Family and Guests

Convocation Dates and Times

Each Faculty awarding degrees is assigned to one specific ceremony.  Please review the Convocation Ceremony Schedule to see which day to attend. 

Attending Convocation

The convocation ceremonies will be held in the Investors Group Athletic Centre (IGAC).   Please see Directions & Parking for more information about the location.

Tickets are not required, and there is no maximum number of guests that graduates may invite.

Doors to IGAC open one hour before the scheduled start of the ceremony.  Guests are advised to be in their seats at least 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the ceremony.

All guest seating is bleacher seating which should be accessed from the third floor level. Please exercise extreme caution when going up or down the bleacher stairs.

There is a designated seating area for guests who are disabled or who are in wheelchairs. For more detailed information, see Special Needs.

Children are welcome to attend the ceremony. However, please keep in mind that the ceremony lasts 2 – 2.5 hours. Due to fire regulations, baby strollers cannot be accommodated in the aisles of IGAC. This is just a “heads up” that you will need to hold your baby or toddler during the ceremony.

**For family and friends who are unable to attend the ceremony but would like to see your graduate receive his/her degree parchment, a live Webcast of the Convocation ceremony will be broadcast at umanitoba.ca/convocation/live. You may also purchase a DVD of the ceremony.  

How long is the ceremony?

Depending upon the number of graduates in the ceremony, the length of the speeches, and the number of special awards granted at convocation, the length of the ceremonies can vary. Generally speaking, you can expect the ceremony to last approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.

What happens after the ceremony?

At the end of each ceremony graduates will process out of IGAC to a reception area. This is an excellent location to meet your graduates. Do not arrange to meet at the exit doors of IGAC as this area must be kept clear.

Where can I stand to take pictures?

Due to the high number of graduates and the size of the crowds attending ceremonies, guests may take photos only from their seats. Guests are not permitted on the floor during the ceremony due to fire regulations.

However, a university photographer will be taking a photo of each graduate as the degree parchment is presented. Portrait photography is also available before and after the ceremony. Please see Flowers, Souvenirs & Photos for links to download, print, and fill out the order forms for these services.

Directions and Parking

Ceremonies are held in the Investors Group Athletic Centre (IGAC).  There will be signage from the parking areas directing you to IGAC.  Guests who park in U Lot may use the Max Bell complex as an entrance to the IGAC.  Signs will be posted on the days of the ceremonies.

To avoid congestion, family and friends should use the designated entrances to IGAC (wheelchair accessible); please do not accompany graduands to their assembly area.

Free parking is available in ‘U’ Lot off Chancellor Matheson Rd and in ‘Q’ Lot on Dysart Rd, across from St. Paul’s College.

The public parkade (located on Ralph Campbell Rd. off Sidney Smith St.) is available for parking, but you will be charged an hourly rate.

Handicapped parking will be available in ‘P’ Lot on Sidney Smith St. University Security Services staff will be on hand to assist in directing drivers to the handicapped area.

Special Needs

There is a designated seating area for guests who are disabled or who are in wheelchairs. While there will be a wheelchair available to move guests from the front of the Investors Group Athletic Centre (IGAC) to the disabled seating area, please be aware that the University does not provide wheelchairs for the use of any guest for the duration of the ceremony. If any guest requires a wheelchair, it is the responsibility of the guest/family to make provision.
 
Any disabled guests (for example those in wheelchairs or who have difficulty walking) should look for any usher wearing a blue gown for directions to seating. Due to the limited seating in this area, one able bodied guest may accompany.

Handicapped parking will be available in ‘P’ Lot on Sidney Smith St. University Security Services staff will be on hand to assist in directing drivers to the handicapped area.

Flowers, Souvenirs & Photos

U Floria florists will have tables set up in the mezzanine outside the guest seating area in the Investors Group Athletic Centre prior to the ceremonies for guests to purchase flowers for their favourite graduate. Visit their website ufloria.ca to view their work.

The University of Manitoba Bookstore has a wide selection of crested merchandise for sale and will have a table in the mezzanine outside the guest seating area in the Investors Group Athletic Centre. You can visit the BookStore website to see some of the merchandise available.

Jostens Canada sells school rings through the University of Manitoba Bookstore.  A Jostens representative will be available in the mezzanine for ordering school rings.  For further information contact the BookStore.

Arrangements have been made for Barney Charach Paramount Studio photographers to be located in the Max Bell Field House for graduates’ individual and family portraits for 2 hours after the Convocation ceremonies. If you are interested in having a portrait done, you are asked to visit the website, download the order form, fill it out, and bring it along to Convocation.

The Alumni Association and the University of Manitoba Media Production group have collaborated to make available two items that may be of interest to you. One is a photo of the graduate receiving their parchment on‐stage from their Dean or his/her designate. Another is a DVD of the Convocation Ceremony. You can download the order form from the Alumni Association website.

As well, the Alumni Association offers frames for parchments and a framing service immediately after Convocation.  Information about the different kinds of frames that are available, pricing, and ordering is available on the Alumni Association website.