Convocation
Congratulations graduates!
We know that convocation is one of the most exciting times in your Georgian journey and our goal is to ensure we mark this milestone moment with the exceptional experience you deserve.
Ceremony dates, times and locations
The communication sent to students notes that ceremony breakdowns will be posted one month prior to the first ceremony. We’re unable to finalize breakdowns until all gown rentals have been completed, as this directly impacts how ceremonies are organized.
We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work through this process.
June 2027
August 2026, December 2026 and April 2027 graduates will be recognized at the spring ceremonies in June. All ceremonies are held at the Gateway Entertainment Centre in Rama, ON.
October 8, 2026 (ABSC)
Graduates of the Automotive Business academic area from December 2024, April 2025, August 2025, December 2025, April 2026, and August 2026 will be recognized at the ABSC ceremony held at the Georgian Theatre, Barrie Campus.
Theatre doors will open at 1 p.m. and the ceremony will begin at 2 p.m.
Graduation information
How to apply to graduate
Frequently asked questions
Graduation is the successful completion of a student’s program. Graduate status is used for employment, immigration purposes and for admittance into another program. Once deemed a graduate, students can obtain official transcripts for proof of education.
Convocation is the celebratory event that brings graduates and their loved ones together to recognize their achievement. Graduates receive their official credential at the convocation ceremony.
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 after the term ends.
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’re not able to release your credential or transcript until your account has been cleared. In addition, we can’t produce an enrolment letter or release your name to an external third party (e.g., for board exams).
You won’t be required to go through the casino to access the convocation ceremony. Gateway Entertainment Centre, situated on the Casino Rama property, is housed in its own distinct building with a dedicated parking lot and separate entrance. Access to the Gateway Entertainment Centre will only be granted through the exterior entrance. Any interior entrances connecting it to the rest of the Casino Rama resort will be closed during the convocation events. Additionally, we’ll have clear signage in the parking lots and entrances directing you to the convocation events, and any interior sight lines to the gaming floor will be blocked for the duration of the event.
Gateway Entertainment Centre is situated at the Casino Rama property located at 5899 Rama Road, Rama, ON near Orillia.
Travel directions by car to Gateway Entertainment Centre, Rama, ON:
(Please note: when entering a destination into your navigation system, enter ‘Casino Rama Resort’.)
From south: Take Highway 400 North. Continue onto Highway 11 North. Exit onto Rama Road and follow the signs to Casino Rama Resort.
From north: Take Highway 400 South. Exit onto County Road 44 toward Coldwater/Rama Road. Turn right onto County Road 44. Continue onto Rama Road and follow the signs to Casino Rama Resort.
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. Please note: Portrait sittings are campus specific and added to the calendar periodically. We encourage graduates to connect with Lassman Studios directly with date inquiries.
Convocation policies
Late arrivals
The 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.
Deferral and eligibility
Students who are eligible to participate in convocation must attend the ceremony associated with the graduation term in which they were deemed a graduate. Graduates may not defer participation to a later convocation ceremony. Students who are not yet deemed graduates by the convocation eligibility deadline will be eligible to participate in a future ceremony once graduate status has been confirmed.
Eligible graduates will be invited to attend convocation, via email, by the Office of Convocation .
Please note: Certificate and Recognition of Achievement programs are not eligible to participate in convocation.
Event information
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 procedures
Graduates are asked to arrive 60 minutes before the scheduled ceremony time. Upon your arrival, 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.
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 of the ceremony. 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.
Georgian Stores has a great selection of clothing, grad rings, gifts and diploma frames available for purchase.
How to make the most of your graduation
1. Apply to graduate
- Apply through Banner at any time during your final semester, even if you don’t plan to attend the ceremony.
2. Graduate audit
- After final grades are entered, check MyGCLife for updates on your graduation status.
4. Join the Alumni Network
- Create your profile on GeorgianAlumni.ca to stay connected with classmates and grow your professional network.