Convocation

All graduates who want to attend the RRC Polytech Convocation ceremonies are required to wear academic attire. Academic attire consists of a gown, hood, cap and tassel (the cap and tassel are souvenirs for you to keep). Gaspard supplies RRC Polytech’s cap and gown rentals. Your attendance is confirmed when you place a gown order. The cost of the cap and gown rental is $40 (taxes included) before the deadline date.

If you do not have a credit card and absolutely cannot place an order online, please visit a Student Service Centre at the Notre Dame Campus, D105 or Exchange District Campus, P104 to place an order with cash or debit.

The College will subsidize gown rentals for students in financial difficulties, however, funding is limited. Please visit or call the Student Service Centre for more information. The deadline date to apply for a subsidy is the same deadline date to place an order for a cap and gown.

Visit our online Campus Store or the pop-up shop at convocation to find a variety of graduation gifts and parchment frames for purchase.

• A $25 session fee is to be paid to your photographer at the time of your session. Debit or credit is preferred, but cash and cheque will be accepted. Cheque made payable to Lifetouch Canada.
• Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. Anyone who is late will not be photographed and cancellations will require 48 hour notice.
• Photographers will provide the grad gown, cap, tassel and v-stole/hood for your appointment.
• Lifetouch will not provide dress shirts and ties, so please come prepared already dressed in this attire. Please ensure your tie is pre-tied before your appointment or use a clip-on tie. Graduates who prefer to not wear a dress shirt with or without a tie, we suggest wearing a v-neck shirt. Hair and makeup must be done before your photo session starts.
• Two to three weeks after your photo session, you will receive a set of proofs by Canada Post and an email with a link so you can view your graduation proofs online. Keep in mind that your proofs are not retouched, but your finished portrait order will include basic retouching at no charge to eliminate blemishes & soften lines. Premium retouching is available at an additional cost.

Photo session dates and locations

Notre Dame Campus (Prairie Lights — mall level across from the Health Centre)

• Wednesday, May 17, 2023
• Thursday, May 18, 2023

Book a photo session at the Notre Dame Campus ›

Many students wish to invite family from outside of Canada to attend their graduation ceremony. If they need an official letter for their temporary resident visa application you will need to request a Convocation Invite Letter (which can be done requested at the end of your graduating term). The letter of invitation is given to the person you are inviting to Canada; they then submit this letter to the Canadian Embassy or Consulate outside of Canada, when they apply for their temporary resident visa.

To request a Convocation Invite Letter, please fill out the Document Request Form and select Convocation Invite.

Learn how to complete your Graduation Application >

To ensure we send your important documents and communications to the correct locations, please verify that the College has your current mailing address and preferred email address.

To check:

1. Visit HUB
2. Select Payments and Profile under Applications
3. Tap or click on your username (top-right corner)
4. Tap or click User Profile

The name that appears as Full Name on your Graduation Application is the name that will be printed on your official Transcript of Academic Record and Parchment. If this name is not your legal name please contact the Student Service Centre and request a name change.

Historically, all graduates have been called upon to cross the stage and receive their degree, diploma or certificate by their full legal name. Through its commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, the College recognizes the importance of respecting individual preference and is offering graduates the ability to be identified by a chosen name as they are honoured at convocation. If you have a chosen name that you would rather be used during the ceremony, please email convocation@rrc.ca to request a change to the program script.