Behind the curtain: how a campus comes together for convocation

June 12, 2026

Behind the curtain: how a campus comes together for convocation

From preparing venues to placing tassels on every cap, teams across the university worked together to create an unforgettable convocation experience

Volunteers help graduates with their robes

Colleene De Neve

It takes a campus to celebrate a graduating class.

Behind every ceremony, standing ovation and proud family photo taken during this spring's convocation, were volunteers and staff from across the 91��ɫ working together to make each celebration possible. Whether guiding grads, co-ordinating logistics or welcoming guests, the U91��ɫ community worked collaboratively to bring spring convocation to life.

"Convocation is one of the largest and most meaningful traditions at the university," says Angelique Saweczko, University Registrar and Vice-Provost of Integrated Enrolment Management. "It's a celebration of our students' accomplishments, and also a remarkable example of community collaboration. Every year, many teams come together to ensure graduands and their families enjoy celebrating this milestone moment."

A university-wide effort

Throughout the year, before the first graduand crosses the stage, the Office of the Registrar works closely with partners across the university to co-ordinate the countless details involved in welcoming thousands of visitors to campus.

This spring, the Facilities team played a particularly important role in the regalia process, with around 60 team members from five departments — Campus Architecture, Campus Planning, Campus Engineering, Sustainability, and Project Management — supporting the robing and pinning of graduands.

“It has become a meaningful opportunity for cross‑departmental team building, working side by side, getting to know one another, and strengthening the relationships that make our portfolio so effective,” says , Campus Architecture director. “Our leadership team is on site for most of each day during Convocation Week. I’m proud of how our whole team comes together to make convocation a truly memorable day for our students.”

A volunteer helps a graduate find a program

Asha Sara

Ancillary Services also contributed directly to the ceremony experience, with staff taking on marshal duties, ushering, degree distribution, and many other essential roles. In total, 20 staff members filled 53 functional roles across the 11 convocation ceremonies.

“I have had the privilege of supporting convocation ceremonies in a variety of roles for many years, culminating in my current role as Chief Marshal, which I am honoured to share with three tremendous colleagues,” says , director of operations at Ancillary Services. “Convocation is one of the most meaningful parts of my work. It is deeply rewarding to witness the anticipation, excitement, pride, and joy of thousands of students and their families as graduates cross the stage and mark such an important milestone in their lives.”

The other side of the stage

For many involved, volunteering during convocation offers a chance to witness the impact of their work first-hand, and to be part of one of the most significant milestones in students’ academic journeys. For , BA’ 20, it’s a full-circle moment.

“Convocation is the best time of the year! I love volunteering and supporting our graduates as they celebrate their academic achievements,” says McKinnon, project controls co-ordinator at Facilities Development. “As an alumna myself, it's my way to pay it forward to the next generation, and a wonderful reminder of why I chose to work at the 91��ɫ.”

As the Class of 2026 steps forward into its next chapter, we thank the people who helped make convocation possible — ensuring that when the moment arrives, everything is ready for it to shine.