Frequently asked questions

Yes. You will receive an email from noreply@MarchingOrder.com on or after September 3, 2024 with instructions on how to register.

Graduates will register for their gown through MarchingOrder when they confirm their attendance. Graduates will not be permitted to cross the stage without a gown.

Bingemans Conference Centre is located at 425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener, ON, N2B 3X7. Please note: There are many entrances to the Bingemans property. Be sure to take the street directly across from Waterloo Brewing. Follow the street all the way down the hill to Marshall Hall.

Graduates should arrive 1 hour and 15 minutes before their designated ceremony time. It is very important to allow travel time to arrive within the registration period. If you do not register on time, you will not be able to sit with your classmates or join the ceremony until after all graduates have crossed the stage.     

You will not be able to sit with your classmates or join the ceremony until all graduates have crossed the stage. Late grads will be seated in a separate room where they can watch the ceremony via TV.

Your ONE Card or photo ID is mandatory to receive your registration card and document. Coats, bags, or other items can be left at coat check or with your guests.     

You will receive your graduate document after you have crossed the stage. Any documents not picked up will be mailed immediately following the convocation ceremony. Make sure your address is always kept up to date on the Student Portal.

A preferred first name can be used on your registration card, the in-ceremony display screen, and in the digital program (if specifically requested), but your document will show your legal name. If you have a preferred first name that is different from your legal first name, please contact ConvocationQuestions@conestogac.on.ca. We are unable to change a preferred last name unless it is the result of a legal name change.

When you indicate your attendance on MarchingOrder, you will have an opportunity to specify that you require special accommodation.     

Our venues are wheelchair accessible.     

When you indicate your attendance on MarchingOrder, you will have an opportunity to specify if your guest requires special accommodation.     

Our venues are wheelchair accessible.     

Seating is limited to two guests per graduate, with an opportunity to bring additional guests, pending availability, on a first-come first-served basis. You will be notified by email from noreply@MarchingOrder.com if a second release of tickets is possible. The event will also be livestreamed for guests who are unable to attend in person.     

Yes, each graduate can reserve two tickets for guests. All guests require a ticket, including children who occupy their own seat, in order to meet fire code regulations related to the maximum capacity allowed at the venue. Digital tickets can be reserved on MarchingOrder when you indicate your attendance. Any tickets not claimed by the specified deadline indicated on the MarchingOrder registration will be released, creating a second opportunity to add guests on a first-come first-served basis.    

Children are welcome at the ceremony but must always remain with guests who can care for them until the event is over. Graduates will be seated together in the front section of the hall and children will not be permitted to sit among them nor cross the stage. All guests require a ticket, including children who occupy their own seat, in order to meet fire code regulations related to the maximum capacity allowed at the venue.

Graduates can only cross the stage once per ceremony. When both programs are scheduled within the same ceremony, a graduate must choose one program with which they will cross the stage. Where programs are scheduled during two different ceremonies, graduates can choose to attend both.        

Graduates are only permitted to attend their designated ceremony. Due to the planning, scheduling and software that is used during the ceremony, you cannot attend a different ceremony. Each ceremony is livestreamed and recorded.       

Any documents not picked up will be mailed immediately following the convocation ceremony. Make sure your address is always kept up to date on the Student Portal       

Yes, there is a livestream available.       

The program is a digital book in PDF format and will be available on the Convocation home page the first day of Convocation week.        

Graduates who have outstanding fees can still participate in the ceremony, but will not receive their document until the fees are paid. You can check your financial record through the 'Financial' tab in the Student Portal.        

The ceremony will last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and graduates are expected to remain for the duration of the ceremony.        

Graduates and guests are invited to attend the reception immediately following the ceremony.        

If you are in a full-time program, there are no additional costs. The convocation fee is part of the tuition fees you have already paid.

If you are in a part-time Ontario College certificate or diploma program, you are required to pay the Application to Graduate fee.        

You do not need to apply to graduate if you are a full-time student finishing your final academic level.

If you are in a part-time program, finishing your final course and wish to graduate, you must complete an Application to Graduate prior to the graduate status deadline. The form can be found in the Student Portal, under the "Services" tab. Then select the "My Forms" button.

If your status is Special Timetable, you must advise your Enrolment Officer when you are nearing completion of your final course.

Note: If you are currently taking an OntarioLearn course, please email ConvocationQuestions@conestogac.on.ca. Final grades for these courses must be received by the graduate status deadline in order for you to be eligible to graduate in the upcoming ceremony. 

If you have additional questions, please email ConvocationQuestions@conestogac.on.ca. 

Graduates who have achieved High Distinction and President's Honour List are denoted in the program. Graduates who have achieved Conestoga Honour List, Distinction, High Distinction and President's Honour List will have their award displayed on screen during the ceremony as they cross the stage. 

Visit Academic recognition for more information about our Honours Procedure and how your award is recognized. 

At convocation, a photographer will take a picture of each graduate on stage after they receive their liripipe. Approximately one week after convocation, students can visit our event-specific photography web page to find their photo, create an account, and make a purchase.

Portrait sittings are also offered during Convocation week and in December. These sittings are private, by appointment only, and will take place at the Kitchener - Doon campus. For more information, or to make an appointment, please visit 2024/2025 Graduation Photos.

For more information, email ConvocationQuestions@conestogac.on.ca.