About

Simon Fraser University holds 12 convocation ceremonies at its Burnaby campus each year. These ceremonies include the conferring of academic as well as honorary degrees and feature the visually stunning procession of graduands, faculty and dignitaries across the reflecting pond to Convocation Mall, led by the world class SFU pipe band.

June Convocation (eight ceremonies) is normally held the second week in June, Tuesday through Friday, while October Convocation (four ceremonies) is usually the Thursday and Friday prior to the Thanksgiving long weekend in October. All ceremonies, which last about two to three hours, take place outdoors on the Convocation Mall. Convocation Mall is covered but open at both ends and it is quite common for the weather to be cool and breezy, so graduands and guests should dress accordingly.

SFU respectfully acknowledges that convocation is hosted on the traditional, unceded and continuously occupied territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) peoples. There is a great amount of work to be done towards reconciliation and systemic decolonization within the university. We are committed to educating ourselves and others, respectfully including Indigenous practices, protocols and ceremony into convocation, and continuing to build meaningful relationships with Indigenous peoples across these lands.