Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Convocation

If you haven't already done so:

Apply to graduate }

Student speakers

**NOTE** This page is for the student speakers only. 

If you have not been invited to to give the convocation address, please visit the Graduation checklist webpage.

Questions?

Contact William Chan-Gill, Manager, Ceremonies and Events at williamg@sfu.ca

October 2025 student speakers

Speaker schedule

Morning ceremonies Afternoon ceremonies
Ceremony A: Eunbin (Amy) Yang  Ceremony B: Tiara Cash
Ceremony C: Chase Landa Ceremony D: Blake Mahovic

Before convocation

1. Confirm your attendance and rent your regalia

After you receive your senate letter confirming your graduation by email, you can confirm your attendance and rent your regalia. Confirm your attendance by Sunday, October 5.

Undergraduate students - Step 3 | Graduate students - Step 4

2. Reserve guest ceremony tickets & Chancellor's Dinner

Reserved seating tickets for guests

You may invite up to 4 guests to sit in the reserved seating area (front center section) for your convocation ceremony. Details on how to claim these specail seats can be found in your Instructions & Registration email from William Chan-Gill, Ceremonies & Events.

Register for the Chancellor's Dinner

You and up to 2 guests are invited to the Chancellor's Dinner in honour of the October 2025 honorary degree recipients. Event details and link to register can be found in your Instructions & Registration email from William Chan-Gill, Ceremonies & Events.
 

DEADLINE: Thursday, September 25

Convocation day

** You must bring a printed copy of your speech to read from during the ceremony. **

Morning ceremony schedule

8:00 - 9:00 a.m.

Step 1. Parchment pick-up (AQ 3000 Southeast corner)
Student ID or a valid government-issued picture ID is required to pick up your parchment.

Step 2. Regalia pick up (AQ 3000 Northeast corner)
A free coat check is available for graduands.

Step 3. Get hood pinned (AQ 3000 Northwest corner)
Assistance can be provided or watch the video and pin your hood yourself. 

If you are a doctoral graduate:

  • Carry your hood. You will be hooded during the ceremony.

More information }

9:15 a.m.

 Step 4. Sound check in Convocation Mall 
Meet Kira Davis at Convocation Mall to do a sound check. They will be in a blue gown and near the stage at the front of the audience seating section.

9:30 a.m.

 Step 5. Gather with the platform party
Arrive at the platform party regalia room in Strand Hall 3101. The Registrar will meet you there.
9:40 a.m. Step 6: Process with the platform party
The Registrar will see that you are in the appropriate place in the procession line-up, and will lead you to sit beside them in the front row on the platform until your speech is completed.
9:45 a.m. Ceremony begins

Refer to the order of program for next steps.

Afternoon ceremony schedule

12:45 - 1:45 p.m.

Step 1. Parchment pick-up (AQ 3000 Southeast corner)
Student ID or a valid government-issued picture ID is required to pick up your parchment.

Step 2. Regalia pick up (AQ 3000 Northeast corner)
A free coat check is available for graduands.

Step 3. Get hood pinned (AQ 3000 Northwest corner)
Assistance can be provided or watch the video and pin your hood yourself. 

If you are a doctoral graduate:

  • Carry your hood. You will be hooded during the ceremony.

More information }

2:00 p.m.

 Step 4. Sound check in Convocation Mall 
Meet Kira Davis at Convocation Mall to do a sound check. They will be in a blue gown and near the stage at the front of the audience seating section.

2:15 p.m.

 Step 5. Gather with the platform party
Arrive at the platform party regalia room in Strand Hall 3101. The Registrar will meet you there.
2:20 p.m. Step 6: Process with the platform party
The Registrar will see that you are in the appropriate place in the procession line-up, and will lead you to sit beside them in the front row on the platform until your speech is completed.
2:30 p.m. Ceremony begins

Refer to the order of program for next steps.

Order of program

  • Academic procession to Convocation Mall led by SFU Pipers
  • Host nation cultural representatives 
  • Host nation ceremonial welcome, Elder (Ceremony A, B, and D)
  • O Canada 
  • Chancellor’s welcome 
  • President’s greetings
  • Student speaker address

After your speech, do not return to your seat. Exit the platform down the ramp on your right (library/north side) and an usher will assist with getting you lined up to cross the stage with your fellow graduands. 

After you cross the stage, you can follow the line of graduands back to the graduand seating area.

  • Presentation of honorary degree recipient & convocation address (Ceremony A, B, and C)
  • Alumni greeting
  • Chancellor and president, recognition of graduands and their degrees, diplomas and certificates 
  • Conferring of degrees, diplomas and certificates 

Includes presentation of Graduate and Undergraduate Dean's Convocation Medals, Governor General's Gold Medals, Governor General's Silver Medals, Leiutenant Governor's Medal for Inclusion, Democracy and Reconciliation and Gordon M. Shrum Undergraduate Medal - June ceremonies only