10 Tips for a Memorable Convocation experience
Read below to learn how to make the most of Convocation 2025
As we approach this year’s Fall Convocation ceremonies at the Fort Garry campus October 21-23, 2025, we are excited to celebrate another class of UM graduates as we commemorate your success. Congratulations to all those who are graduating!
Here are 10 tips to make for a memorable and easy convocation experience:
- Arrive on time.
The Fort Garry ceremonies will be held in the Investors Group Athletic Centre (IGAC). 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– it’s construction season on and around campus, so give yourself extra time to arrive and review the latest construction update for road closures and alternate routes. - 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. - 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.). You can also pick up an Indigenous graduation stole at the James Day Field House on the day of your ceremony. - Know where to park.
Complimentary parking is provided in the U lot and Q lot (as seen on the Parking Map) starting 2 hours before the ceremony begins. Accessible parking will be available in the P lot. - Make any necessary arrangements for accessibility support.
Everyone deserves to have a memorable experience! Contact Student Accessibility Services if you require assistance with seating, ASL interpretation, or other accessibility support. - 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. - Gown drop and photo op.
You’re officially an alumni now! Before you drop off your gown, stop by and capture all the moments at our photo booths in the Fieldhouse. (The Fieldhouse and gown return will be open for 60 minutes post ceremony.) - Include family, friends and loved ones no matter how far away they are.
We encourage graduates to invite guests, but we kindly ask that you limit your in-person guests to five people. Guests should enter the IGAC and take their seats before the ceremony begins. If you have a guest with mobility issues, they should talk to an usher at the door for seating accommodations. Those unable to attend in person are welcome to tune in virtually by accessing the live stream on the Convocation website. - Share the experience.
Post your pictures and videos using #UManitoba2025 and tag @umanitoba and @umstudent in your Instagram stories for your fellow graduates and the UM community to see! - Celebrate!
Convocation Day is meant to honour you and your accomplishments while looking forward to the future ahead of you. Take a moment to reflect on your journey and celebrate your success.
To stay up to date on what to expect and how to prepare for convocation, visit umanitoba.ca/convocation.
UM Bisons are at the center of it all, making a difference here in Manitoba and around the world. 1,395 students are graduating this Fall, bringing the number of graduates in the class of 2025 to 5,586 so far. Many of these new alumni will stay in Manitoba, contributing high-demand skills to the labour market and injecting nearly $300 million into the province’s economy each year.