platform party and should register using the above link.

Please visit our Maps page for more details.

Typically, this role is reserved for Program Counsellors.

Faculty advisors of doctoral students are invited to hood their student on stage. You may choose to sit in the audience with your doctoral student or join the academic procession to sit on stage and meet them as they cross the stage. You should plan to arrive to Gryphon Lounge (room 131) in the WF Mitchell Athletics Centre at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.

Please visit our Maps page for more details.

At this station, in the West Gym, students receive their name card and hood along with instructions on how to correctly carry their hood. Volunteers are asked to arrive at the West Gym of the WF Mitchell Athletics Centre 90 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony and are not required to remain for the entire ceremony.

Please visit our Maps page for more details

Usher's Duties

Stationed in the Event Centre of the Guelph Gryphon Athletics Centre, ushers welcome guests as they arrive, hand out programs and direct graduands during the convocation ceremony.

When to Arrive

Ushers are asked to arrive at the Gryphon Lounge (room 131) of the WF Mitchell Athletics Centre 90 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony and remain for the duration of the ceremony.

Training Session

Ushers will be invited to attend a training session in the week prior to the ceremony to become familiar with roles and responsibilities. Details will be sent closer to the date.

Volunteer Training

One week before the ceremonies, training sessions will be offered to review volunteer roles. While geared toward Ushers, the sessions are open to all volunteers and are recommended for anyone new to their role. Training registration is available when signing up to volunteer.

Accessibility

Please visit Accessibility at Convocation page. If you require accommodations, please contact us.

Have Questions?

For more information, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have a question that isn’t covered, please contact us.