Convocation

If you are planning to graduate in Spring 2025, you must submit your online Application to Graduate form (Please note: the application term will appear as 2025 Winter) along with your graduation fee to let us know that you want to graduate! Once the form has been completed, you will receive an email confirming that the Application has been successfully received. If you do not receive an email confirmation, please contact the Registrar’s Office immediately at convocation@msvu.ca.

The deadline to submit your Application to Graduate for Spring is January 31, 2025

Please note: If you are requesting special seating accommodations, please be sure to indicate if they are for yourself or for your guests.

Please note: Although the pronunciation of many names is obvious, some may require special attention. If your name is one that is pronounced in a special way, please advise us on how we should announce your name at the Convocation ceremony.  This can be done by filling in the “Phonetic Spelling of Name” field on the Application to Graduate form.  Please indicate either the phonetic spelling of your name OR a familiar word that rhymes with your name.

Please email helpdesk@msvu.ca if you need assistance with your username and password.

Deadline to submit: January 31, 2025

Once you have completed the online Application to Graduate in Step 1, the $65.00 graduation fee will automatically be added to your student account with Financial Services. Your application will not be complete until this fee has been paid.

You can pay your Application to Graduate fee online.

All graduates are allotted a maximum of two guest tickets to their ceremony. Graduates who are looking to obtain additional guest tickets are encouraged to complete the Extra Ticket Request Form by May 5, 2025 for consideration. Graduates will be notified of the outcome of their request on May 6, 2025. If additional tickets become available after this deadline, they will be distributed on a first come-first serve basis at the time of gown and hood pickup.

There will be a guest overflow viewing room (Seton Academic Centre, Room 557). It is a viewing room where guests, who do not have a ticket or may experience challenges viewing the ceremony in the Seton Auditorium, can watch the ceremony via livestream. If space becomes available in the Auditorium, guests will have the option of remaining in the viewing room or moving to the Auditorium for the ceremony.

There is no charge for convocation tickets and the sale of convocation tickets is strictly prohibited.

Please review this “How to Convocate” video!

Our Spring 2025 Convocation ceremonies will be available via live stream on the Mount’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. If you miss the live stream, please note that a recording of the Convocation ceremonies will be available for viewing on the University’s YouTube channel.

Watch on the Mount’s YouTube channel »

Watch on the Mount’s Facebook page »

If you would like to view a recording of the ceremonies and YouTube isn’t an option, a recording can be made available to you at a later date by contacting at DMZ@msvu.ca

To be posted.

 

To be posted.

 

“You Earned it, Now Frame it. Display your accomplishment with pride!

Earning your degree was a lot of hard work. Now it’s time to showcase your achievement! Proudly display your parchment by having it professionally framed and highlighted by a blue mat tastefully in-printed with the Mount Saint Vincent University logo. All frames are high quality, Canadian made with acid free mats.

Frames are sold on site at the McCain Centre, Room 106 on the days of convocation.

Have any Questions? Contact the Alumni Relations Office via email at alumni@msvu.ca

Ruby Blois
Honorary Degree Recipient – Fall 2024

Ms. Ruby Blois is recognized at home and abroad for her tremendous leadership in children’s and women’s health.

Ms. Blois graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University in 1973 with her bachelor of science in nursing. She also attended Dalhousie University, the University of Saskatoon, and the Children’s Hospital School of Nursing.

A visionary leader, she rose to senior administrative positions at the IWK Health Centre including Vice President of Clinical Programs, Vice President of Partnership Development, and CEO of the IWK Foundation. While at the IWK, Ms. Blois established the health centre’s Department of Nursing Research, advocated for family-centred care, helped launch Canada’s first Telehealth Network, and with a team helped bring the IWK Telethon to Atlantic Canada – an event that raises millions each year for the treatment of sick children. Upon her retirement from the IWK, the Ruby Blois Nursing Research Scholarship was established.

Ms. Blois’s sense of community is ever-present. She has contributed countless hours as a board member, volunteer and fundraiser to organizations including Brigadoon Children’s Camp Society in support of children with chronic illnesses, the North Dartmouth Outreach Centre, the Arthritis Society of Nova Scotia, the Single Parent Centre Spryfield, the Association for the Care of Children and Health, and she established the Youth Program and was involved in committee activities at Stairs Memorial United Church, among others.

Ms. Blois was also a founding member and managing partner of the healthcare consultancy Health Care Change Management Associates Inc. that had associate status with Deloitte Canada. She chaired the MSVU board of governors from 1996 to 2001 and its ProjectTwenty12 Leading Women Committee, and was a recipient of the university’s 125th anniversary award for exceptional service. There is a room named in her honour in MSVU’s Margaret Norrie McCain Centre for Teaching, Learning and Research.

Ms. Blois is also a mentor, mother, wife, friend, golfer and painter. Her abounding energy continues to benefit others.

Student Awards

Senate Awards of Distinction – Undergraduate & Graduate

Pewter awards are presented by the Senate to recognize students who graduate “with distinction and with highest aggregate” in their diploma or bachelor program. These awards are presented at both the May and October ceremonies.

President’s Prizes

Special awards donated by the University President are given to members of the May and October graduating classes whose energy, generosity and commitment have enriched the University during their time as students, and who show promise that their commitment will continue as alumni.

Kappa Gamma Pi

Kappa Gamma Pi is the National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society. Membership is based on scholarship, leadership and service. Members are selected not only for recognition of past accomplishments, but also in anticipation of future service.

Governor General’s Medal – Undergraduate

Donated by the Governor General of Canada this medal is given once per year at the undergraduate level for the highest aggregate in the final three years (15 units) of a degree program

Governor General’s Medal – Graduate

Donated by the Governor General of Canada this medal is given once per year at the graduate level to the top graduating master’s student. Presented annually at the spring convocation. Students graduating the previous fall are equally eligible with spring graduands for this award.

Valedictorian Prizes

This prize is given to graduates who have made significant contributions to extracurricular activities at the Mount and/or community at large, as well as maintained a minimum grade point average of 2.7 in the most recent five units of coursework.

---

Faculty Awards

President and Vice-Presidents’ Advanced Career Teaching Award

This award is presented to a faculty member, librarian or laboratory instructor who has demonstrated teaching excellence throughout their career at Mount Saint Vincent University.

Alumni Early Career Teaching Award

This award is presented to an early-career full-time faculty member, librarian or laboratory instructor who has demonstrated commitment and promise in the first five years of their career at Mount Saint Vincent University.

Alumni Part-time Faculty Teaching Award

This award is presented to a part-time faculty member, librarian or laboratory instructor who demonstrates commitment, knowledge and skill as a university educator.

Early Career Research Award

This award, given to an early-career full-time faculty member, recognizes the individual’s commitment and achievement as a contributor to the research community and to the research climate at Mount Saint Vincent University.

Award for Research Excellence

This award is presented to recognize a faculty member’s contribution to the research community and to the research climate at Mount Saint Vincent University.

The importance of Valedictorians

Mount Saint Vincent University has a tradition in which a Valedictorian is selected to deliver the farewell address at each of the convocation ceremonies. The valedictory address is always a highlight of the convocation ceremony. Nominating is an opportunity for you to have a voice in shaping this part of your graduation ceremony.

Who is eligible to be nominated?

To be eligible for selection, nominees must meet the nominations criteria:

• have a minimum GPA of 2.7 in the most recent five units of coursework and;
• have made significant contributions to extra-curricular activities at the Mount and/or community-at-large.

A sub-committee of the Academic Policy and Planning Committee will review the nominations along with the students’ academic records and present the candidates for Senate approval. Final notification will be sent to the students who are selected to be the Class Valedictorians.

Who can submit a nomination?

All graduands (students who will graduate during the convocation period), faculty and staff can submit a nomination.

What is the deadline to submit for Fall 2024 Convocation?

The deadline to submit the Valedictorian Nomination Form (PDF) is September 27, 2024. The September 27, 2024 deadline is in place in order to give the Valedictorian sufficient time to prepare their address and delivery. All graduands may nominate one person from amongst the graduands for Fall Convocation.

Please complete and submit the Valedictorian Nomination Form by September 27, 2024 via email to convocnominations@msvu.ca.

---

View previous Valedictory addresses, as well as full Convocation ceremonies, on MSVU’s YouTube channel.

How do I graduate?
All students wishing to graduate in either Spring or Fall are required to submit the online Application to Graduate (Step 1) and pay the $65 Application to Graduate fee (Step 2).

Can I request Additional guest tickets?
All graduates are allotted a maximum of two guest tickets to their ceremony. Graduates who are looking to obtain additional guest tickets are encouraged to complete the extra ticket request form by May 5, 2025 for consideration. Graduates will be notified of the outcome of their request on May 6, 2025. If additional tickets become available after this deadline, they will be distributed on a first come-first serve basis at the time of gown and hood pickup.

There will be a guest overflow viewing room (Seton Academic Centre, Room 557). It is a viewing room where guests, who do not have a ticket or may experience challenges viewing the ceremony in the Seton Auditorium, can watch the ceremony via livestream. If space becomes available in the Auditorium, guests will have the option of remaining in the viewing room or moving to the Auditorium for the ceremony.

There is no charge for convocation tickets and the sale of convocation tickets is strictly prohibited.

Can I withdraw my Application to Graduate once I’ve submitted?
The deadline to withdraw an application once submitted is March 31 for Spring convocation, and September 15 for Fall convocation.

Have you received my Application to Graudate fee?
Please reach out to Financial Services at financial.services@msvu.ca for confirmation that your payment has been received, alternatively, you can log into MyMount to view your account activity/statement.

I submitted my application, can you confirm you received it?
Once your application has been submitted, you will receive an email to your MSVU email account confirming that your application has been successfully received. If you do not receive an email confirmation, please contact the Registrar’s Office immediately.

What day and time is my ceremony?
The Schedule of Events and Ceremonies by Program information will be updated on the website shortly after the Application to Graduate deadline has passed.

Where will the convocation ceremony take place?
Convocation will be held in the Seton Academic Centre Auditorium, followed by a reception for light refreshments, photographs and mingling in the Margaret Norrie McCain Centre Atrium.

I’m not able to attend, how can I receive my parchment?   
If you are unable or do not wish to attend convocation, your parchment will be mailed to you. Please email convocation@msvu.ca and provide your current mailing address and phone number. Parchments are sent out in the week following convocation. Please ensure your mailing address is up-to-date with the Registrar’s Office.

Alternatively, your parchment will be made available for pick-up at the Registrar’s Office two business days after convocation.

If you are unable to pick up your parchment yourself you may authorize someone else to pick it up on your behalf. You must provide this individual with authorization by emailing convocation@msvu.ca. The individual picking up your parchment must also provide photo identification proving they are the person stated in your email.

What time do I have to arrive?  
Graduates must report to the 4th Floor, Seton Academic Centre one hour before the scheduled ceremony start time for gowning and final instructions about crossing the auditorium stage and receiving your parchment.

What will I wear in the convocation ceremony?
It is mandatory to have academic attire in order to participate in the convocation ceremony. A gown and hood/collar will be provided to you by the University and you will be responsible for the gown and hood until it is returned after your ceremony. Professional attire underneath the academic gowns is suggested. Purses, backpacks and other items will not be permitted for carrying by graduates during the convocation ceremony. It is strongly advised to have a friend or relative look after personal belongings during convocation.

How do I know what my gown size is?
Our gown sizing is in a general format (i.e. S, M, L). We also use your height to determine the best size for you. On your Application to Graduate you should select the size that most closely matches your coat or jacket size.

Where can I pick up my guest tickets, and gown and hood?
All guests require a ticket. Convocation attire and tickets can be picked up in the Seton Academic Centre, Room 453, in the days prior to convocation. Dates and times will be posted on the website in the Schedule of Events.

Graduands who are picking up attire on the day of convocation are encouraged to pick up their gown and hood at least one hour before the scheduled ceremony start time, then proceed immediately to the lineup area. Please note, attire should be returned to Seton Academic Centre, Room 453 immediately following your ceremony.

Can I bring my children?
Children are welcome to attend convocation ceremonies; however, they are required to have their own seats and will therefore need a guest ticket to enter the auditorium. Please note that a parent, guardian or adult must accompany all children.

Do infants and children need tickets to attend the ceremony?
Yes, children and infants will need their own ticket. Please keep in mind the ceremonies are typically two hours long. We encourage guests with young children to sit near exits in case you need to step outside.

My family is coming to my convocation from another country, how do I get a letter of invitation for visa purposes?
Click on the link below and scroll down to the bottom of the page. You will see a tab with information on how to invite family and/or friends to attend your graduation.
https://www.msvu.ca/international/advising-for-current-international-students/immigration-permit-renewals-in-canada/

Will there be a photographer at convocation for grad portraits?
LifeTouch Photography will be set up in the McCain Centre. Graduates who wish to have portrait photographs taken by LifeTouch Photography on convocation day, can make an appointment via the following link: https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/1dqyyrrv/?e_id=7349

Please contact LifeTouch Photography at 902-405-7287 if you have any questions regarding appointments.

I’m having my photos taken with a photographer prior to the day of convocation, can I rent academic attire?
The university does not rent gowns, hoods or collars for graduation photos.  If you would like to have graduation photos taken with a photographer before or after convocation, you may contact Bspoke Apparel for academic attire. Most photographers will have a black graduation gown available for photo sessions.

I’m having my photos taken with a photographer before convocation day, what are my hood colours:
Students receiving certificates and diplomas wear black gowns with white collars. Students receiving degrees wear black gowns with the appropriate coloured hoods. Hoods include a satin lining in the two university colours (light and dark blue), with a velvet edging in a colour specific to each degree. The velvet edging on a Bachelor hood is a 2″ wide trim and the band on the Masters hoods is 3″ wide velvet trim

Degree	Colour
Bachelor of Arts (Child and Youth Study)	Royal Blue
Bachelor of Applied Arts (Family Studies and Gerontology)	Teal Green
Bachelor of Applied Arts (Information Technology)	Geranium
Bachelor of Arts	White
Bachelor of Business Administration	Fawn
Bachelor of Education	Pale Blue
Bachelor of Public Relations	Bangkok Rose
Bachelor of Science	Gold
Bachelor of Science (Applied Human Nutrition)	Gold
Bachelor of Science (Science Communication)	Gold
Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management	Diaptase (Jewel Green)
Master of Arts (all)	White
Master of Education	Pale Blue
Master of Science (Applied Human Nutrition)	Gold
Master of Applied Human Nutrition	Wine
Master of Public Relations	Bangkok Rose

 

Where can I and my guests park on campus?
Parking on campus is free during convocation. Guests should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony if they wish to park on campus. Campus Security will be directing traffic to the nearest parking area.

Accessible parking is available throughout campus, though the most convenient for those attending convocation is located adjacent to the International Education Centre, Seton Annex, which is directly across from the Seton Academic Centre (see campus map). You will then cross College Road to enter the Seton Academic Centre through an accessible entrance. This entrance will bring you to the 4th floor of the Seton Academic Centre. Once inside, turn to your right to access an elevator at the end of the hall, which will take you to the 5th floor where convocation guests enter the Seton Auditorium.

How can I arrange to have my parchment framed?
Earning your credential was a lot of hard work. Now it’s time to showcase your achievement! Proudly display your parchment by having it professionally framed and highlighted by a blue mat tastefully in-printed with the Mount Saint Vincent University logo. All frames are high quality, Canadian made with acid free mats.

Frames are sold on site at the Margaret Norrie McCain Centre Atrium on the days of convocation.

Have any Questions? Contact the Alumni Relations Office via email at alumni@msvu.ca

I have a guest who requires special assistance. Can they attend?
Guests requiring assistance are welcome to attend; the university is accessible. Please notify the university if one of your guests requires special assistance so that appropriate arrangements can be made. We are not able to provide wheelchairs or attendants, but can offer special seating, if required. If a guest requiring special assistance brings their own attendant, the attendant will require a ticket. If you indicated on your Application to Graduate that one of your guests requires special seating arrangements, a small orange card will be stapled to your guests’ ticket directing them to Auditorium C (5th Floor) where convocation ushers will direct them to special reserved seating.

Can photographs and/or video be taken during Convocation?
Family and friends are welcome to take photographs during the ceremony, but care should be taken not to obstruct the view of those seated. Tripods and lights will not be permitted in the auditorium during the Convocation ceremony. Only the official University photographer will be permitted on the platform during the ceremony. The Auditorium will remain open after the ceremony for additional photos. Please Note: The official University photographer does take photos of all podium speakers and award-winners. Individual photos of graduands crossing the stage are not part of the University photographer’s shot list, so please encourage your guests to bring a camera if you wish to ensure this moment is captured.

I have a question. What should I do?
If you require information outside of what is provided above before being posted to the website, please contact convocation@msvu.ca or contact the appropriate person as listed below.

• Questions regarding your Application to Graduate? Email convocation@msvu.ca
• Alumni Framing Services can be contacted at alumni@msvu.ca
• For information about graduation rings or mount clothing, contact karen.mathieu@msvu.ca
• Media inquiries can be sent to Gillian.Batten@msvu.ca

Parking

Accessible parking is available throughout campus, though the most convenient for those attending convocation is located adjacent to the International Education Centre, which is directly across from the Seton Academic Centre (see campus map). You will then cross College Road to enter the Seton Academic Centre through an accessible entrance.

This entrance will bring you to the fourth floor of the Seton Academic Centre. Once inside, turn to your right to access an elevator at the end if hall, which will take you to the fifth floor where convocation guests enter the Seton Auditorium.

Note that security staff will be posted at the International Education Centre to assist with parking.

Seating in Seton Auditorium

All guests are asked to enter the Seton Auditorium via the fifth floor. Guests using a wheelchair should enter Seton Auditorium via the entrance marked Seton Auditorium C, as accessible seating is available in this section.

Washrooms

There are a number of accessible washrooms located in Seton Academic Centre (see campus map). The most convenient accessible washroom for convocation guests is located on the fifth floor in room 548. This fully accessible washroom has been newly renovated and is gender neutral.

ASL interpretation

Two interpreters will provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation during the convocation ceremonies.

Student jobs available during convocation

MSVU students are encouraged to apply for job opportunities during Convocation. Those hired will work alongside a variety of University departmental teams on tasks ranging from parking to degree framing and assisting grads prepare for their ceremony.

If you are interested, submit your resume according to the directions given below. Positions may be filled in advance based on the quantity and quality of applications received.

Important:

• Students must have a social insurance number to be eligible for hiring.
• Jobs below pay a minimum of $15 per hour, plus 4% vacation pay.

Gown Assistants

Required for:

• Set-up
• Ceremonies (all)

Apply with resume (including email address) in the Dean’s Office, Seton 301.

Ushers (20)

Required for:

• Training (2 hours)
• Ceremonies (8 hours)
• Chancellor’s Dinner (4 hours)

Apply with resume to Nicole Dodge, Registrar’s Office, Evaristus 207.

Parking Attendants

Required for:

• Approximately 8 hours per day

PLEASE APPLY TO:

Nicole Dodge, Registrar’s Office
Evaristus 207J
Office Hours: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Email: Nicole.Dodge@MSVU.ca