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
Volunteer registration for Fall 2025 Convocation is now open!
How To Register as a Volunteer
Click the "Register Now" button below
Choose your "spot". A spot refers to a specific ceremony AND a specific volunteer role at that ceremony
Complete the participant information page – only your email address is required
Click the green SAVE and DONE button to save your participant information
Finally, click the blue SAVE button at the top of the screen to complete your registration
You will receive a confirmation email summarizing your registration details. Save this email!!!
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.
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.
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.
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 in the new location. Details will be sent closer to the date.
Volunteer Training
One week before the ceremonies, training sessions will be held to review volunteer roles. When registering for a volunteer spot, you can also register for a training session, which is open to all volunteers and highly recommended for Ushers.
