FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Ceremony?
Who may participate in the Convocation ceremony?
Participation in Convocation is normally limited to students who have completed or expect shortly to complete all the requirements for their program of study. Students must be in good standing with the college. Collaborative Degree students will have eligibility to attend convocation confirmed with their respective Universities and must also apply to those Universities to receive their parchments.
What do I have to do so that I can attend Convocation?
How do I confirm that I have met all the requirements to graduate?
Questions regarding requirements for graduation and application status can be found in the college calendar applicable to your year(s) of study. Specific questions can be directed to the Office of the Registrar.
How can I order a ring?
Graduation rings are available through various vendors such as Jostens and are the responsibility of the student. Jostens does set up a booth on campus 1-2 times through the academic year. Watch for posters indicating dates and times.
When will I receive my invitation to attend Convocation?
For Grande Prairie graduands, invitations are included in graduation packages and will be mailed to all students who have applied to graduate by the beginning of April. Students applying after this date will receive their graduation package when they turn in their application form.
For Fairview graduands, you will receive an invitaion in the mail by the end of January. We will also make classroom visits to hand deliver invitations to students who are currently on campus.
How many guests can I bring?
Tickets will not be required for Convocation. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Although tickets are not needed for family and friends to attend the Ceremony, we request that you try to keep your invites to no more than 5 people.
Where is parking available?
Is there a fee for graduating and/or receiving my parchment?
No. The only time that you will incur a fee is if you require a replacement parchment or if you want to have it sent by courier.
How long is the ceremony?
The ceremony lasts approximately 2 hours.
What do I wear underneath the grad gown?
Wear regular business dress. The gown has long sleeves and will complement any style of dress shirt underneath. Men may want to wear a shirt and tie to complement the open collar. Dresses shouldn't be longer than calf-length.
Is it okay if my sister brings her baby?
Yes, we encourage all family members to participate in this celebration of your accomplishments. Please keep in mind that the ceremony will be approximately 2 hours long and that this is a long time for a child/baby to sit quietly. We politely ask that if a child starts to get restless or loud that they leave the convocation area to allow all guests to enjoy the ceremony.
For Grande Prairie campus, we provide a family room for those with small children so that the ceremony can be enjoyed by all guests. The family room has a live feed of the ceremony as well as toys and light refreshments
How will my name appear on the parchment?
Your legal name will appear on your parchment as recorded in the official student record (with the format Firstname MiddleInitial. Lastname). If you require a change to your record, please complete the Student Change of Information Form and forward it to the Office of the Registrar.
How can I arrange to get a graduation portrait taken?
A photographer will be available at to take your picture while you are on stage during the convocation ceremony. These photos will be available from the photographer for a fee after the day and are the financial responsibility of the individual.
Formal portraits are the responsibility of the student and may be arranged with a photographer of choice. Graduation gowns, and stoles/hoods are available from Student Services for loan purposes to facilitate this activity. Please call to reserve your loaner once you have arranged a sitting with your photographer. Loaners may not be available in the 2-day period immediately preceding graduation as they are required for the graduation ceremony.
For Fairview campus, the photographer will also be present for the President's Tea in the Atrium for family or formal photos.
I have responded to the Convocation invitation indicating that I would attend the ceremony, but am no longer able to do so. Who should I contact?
Please contact Student Services or email graduation@gprc.ab.ca, for Grande Prairie, or FairviewGrads@gprc.ab.ca, for Fairview, to let them know of your change in circumstance.
When will I receive my parchment?
Parchments are not prepared until all final marks are received and graduate status has been determined. Once eligibility has been determined, parchments are prepared and 4 signatures are obtained. This process can take between 2-6 weeks. When this process has been completed, the parchment is mailed to the "Permanent Address" on the student's official record. If you require a change to your record, please update your address through your online account or complete the Student Change of Information Form and forward it to the Office of the Registrar.