Queue the pomp and circumstance and get ready for #NCGrad2021! Spring convocation is just around the corner and further details are now available regarding upcoming virtual ceremonies to celebrate NC’s Class of 2021.
Save the date
The College has unveiled its Spring 2021 convocation ceremony schedule. Ten live virtual ceremonies will be held from Monday, June 21 to Friday, June 25, including two ceremonies each day – a morning ceremony at 10 a.m. and an afternoon ceremony at 2 p.m.
Soon-to-be graduates can now get a sneak peek at when the ceremony for their program will take place by viewing the schedule on the Spring 2021 Virtual Convocation website.
Graduating students are encouraged to save the date and spread the word to family members and friends so they may join in the live celebration, from near or far, #NCTogether.
Ceremony invitations will also be emailed and mailed to the Class of 2021 once the deadline to meet graduation requirements has concluded on May 31.
Monday, June 21
10 a.m. School of Business and Management (select programs)
2 p.m. School of Hospitality, Tourism and Sport; and School of Business and Management (select programs)
Tuesday, June 22
10 a.m. Canadian Food and Wine Institute
2 p.m. School of Allied Health, School of Justice and Fitness
Wednesday, June 23
10 a.m. School of Technology, School of Trades
2 p.m. School of Media
Thursday, June 24
10 a.m. School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker (select programs)
2 p.m. School of Community Services, School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker (select programs)
Friday, June 25
10 a.m. School of Academic, Liberal and Access Studies; and School of English Language Studies
2 p.m. School of Environment and Horticulture
View the complete schedule including specific program information on the Spring Virtual Convocation website.
Ensure requirements are met
Both full- and part-time graduating students must meet specific requirements prior to being eligible for graduation. Visit the Graduation Requirements page on the Convocation website for a full list- including the May 31 deadline to be included in Spring 2021 Virtual Convocation.
The site also includes vital information about how to update contact information for credentials to be mailed, how names will appear onscreen during the ceremony and on credentials, and more.
Share your NC memories
Graduating students have a chance to share photos or videos from their NC experience with their graduating class! Memories are currently being collected for a Year in Review feature that will be shown at each convocation ceremony. To be a part of it, graduating students have until June 13 (11:45 p.m.) to submit their memories via the Convocation website.
Use the convocation hashtag
Graduating students are encouraged to use the hashtag #NCGrad2021 in all spring convocation posts. Content using this hashtag will be shown during the livestream convocation ceremonies.
Customize your experience
Picture perfect convocation moments are only a few clicks away. Graduating students can access a library of customizable social media downloadables and printables to help mark their special milestone. NC Grad Facebook and Twitter profile headers, special graduation Facebook profile photo frames, Instagram AR filters, printable signs, animated GIFs, Zoom wallpapers, phone wallpapers and more are all available on the Virtual Convocation website’s Downloadables & Printables page.
What to expect at virtual convocation
With public health gathering restrictions in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, NC’s Virtual Convocation ceremonies offer graduates an opportunity to celebrate this special milestone in a safe and meaningful way- before they move on to the next chapter of their lives.
Those attending virtual convocation will watch the live broadcast of the formal ceremony as it takes place at the Welland Campus conducted by College president Sean Kennedy and VP Academic Fiona Allan in real time. Ceremony livestreams may be accessed via the Spring 2021 Virtual Convocation website and NC’s Facebook page.
Each unique virtual ceremony is dedicated to different program areas, as they would be in-person, and will include treasured traditions such as the reading of each graduate’s name aloud (and viewed onscreen), the granting of student awards, inspiring speeches – including a special guest speaker (to be announced) and more.
The virtual ceremonies augment tradition with modern broadcasting, video and social media tools to create a truly interactive virtual experience for the graduates, connecting them with their classmates, families and friends, and College staff.
Graduates will be invited to participate in Program Zoom Parties where they can interact with their classmates and College staff/faculty during the ceremony, and even make their virtual appearance on screen during the ceremony broadcast. Graduates will receive information regarding their Program Zoom Parties as their ceremony date draws near.
Ceremonies will include videos featuring memories shared by the Class of 2021, as well as well wishes to graduates from the College community and beyond. Virtual convocation will offer graduating students a custom social media experience, connecting them with the College community, family and friends as live reactions are shared through posts and tweets using the dedicated convocation hashtag #NCGrad2021.
Proven success
The upcoming virtual ceremonies for the Class of 2021 follow the resounding successes of the College’s groundbreaking Spring 2020 and Fall 2020 Virtual Convocation ceremonies, which not only proved to be memorable for the graduates but drew tens of thousands of visitors from Niagara, Canada and around the world.
Watch the Virtual Convocation Recap Video from 2020 below.
Stay tuned
Watch out for additional details regarding Spring 2021 Virtual Convocation to be announced during the weeks ahead. Visit the Spring 2021 Virtual Convocation website for all of the latest information.
The College also plans to invite the Class of 2021 back to campus for an in-person celebration in the future, once public health circumstances allow large groups to gather safely.
