Congratulations graduates!
Your university is proud of you
After all your hard work and study, you have done it. You are ready to cross the stage! We are excited that you have decided to join us at the convocation ceremony. We look forward to making this day memorable for you and your guests.
VIU's convocation ceremonies are a mix of academic traditions and modern celebration. This page is to help you understand what is involved before the ceremony.
We also have a webpage that lists what to expect on the day of convocation.
[link coming]
Follow these steps in advance to ensure a smooth convocation experience:
Step one: apply to graduate
If you want to attend convocation this year, the first step is ensuring you apply to graduate by February 28 of the year you want to attend (ceremonies are in June every year). When you apply to graduate, make sure you select yes to attending your convocation ceremony and select the number of guests you want to bring (up to four). Due to the capacity of the venue, we can only promise four tickets per graduate.
What if I miss the February 28 deadline?
If there is space before April 17, you may still be able to join, but there likely won’t be tickets available to bring guests to the ceremony. After April 17, no late sign-ups will be accepted.
Ceremony schedule:
Monday, June 8, 2026
Morning ceremony: 10 am
- Faculty of Academic and Career Preparation
- Faculty of Education
Afternoon ceremony: 2:30 pm
- Faculty of Arts and Humanities
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Faculty of Science and Technology
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Morning ceremony: 10 am
- Faculty of Management
- Faculty of Trades and Applied Technology
Afternoon ceremony: 2:30 pm
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Human Services
Step two: read your emails!
We will send you important information about convocation from the convocation@viu.ca email inbox. We use the email you have listed in the GradApp. Please add the convocation email address to your contacts so these emails don’t end up in your junk mail folder and take the time to read the instructions (we will try to keep them short!).
Step three: consider running for valedictorian
The valedictorian delivers a short speech at their convocation ceremony that reflects on the student experience and celebrates the achievements, challenges and spirit of VIU students.
To be considered, please complete the Valedictorian Nomination Form by Friday, March 13, 2026.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be graduating in the 2025-26 academic year and participating in the 2026 convocation.
- Be in good academic standing.
- Demonstrate leadership, community involvement and strong communication skills.
- Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.
Applications will be reviewed by your Dean’s Office, and each faculty will recommend one candidate for final consideration. If you have any questions about the process, please contact us at valedictorian@viu.ca.
Visit the past valedictorians website to get an idea of what the experience will be like!
Step four: Rent your regalia
It is mandatory to wear the regalia for your program if you are attending convocation. The exception is if you want to wear your Indigenous, Métis or Inuit regalia, but please let us know by emailing convocation@viu.ca so we won’t worry when we see you haven’t ordered your regalia.
Step five: get photos done (optional)
Want professional photos of you in your regalia? Photo sessions are available at various dates in advance for a fee. During the convocation ceremony, a professional photographer will take a photo of you in the middle of the stage. VIU Alumni is providing you with a free digital copy!
Step six: Make sure you’re meeting your grad requirements
It’s important to check with your program chair, coordinator or degree advisor before April 1 to ensure you’re eligible to attend convocation in June. If you have courses from another institution that you’re using to complete your credential, the Registration Office must receive official transcripts before your VIU grad application can be processed.
Note: to be eligible to attend the convocation ceremony, you must meet one of the following conditions:
- You will have all program requirements completed and graded by mid-May 2026, or
- You are realistically expected to complete any remaining requirements of your program no later than 60 days after the date of the ceremony and your advisor or program chair confirms you are eligible for “participant” status. Students attending as “participants” will not receive their official parchment until they have completed all graduation requirements and their credential is officially granted.
Special accommodations
If you are your guests have mobility or accessibility concerns and need additional support to participate in or attend the ceremony, please contact convocation@viu.ca as soon as possible.