Fall 2026 convocation is scheduled for Sunday, October 18 in the Seton Academic Centre.
Please note that our morning Fall Convocation ceremony on Sunday, October 18th, will now begin at 9:30 am. There are no changes in time for the afternoon ceremony.
We kindly ask everyone attending the morning ceremony to take note of the updated start time. We look forward to celebrating this special occasion with you.
The Application to Graduate for Fall 2026 is now closed. No late applications will be accepted.
Fall 2026 Application to Graduate deadline: August 31, 2026
Please note: The Application to Graduate for Spring 2027 will be available in late October.
Once you have completed the online Application to Graduate (Step 1), the 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 October 11, 2026 for consideration. Graduates will be notified of the outcome of their request on October 12, 2026 by end of day.
Please note: If additional tickets become available after this deadline, they will be distributed on a first come-first served 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.
If you have any questions about tickets or academic attire, please email Dean.Office@msvu.ca.
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 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 October 11, 2026 for consideration. Graduates will be notified of the outcome of their request on October 12, 2026 by end of day.
Please note: 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.
If you have any questions about tickets or academic attire, please email Dean.Office@msvu.ca.
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 have applied to graduate are unable or do not wish to attend the convocation ceremony, and you live outside of HRM, your parchment will be mailed to you unless you have requested to pick up your parchment after convocation. Please email convocation@msvu.ca and provide your current mailing address and phone number. Parchments are sent out in the week following convocation.
For those living within HRM, 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 person picking up your parchment must also provide photo identification proving they are the person stated in your email.
I’m not attending. Will they call my name during the ceremony?
No. Only those in attendence will have their name called. Students not in attendance will be graduated in absentia.
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 line-up 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?
Visit the Study Permits, Work Permits & Visas page. You will see a tab with information on how to invite family and/or friends to attend your graduation.
Will there be a photographer at convocation for grad portraits?
LifeTouch Photography will be set up in the McCain Centre in room 201B. Graduates who wish to have portrait photographs taken on convocation day may do so by scheduling an appointment with LifeTouch Photography.
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 in room 106 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.
Where do I pick up my parchment after the ceremony?
The parchment pick up room is located in McCain 105. Please note that no parchments will be released to graduates until after the ceremony has concluded.
Please review this “How to Convocate” video!
Our 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
Certificate in Business Administration
Diploma in Business Administration
Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management
Bachelor of Arts (General Studies)
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Bachelor of Arts (Child and Youth Study)
Bachelor of Arts (Child and Youth Study) Bermuda College
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelor of Business Administration in association with Bermuda College
Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition
Bachelor of Public Relations
Bachelor of Science (General Studies)
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management
Bachelor of Education
Master of Arts in Women and Gender Studies
Master of Child and Youth Study
Master of Arts in Child and Youth
Master of Arts in Family Studies and Gerontology
Master of Arts in Communication
Master of Public Relations
Master of Science in Applied Human Nutrition
Master of Education
Master of Arts in Education
Master of Arts in School Psychology
*Note: Graduates will be required to arrive one hour earlier for processional preparation
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Gown/Hood and Guest Tickets pickup for students graduating on Sunday
Seton Academic Centre, Room 453
7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Gown/Hood pickup/return and Guest Tickets pickup for students graduating on Sunday
Seton Academic Centre, Room 453
8:30 a.m.
Students arrive for gowning, processional line up and final instructions about crossing the auditorium stage.
Seton Academic Centre, 4th floor
Certificate in Business Administration
Diploma in Business Administration
Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management
Bachelor of Arts (General Studies)
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Bachelor of Arts (Child and Youth Study)
Bachelor of Arts (Child and Youth Study) Bermuda College
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelor of Business Administration in association with BC
Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition
Bachelor of Public Relations
Bachelor of Science (General Studies)
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management
Bachelor of Education
Master of Arts in Women and Gender Studies
Master of Child and Youth Study
Master of Arts in Child and Youth
Master of Arts in Family Studies and Gerontology
Master of Arts in Communication
Master of Public Relations
Master of Science in Applied Human Nutrition
9:30 a.m.
Convocation Ceremony Commences
Seton Academic Centre, Auditorium
Convocation Reception to begin immediately following the ceremony
McCain Centre Atrium
**Note: Attire MUST be returned immediately following your ceremony/reception**
1:00 p.m.
Students arriving for gowning, processional line up and final instructions about crossing the auditorium stage.
Seton Academic Centre, 4th floor
Master of Education
Master of Arts in Education
Master of Arts in School Psychology
2:00 p.m.
Convocation Ceremony Commences
Seton Academic Centre, Auditorium
Convocation Reception to begin immediately following the ceremony
McCain Centre Atrium
**Note: Attire MUST be returned immediately following your ceremony/reception**
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 day of convocation.
Mount Saint Vincent University – Alumni Framing Program
We are thrilled to be welcoming you to the alumni family and as a token of our excitement, we are giving out free mugs to all graduating students! All you need to do is fill out the form below and claim your free alumni mug on the day of convocation. Bring the email confirmation you receive post filling the form to the McCain 106, McCain Centre, next toframing and take home your free mug!
* If you have already completed this form, we will have received your submission! If you have not received a confirmation email, tell us your name on convocation day and we can check our system!
** Please note we will not be dispatching any mugs via mail. They must be personally collected, at the McCain 106, McCain Centre, MSVU. Distribution of the mugs will be on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies are exhausted.
Click here to Claim Your Free Alumni Mug – Link to open closer to Fall convocation
Have any Questions? Contact the Alumni Relations Office via email at alumni@msvu.ca
Graduation is a milestone worth celebrating! Whether you’re a proud graduate, a supportive family member, or a friend looking for the perfect gift, The MSVU Campus Store has everything you need to make this moment unforgettable.
Explore our selection of keepsakes, graduation rings, stylish accessories, and more. Whether it’s a commemorative mug, or an alum sweatshirt, we have gifts that will be cherished for years to come.
Don’t wait—celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime achievement in style! Visit the MSVU Campus Store today.
The MSVU Campus Store will be open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on convocation day.
Celebrate this milestone with a custom Mount Saint Vincent University Graduation Ring!
Our premier local partner, Brilliant Jewellery, will be on-site to showcase our Graduation Rings and size all students properly after each Convocation Ceremony in the McCain Atrium.
Ask questions, try out rings and place your order! Stop by, chat with Evan from Brilliant Jewellery and start your graduation journey in style!
You can also place your ring order at a later date, anytime, at The MSVU Campus Store. See you there!
Have question? Contact us!
T: 902 457 6157
E: bookstore@msvu.ca
2026 Grad Gear
Show off your achievement with premium-quality custom 2026 MSVU grad gear.
Celebrate your special day with flowers! Bouquets and single roses will be available for purchase on-site on Convocation day, or you may pre-order your bouquets. Flowers will also be available for purchase in Seton Academic Centre, 1st floor and McCain Atrium for convenient pick-up and day-of purchases.
Jane Bertrand has contributed to improved outcomes for countless children and families through her transformative impact on early childhood education practice, policy, and research in Canada and internationally.
Jane is the Program Director at the Margaret and Wallace McCain Family Foundation, where she advances initiatives focused on early childhood development, learning, and care. She was an Adjunct Professor at OISE, University of Toronto, and participated in OISE’s Early Learning PhD program; an Honorary Fellow with the Mitchell Institute, Melbourne, Australia; and an advisor to Our Place, Victoria, Australia.
Throughout her career, Jane has played a pivotal role in some of Canada’s most influential early childhood research initiatives. She worked in collaboration with Dr. Fraser Mustard and the Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain and was the research coordinator for the landmark Early Years Study (1999), Early Years Study 2 (2007) and Early Years Study 3 (2011). In 2013, Jane received an honorary doctorate from the University of New Brunswick in recognition of her contributions to the field.
An influential educator and mentor, Jane was a professor at the School of Early Childhood at George Brown Polytechnic until June 2011. She has collaborated with the Ontario government on curriculum and policy initiatives related to early childhood education. Jane also shared her expertise as a member of the Advisory Committee for the Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development and Australia’s Goodstart Thought Leaders Advisory Group, and contributed to the Toronto First Duty Research team. In keeping with her deep commitment to making research accessible, she is a contributing author to The Science of Early Child Development, a knowledge translation and mobilization initiative, and author of the textbook Becoming and Being an Early Childhood Professional 2nd edition (Cengage, 2026).
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 awarded annually to the undergraduate who achieves the highest academic standing upon graduation from a bachelor’s degree.
Governor General’s Medal – Graduate
Donated by the Governor General of Canada, this medal is awarded annually to the student who achieves the highest academic standing at the graduate level.
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.
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.
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.
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.
All graduands (students who will graduate during the convocation period), faculty and staff can submit a nomination.
The deadline to submit the Valedictorian Nomination Form (PDF) is September 23, 2026. The 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 Spring Convocation.
Please complete and submit the Valedictorian Nomination Form via email to convocnominations@msvu.ca.
View previous Valedictory addresses, as well as full Convocation ceremonies, on MSVU’s YouTube channel.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Two interpreters will provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation during the convocation ceremonies.
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:
Required for:
Apply with resume (including email address) to Dean.Office@msvu.ca.
Required for:
Apply with resume to Nicole Dodge, Registrar’s Office, Evaristus 207.
Required for:
Nicole Dodge, Registrar’s Office
Evaristus 207J
Office Hours: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Email: Nicole.Dodge@MSVU.ca
Undergraduate Admissions – admissions@msvu.ca
Graduate Admissions – graduate@msvu.ca
Convocation – convocation@msvu.ca
Exams – exams@msvu.ca
Financial Aid – financial.aid@msvu.ca
Registration – registration@msvu.ca
Transcript Requests – transcripts@msvu.ca
Phone: 902-457-6117 or 1-877-733-6788
Fax: 902-457-6498
Registrar’s Office
Evaristus Hall, Room 207
Hours
Monday to Friday
September 1 to May 31 – 8:00am – 4:00pm
June 1 to August 31 – 8:00am – 3:30pm