This checklist will help you successfully navigate your graduand journey.
June, 2025
Apply to Graduate
The online application for graduation is open and available between June 15 to March 31 for the annual Convocation cycle.
Students registered in their final semester, must apply to graduate. If students are applying to graduate for the first time in their current degree program, they can apply online via myUNBC by March 31. After March 31, students must complete an application for graduation form.
Students who complete all degree requirements prior to April 30 will be eligible to attend the annual Convocation scheduled for May 29, 2026, at the Prince George campus.
Obtain An Invitation Letter for Family Members Needing a VISA for Travel
For family members requiring a VISA for travel to a Convocation Ceremony in Prince George, complete the Confirmation of Graduation Form. Under the "REQUEST" area select the box/option "International Invitation to Graduation Letter".
Each individual and their relationship to the graduand will need to be indicated on the form. The form should be submitted to credentials@unbc.ca on or before April 30.
Please note: Receipt of an international invitation letter does not guarantee ceremony tickets or seats for guests that letters are issued to.
January, 2026
Check Your UNBC Email Regularly
In order to ensure privacy, all email communications related to your official degree audit and Convocation are sent to your UNBC student email account. If you are having issues with your email please reach out to support@unbc.ca.
Register for a Grad Photo Session
Graduand photography sessions can be booked by students at the Northwest (Terrace), Northeast (Fort St. John), South-Central (Quesnel), and Main (Prince George) campuses. For booking information for each location, visit the Photography page.
Nominate Valedictorians
The Valedictorians are the most outstanding graduates from each Ceremony, who deliver a farewell speech, or valedictory, meant to commemorate the time spent by all graduates at UNBC. The speeches provide an opportunity for reflection and celebration for the graduates who journeyed through classes, papers, projects, and exams to the final culmination of all that hard work, their degree. Visit the Valedictorians page for further nomination information.
February, 2026
RSVP for First Nations Centre Graduation Celebration
Each year, the UNBC First Nations Centre honours First Nations Centre and Indigenous graduates by hosting a small celebration the day before UNBC’s Convocation where graduand achievements are celebrated with story, song, ceremony, and gifting. Graduands are asked to RSVP by March 1 by sending their full name, degree program, mailing address, and community where they are from (optional) via email to FirstNationsCentre@unbc.ca. Whether participating in the Graduation Celebration or not, students identifying as First Nation, Metis, or Inuit can request a red stole to be worn with regalia by emailing FirstNationsCentre@unbc.ca by March 1.
Attend the Grad Fair
Each year, the UNBC Convocation Office hosts a Grad Fair to provide the opportunity for graduands to ask questions related to applying for graduation and preparing for Convocation Day. Visit the Graduation Fair page for further information.
March, 2026
Apply for the Lieutenant Governor's Silver Medal
Consider applying for the the Lieutenant Governor's Silver Medal, created to recognize graduating undergraduate students who have demonstrated outstanding contributions in support of inclusion, democracy and/or reconciliation on campus or in their communities during their post-secondary education. Find more information on the Awards and Financial Aid web page.
Request Graduand Accommodation
Graduands who require an accommodation to participate in Convocation are asked to complete the online Impact Assessment Form by April 30 to allow time to review your information and develop an accommodation plan with you.
April, 2026
Complete the Online Graduand RSVP
Students who have applied to graduate, or who have had a degree conferred in the September or January semesters, must submit an online Graduand RSVP. The RSVP will be live on the Convocation card in myUNBC on April 6. Included in the RSVP will be links to:
-
Register for Guest Tickets (Prince George only)
Each graduand can register for up to two (2) guest e-tickets, and request to be waitlisted for an additional two (2) guest e-tickets. If venue space permits, waitlist e-tickets will be allocated in early May based on the order that waitlist tickets were requested. Graduands allotted waitlist e-tickets will receive an email to their UNBC email account with instructions to claim them. Graduands have until May 15 to claim their waitlist e-tickets.
Please note: Campus Celebrations are not ticketed events and therefore do not require students to register for tickets.
-
Rent Regalia (All campuses)
As part of attending a Convocation Ceremony in Prince George, or Campus Celebration in Terrace, Fort St. John, or Quesnel, regalia (gown and hood) rental is mandatory. Caps must be purchased separately through the bookstore as they are not included as part of the gown and hood rental.
In preparation for Convocation Day or a Campus Celebration, please watch this Convocation Gowning Tutorial.
Use this Hood chart.pdf to determine the hood colour for your degree program.
The RSVP, including guest ticket registration, and regalia rental will close on April 30, 2026. If you missed the April 30 deadline reach out to convocation@unbc.ca for assistance.
Ensure Submission of Official Transcript for Coursework Completed on a Letter of Permission at Another Institution
Official transcripts for coursework completed on a Letter of Permission at another institution must be received by the Office of the Registrar on or before May 8 to allow time for a degree audit.
Ensure Fees are Paid
Outstanding fees, parking and library fines, must be paid to receive your parchment. To verify if your account is in good standing, log into myUNBC and click the Student Records tab or contact the Cashier's Office to confirm your status: cashier@unbc.ca; 250-960-5631.
May, 2026
Prepare for Convocation Day or a Campus Celebration
In accordance with the British Columbia’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, UNBC publicly discloses the names, hometowns, and credentials of graduates in the Convocation and Campus Celebration Programs. Graduates may also be recorded or photographed on Convocation Day or at a Campus Celebration. By participating in Convocation Day activities, you are consenting to the use of recordings and photographs taken during Convocation being used for promotional purposes.
If you would like an exemption from the above, please contact the Convocation Office via email at convocation@unbc.ca.
Know Your Schedule
Please take the time to familiarize with the Convocation Day Schedule or Campus Celebration schedule for South-Central, Northeast, or Northwest, so you know where you need to be and at what time. Being on time will ensure the day’s events run smoothly.
Send Information to your Guests
Ensure you have informed your guests that Convocation Ceremony admittance requires a valid ticket, except for children under 3 who will sit on the lap of their guardian. Guest seating opens an hour before each Ceremony. Please have your guests arrive early and ensure your guests have a printed ticket or e-ticket to present to ticket scanners. In the event a guest cannot find a valid ticket, please have them visit the front desk of the NSC for assistance.
Please also direct your guests to the Guests FAQ, Accessibility, and Parking information for review.
As a reminder, Campus Celebrations are not ticketed events and therefore do not require students to register for tickets.
Register, Pickup Regalia and Parchments, and Obtain your Phonetics card on May 28
We encourage all graduands attending Convocation to register, pick up their regalia and parchment, and visit the phonetics table on Thursday May 28. Please refer to the Convocation Day Schedule for times that these services are available.
Campus Celebration attendees will be provided their rented regalia prior to the Celebration Ceremony, and their parchments during the Celebration Ceremony.
Leave Personal Items Behind
There is no secure storage available to graduands on campus or at the Northern Sports Centre. You will need photo identification to register and pick up your parchment. Once you have done this, we recommend leaving these items with your guests.