Convocation Packets and Apparel

Apparel and convocation packets (including your parchment, name card, and guest tickets) will be available from the University Bookstore in the Students' Union Building (Lower Level) according to the schedule below. Apparel must be returned to the University Bookstore following your convocation ceremony.

Photo identification in the name matching your Primary name on your student record must be presented when you pick up your parchment. A University of Alberta ONEcard or current government-issued photo identification (driver's license or passport) will be accepted. Original identification must be presented; pictures of ID on mobile phones will not be accepted.

If you cannot pick up your parchment yourself, it will only be released to an individual who presents a signed Letter of Authorization from you and their own photo ID. The Letter of Authorization must be presented as a printed hardcopy (original, scanned and printed, or faxed formats are acceptable); electronic versions on a mobile phone are not accepted.

Pick-Up Dates and Times

Location: University of Alberta Bookstore, Students’ Union Building (lower level).

View convocation ceremony dates and times »

Packet materials

The packet consists of the following items:

• Parchment
  This is the official documentation of your academic credentials.
• Name Card with Seat Number
  At the ceremony, you will hand the Name Card to the official reader, who will announce your name as it is printed on this card. The name card also contains your seat number in the Jubilee Auditorium in the lower right-hand corner. This is an assigned seat to place you in the order that graduates cross the stage.
• Guest Tickets
  A maximum of three guest tickets will be included in your Convocation Packet. Please see Guest Tickets for more information.

Academic apparel

All individuals participating in the convocation ceremonies at the University of Alberta are required to wear academic regalia.

Academic regalia includes a University of Alberta gown, hood and headwear appropriate to the degree being granted which must be rented through Beartracks or at the University Bookstore (during packet pickup times if not rented through Beartracks) for the ceremony.  Any form of attire (formal, uniform, business, traditional, or casual) may be worn underneath the gown.

In keeping with the University’s Indigenous strategic plan, Braiding, Past, Present and Future, Indigenous students may wear their traditional regalia in place of the academic gown but they must wear the cap and hood which acknowledges the degree they have earned.

Nothing is permitted to be added to the University of Alberta regalia (either permanent or temporary.)  This includes honor cords, stoles, shawls or any other adornment.

If faculties, departments or student groups wish to hand out items, they may do so at their own departmental/faculty event prior to or following a convocation ceremony.  If these items are handed out before convocation, students must remove them prior to attending the official university ceremony.

To reserve your apparel for your convocation ceremony, go to the Graduation Status page in Bear Tracks and click on the link for apparel reservation. The link for ordering academic apparel is now open and the deadline to reserve your academic apparel is November 4, 2024. Note that you must update your attendance prior to reserving apparel. Your academic apparel consists of:

• Gown
• Hood (in the ceremonial colour for the student's degree)
• Mortarboard / graduation hat (yours to keep)

After the online apparel reservation site has closed (usually three weeks before the start of the ceremonies), academic apparel may still be rented from the University Bookstore during the time assigned to your Faculty as outlined above in the Pick-Up Dates and Times table.

The gown and hood must be returned to the University Bookstore during the times indicated in the Pick-Up Dates and Times table.

Academic apparel rental rates (includes 5% GST):

• Undergraduates and Masters $50.00
• Doctorates $52.50