Graduates are asked to arrive at the Tribute Communities Centre (see map) 1 hour before their ceremony to register, gown and line up for the procession into the seating area. The registration area is located on the lower level when entering through Gate 1. Event staff and signage will direct graduates to designated areas. Please allow sufficient time for parking.

Please note: If you arrive late by 30 minutes you will not be able to participate in the Convocation ceremony.

The ceremony will last approximately two hours. Should the ceremony last a little longer, we ask graduates and guests to be considerate and remain seated for the duration of the ceremony.

Convocation is a formal event and as such, graduates are asked to dress accordingly.

Please note: The gowning area will not be secured and we cannot guarantee the safety of your personal possessions. We strongly advise that you do NOT bring purses or valuables with you to the gowning area. Please make alternate arrangements for your articles to be left with your guests for the duration of the ceremony.

After the ceremony you will have approximately 20 minutes to have photos taken with your classmates and family. Please ensure that your gown is returned promptly to the gowning area after you have taken photos. Once your gown is returned, you will be directed to the location where you will receive your credential. Please note: If you have previously received your credential (i.e. at the time you originally completed your program), you will not receive another one at this time.

Family members should try to arrive 30 to 45 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony and arrange a meeting point. There is ample seating for all guests and parking is available at various public lots around the Tribute Communities Centre.

Yes, the Tribute Communities Centre is wheelchair accessible. There is wheelchair parking on the west side of the facility and there is an elevator to take guests to the second-floor seating area. Guests with mobility issues can be dropped off at the front of the building to access the elevator at Gate 1.

If you have outstanding fees or other indebtedness, you cannot return to the college or receive your official grades, transcripts or credential until you meet your financial obligations.

February 10, 2023 - Winter Graduation date

June 12, 2023 – Spring Graduation date

October 26, 2023 – Fall Graduation date

Please check back for Fall and Spring Convocation Ceremony dates.

We will email you official dates and next steps, please continue checking your preferred and DC email.

Steps to verify graduation status:

Visit MyDC
Records and Personal Information
Convocation
Verification of Graduation Letter

If your audit is successful, the message will read “Approved – Not Yet Awarded”. If your status is “Not Eligible” and you believe this to be in error, please contact your school office. 

You can submit your form and payment now but indicate to hold your transcript request until after graduation. Official transcripts will be mailed out through Canada Post after your official graduation date, please check Important Dates to learn more.

Students attending the in-person convocation ceremonies, will receive their credential at the event. Students who chose not to attend can pick up their credential in person, 7 business days after the final convocation ceremony, or can request to have it mailed, at an additional fee, by completing and submitting the Credential Mailing Request Form.

Students graduating in winter can pick their credential up in person or request to have it mailed after the official graduation date.

Please check Important Dates to learn more.

Students must have their photo taken to appear in their respective Graduating Class Composite.

Sign up here or visit the Durham College Student Association.

New sessions get added weekly as the schedules fill up so please check back to the site if you cannot find an appointment that works with your schedule. Alternatively, you can email questions@lassmanstudios.com to book at another location.

As per school tradition, professional attire is recommended. This may include either a bow-tie, a flat print tie, a white shirt or a white blouse.

If you cannot attend a photo session please contact questions@lassmanstudios.com for information on how to be included in the composite.

The Commencement Group will be selling flowers at all of DC’s convocation ceremonies, their table will be located on the concourse level of the Tribute Communities Centre.

To further contribute to a safe and efficient environment, The Commencement Group encourages customers to take advantage of their online pre-order service. They will have a contact-free customer experience for guests who are simply picking up their pre-purchased and reserved product.

The pre-order link is: www.thecommencementgroup.com/durham

If you have applied to graduate for this upcoming fall, you will receive a formal invitation asking you to confirm your attendance, guest numbers, gown size etc. The formal invitation to attend convocation may be used in place of a letter, and is sufficient to invite your relatives to convocation.

As an additional resource, please feel free to view this video on inviting relatives to Canada

Yes. Guests will be limited to five. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Durham College is pleased to provide livestreaming of all Convocation ceremonies by visiting www.durhamcollege.ca/convocation on the day of. The livestream will begin 30 minutes prior to the start of the event.

No. There are no invitations required for entrance to the ceremony.

Yes. Ceremonies will be livestreamed and viewable at www.durhamcollege.ca/convocation.

Yes. All graduation regalia must be returned within 1 hour following the ceremony. Graduates will be charged a fee of $100.00 for unreturned or damaged regalia.

In lieu of shaking hands, graduates are asked to give a non-touch greeting to the platform party (such as placing a hand on their heart, a wave or a nod, etc.) as they cross the stage for everyone’s health and safety.

Masks will not be required within the Tribute Communities Centre; however, we appreciate that everyone's circumstances are unique and some will continue to wear a mask for personal reasons.

Yes, a select number of private suites are available for rent at the Tribute Communities Centre, at an additional cost. To learn more, please contact Melissa Smits, Suites & Sales Manager at: Melissa.smits@oakviewgroup.com or 905-448-1568.