How to ace your convocation

Before the ceremony begins

• Pockets are king. You’ll need to put your phone somewhere while you’re crossing the stage.
• The gowns can get pretty warm, so you won’t want a coat and you can’t cross the stage with your arms full — you’ll be holding your credential. Leave any jackets or bags with your guests.
• Speaking of coats, the Jubilee Auditorium can check them, complementary for SAIT graduands and their guests.
• And remember, backpacks aren’t allowed in the auditorium, so leave them at home or take them to coat check.

How to get here and where to go first

If you went to class at the main campus, this will all be very familiar because the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium is just next door.

• Park at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium or SAIT.
• Transit is available. There’s a CTrain station on site (SAIT/AUArts/Jubilee) and several bus stops.
• When you arrive, your guests will go to the auditorium — make sure they have their guest tickets — and you’ll go directly to the gowning area.

Get your graduation gown

You will be able to book time slots to pick up your gown. This booking link is in the confirmation email you received from Gaspard after reserving your regalia.

Your grad best includes:

• gown
• V-stole or hood
• cap

You must be gowned up and in line 30 minutes prior to your ceremony in your processional (the line in which you will walk into the auditorium with your program).

Pro tip: We highly recommend comfortable shoes! There is a lot of standing on convocation day — not to mention stairs.

Crossing the stage

It’s almost time, so shake off those nerves and prepare to cross the stage.

• Put your phone in your pocket or small purse — you’ll need your hands free.
• Straighten your cap and tassel.
• Have your credential and pronunciation card ready.
• Deep breath — this is your moment!

Convocation is a day to celebrate all our graduates, from the first to cross the stage to the last — so, once you've crossed the stage, please return to and stay in your seat to be respectful of your fellow graduates. Your gown cannot be returned during the ceremony.

Grad ceremony photos

There are countless ways to capture the big day.

• You’ll receive a free digital photo of your crossing-the-stage moment from SAIT Alumni — watch for an email a few days after the ceremony.
• Follow @SAIT and @SAITalumni on Instagram for highlights of the ceremonies.
• And finally, share your photos with #SAIT2025.

Final convocation day tips

Here are some day-of notes, but don’t worry; we have a team of volunteers ready to make your convocation a day to remember.

• After you get your gown on, you’ll line up alphabetically with your classmates.
• When everyone is ready, you’ll enter the hall — stay in order ;)
• You’ll be seated to enjoy the ceremony until an usher brings you backstage.
• Then it’s time to grab your credential.
• Next, a quick break for water if you’re feeling parched.
• Your #SAIT2025 moment is here 🎓.
• And then back to your seat for the rest of the ceremony — congrats!
• Rejoin your guests in the lobby ❤️
• You will have the opportunity to take photos in your gown after your ceremony. 📸 Gowns must be returned within 45 minutes of your ceremony’s conclusion to avoid incurring a fee from Gaspard.