FAQ

Details about Convocation 2025 will be announced this fall.

All requirements for your credential must be received and processed by the Office of the Registrar by April 30, 2025. Please visit graduation procedures to learn more.

Questions regarding requirements for graduation and application status can be emailed to the Office of the Registrar.

If you complete all your course requirements and submit your application to graduate prior to April 30, 2025, then you will be eligible to participate in Convocation 2025. If you finish your program after this date, then you will be invited to participate in Convocation 2026.

You can find more information regarding the graduation process and convocation online.

Convocation is an optional activity for our graduands—but we hope you will join in the celebration to acknowledge your incredible achievement!

Yes!

Details on how to register will be sent to eligible graduates in the spring. Remember to keep your contact information up to date in your myAU account to ensure you receive convocation communications.

AU holds one convocation ceremony each year in June for students who graduate from July to May. Participating in convocation is optional, however if you do not attend convocation for the year you graduate, you cannot participate in future ceremonies unless extenuating circumstances prevented your attendance. These requests are reviewed by the convocation committee to ensure consistent criteria are applied.

Applying for graduation does not automatically register you for convocation. When registration for convocation opens, and you have successfully completed and submitted your registration form online, you will receive an email confirming your registration and responses. Remember to check your junk mail folder! You can also email the convocation team.

Yes! It wouldn’t be a celebration without them.

To ensure we stay within the capacity limits of the venue, we are requesting each graduate limit their guests to a maximum of four. Lap-sitting infants and toddlers are not included in guest limits. Depending on registration numbers, you may be able to bring more than four guests.

Yes! The convocation ceremonies are livestreamed on the convocation website. Recordings are then available following convocation.

Athabasca University encourages all students to celebrate their convocation day with friends and family. However, only those individuals eligible to graduate are permitted to sit with the graduating class and cross the stage.

GradPhotos.ca is the official photographer for Athabasca University. You can book a convocation day photo session ahead of time or drop by to reserve an available time slot.

You may book an appointment at any time of year to visit their studio in Edmonton, Alta. for a photo session in the official AU cap, gown, and hood for your degree.

Most photography studios in your area that offer graduation portraits will have a standard black graduation gown and cap available for use. Convocation hoods are available for purchase.

Once your application to graduate is approved, the Office of the Registrar mails your parchment on, or shortly after, the graduation date provided in your confirmation letter.

No. When you cross the stage, you will receive a congratulatory letter from AU. Please do not bring your parchment with you.

Your name, as it is recorded on your student academic record, will be displayed on your parchment. If you have recently changed your name or would like to make changes to the name on your student file, you must contact the Office of the Registrar by completing and submitting the student change of information form and emailing Academic Records.

Parchment frames, rings, clothing, gifts, and other AU merchandise can all be found at the AU Store.

We’d be happy to help! Please reach out to the convocation team.