Convocation Ceremony

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spring CONVOCATION: June 18 – 19, 2025

So, what happens at convocation?

Seated Bow Valley College graduates at Jack Singer Hall

The Convocation Ceremony is a formal celebration of all grad's achievements at Bow Valley College.

You will receive a commemorative parchment, be gathered with your classmates, have your name announced to the audience, and then cross the stage to be recognized, all while wearing gowns with matching caps and tassels.

The ceremonies usually go for about two hours, and are filled with music, speeches, and other elements. If you attend, we ask that you stay for the entire ceremony, out of respect for your fellow grads and their guests. Please also note, the coat check is reserved for graduates.

PAST CONVOCATION VIDEOS →

When will the next convocation ceremonies be held?

June 18 – 19, 2025

Arts Commons Jack Singer Concert Hall
(205 - 8 Avenue SE Calgary, AB)

A Bow Valley College graduate taking a selfie in Jack Singer Hall

June 18 Morning ceremony

9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

  • School of Technology
  • Chiu School of Business (Administrative Professional Certificate, Hospital Unit Clerk Certificate, Medical Office Assistant Certificate, Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk Certificate, and Veterinary Office Assistant Certificate)
LIVE STREAM

June 18 afternoon ceremony

2:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.

  • Centre for Entertainment Arts
  • Chiu School of Business (Business Administration Certificate, Human Resource Management Certificate, Business Administration Diploma, and Legal Assistant Diploma)
LIVE STREAM

June 19 Morning ceremony

9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

  • School of Foundational Learning
  • School of Global Access
  • School of Community Studies
LIVE STREAM
Standing Bow Valley College graduates smiling

June 19 afternoon ceremony

2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

  • School of Health and Wellness
LIVE STREAM

Phones are not permitted to be used in the Jack Singer Concert Hall out of respect for the Platform Party, speakers, guests, and graduates. Please set your phone to silent during the ceremony. No flash photography should be taken during the ceremonies. There will be an opportunity to gather in the lobby after the ceremony where there will be a photo booth available.

Do you need accommodations at the ceremony venue?
Email convocation@bowvalleycollege.ca

Indigenous Graduation Celebration

Are you an Indigenous student graduating this year?
Join us for a special Indigenous Graduation Celebration on May 31st!

In this celebration you will have the opportunity to: 

  • Participate in a traditional gifting ceremony
  • Invite your family and friends to this event
  • Hear from Bow Valley College Leadership  
  • Receive blessings and messages from Elders
  • Receive a special invite to the Bow Valley College Indigenous Alumni Circle  
  • Share your experience at Bow Valley College  
REGISTER NOW

Medicine Pouch

The Medicine Pouch is a sacred item rooted in Indigenous tradition, symbolizing protection and achievement. It is presented to graduates, infused with blessings from Elder Calvin Williams, to support their journey ahead.

The pouch contains sacred medicines, including symbols of resilience and sustainability like the buffalo. It serves as a reminder of graduates' contributions and commitment, offering guidance during times of uncertainty.

Caring for the Medicine Pouch involves fostering its spirit through positivity, smudging, and prayer. We express gratitude to Elder Calvin Williams for his teachings and blessings associated with this sacred item.

CONVOCATION
CHECKLIST

A female Bow Valley College graduate dressed in the convocation regalia
☑ Rent your regalia

The deadline to rent your regalia is May 23, 2025.

Rent your regalia from Build a Grad for a fee of $40.00.  

Enter your BVC Student ID to access the online form.

Note: Students of the School of Foundational Learning will have to go through their school to rent regalia.  

A couple of excited Bow Valley College graduates taking a selfie together
☑ Book a time to get your grad photos taken

Graduation photography session bookings are now open for Spring 2025 graduates. 

To book your 15-minute portrait sitting through Edge Imaging, please visit booking.edgeimaging.ca

Enter “Bow Valley College” under 'Start Booking Now’.

A Bow Valley College graduate with his family attending as guests to convocation
☑ Reserve guest tickets

Tickets will go on sale on May 20, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. on the Arts Commons Website.

Check your email closer to the date for links. There will be a 2 ticket limit per graduate on a first come, first serve basis using the promo code of BVC<student ID number>. A further release without limit will open on June 16, 2025 at 10:00a.m. depending on availability. 

Graduates do not require tickets.

Bow Valley College graduates posing in front of the selfie booth
☑ Attend convocation & have fun!

Walk the stage, take fun pictures with your fellow graduates and family, and celebrate!

Did you know you can get complimentary photos from the convocation ceremony?

To retrieve your photos after the ceremony,
use one of the links below:

Is this your first time at a convocation ceremony?

Here are some helpful terms and definitions that will be used throughout the event:

Alumni

A graduate or former student of a school, college, or university.

Graduand

Someone who is eligible to graduate but has not yet graduated.

Graduate

When your degree, certificate, or diploma is awarded, you become a graduate.

Honorary Diploma Recipient

An academic degree for which has been waived all the usual requirements.

Platform Party

Bow Valley College instructors, academic and department leaders, members of the board of governors, executive team members, Indigenous and government leaders, valedictorians and keynote speakers make up the platform party.

Procession

When the Platform Party and graduands enters the ceremony hall.

Recession

At the end of the ceremony, this is when the Platform Party and graduates exit the ceremony hall.

Regalia

The black cap and gown graduates wear. The gown and hood members of the platform party wear.

Stole

A decorative sash worn by graduands. The colour of stoles will represent the School graduands are graduating from.

Tassel

Decorative black hanging threads from the cap. Worn on the right side of the graduation cap until it is announced at the ceremony to move it to the left side.

Valedictorian

A student, typically having the highest academic achievements of the class, who delivers the valedictorian speech at a graduation ceremony.

Questions?

We are here to help you in every step of the way