Parking in the downtown area can be challenging. Be aware there may be other events taking place in the surrounding areas that will limit the number on parking spots in the vicinity. Please leave yourself plenty of time to arrive on time. Visit the RBC Convention Centre website for parking information. If you plan to use Winnipeg Transit use Navigo Trip Planner to help you find the most convenient and quickest routes to the RBC Convention Centre.

Ceremonies will proceed on schedule so it is very important that you are punctual. Please arrive 1.5 hours before the ceremony start time. Parking can be challenging downtown so please leave plenty of time to arrive on time. Graduates who do not arrive on time for the ceremony may not be seated with their graduating class.

Once you arrive at the RBC Convention Centre travel to the second floor of the South Building. Follow the signs to the Graduate Gowning Area in Hall B to pick up your Name Card from the Registration Table and your cap and gown rental. Graduates will assemble in this area 45 minutes before the ceremony. Please check your Name Card for your section and check in with your Section Marshal. Your Section Marshal will assist you in lining up alphabetically within your program. Do not lose your Name Card. The Announcer on stage needs your Name Card to announce your name as you cross the stage.

Guest tickets are not required in order to attend. There is no limit to the number of guests each graduate can invite. Doors into Hall C (City View Room) open 90 minutes before the ceremony start time.

Designated seating is available for persons with disabilities and the RBC Convention Centre provides additional accessibility services. Generally, our ceremonies last between 1.5-2 hours depending on the number of graduates and presentations.

Family and friends who are unable to attend the ceremony can view a live stream of the ceremony. A link to the live stream will be made available on the day of convocation. A copy of the program will also be available.

Academic attire consists of a gown, hood, cap and tassel (the cap and tassel are souvenirs for you to keep). The cap should be worn flat on your head with the tassel over the right front edge. Do not pin the tassel as it will be shifted during the ceremony.

Graduates are not permitted to alter or decorate their cap and gown.

Coat racks are located in the Graduate Gowning Area (Hall B). There is no secure place to store your personal belongings. We recommend that you leave your phone, purse and other personal belongings with your guests before the start of the ceremony. Red River College Polytechnic and the RBC Convention Centre are not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

Red River College Polytechnic is proud to present Indigenous Graduation Stoles at convocation to recognize the achievements of Indigenous students. Visit the Indigenous Graduation Stole table before you pick up your cap and gown to receive a stole to wear over your gown.

Prior to crossing the stage, please hand your Name Card to the Announcer who may wish to clarify the pronunciation of your name. When your name is announced, start walking across the stage toward the Dean or a representative of the School who will congratulate you. Then continue to walk toward the President who will present you with a scoll. A marshal will direct you off the stage and back to your seat. As a courtesy to your fellow graduates and guests, please remain seated until the conclusion of the ceremony.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, a marshal will lead the graduates in a procession out of the theatre. Immediately after the ceremony, return your gown to Gaspard. Ensure the return of your gown is documented by Gaspard staff so you don’t get charged additional fees. Remember, the cap and tassel are yours to keep!