FAQ
Here are some answers to some of the common questions we receive about graduation and convocation.
Applying to attend Convocation
Do I need to apply to graduate?
No, you do not need to apply to graduate. Students automatically qualify for graduation by completing their program requirements with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Visit our graduation checklist to make sure you’re covered.
Do I need to apply to attend convocation?
Yes. In order to attend Convocation in 2024, students will need to complete graduation requirements or complete their technical apprenticeship education before May 31, 2024, and apply to attend by May 15, 2024. Students will be notified whether they’ve met requirements and are approved to attend Convocation at the end of May. For select programs with later end dates, but before May 31, 2024, you will be notified by mid-June.
I missed the deadline to apply to attend convocation, what do I do now?
The cut-off date for students to be added to Convocation is May 15, 2024. Due to logistics and timing constraints, we are unfortunately unable to accommodate any additional students to participate in Convocation and are unable to make exceptions after the deadline has passed.
Our aim is to ensure that Convocation runs smoothly and allows all participants to have a memorable experience. The timelines are set so that all necessary arrangements can be made for the event.
While we are unable to accommodate late applications for this year's Convocation, we encourage you to apply to attend NAIT’s Convocation in 2025. Applications will open in early 2025.
I received a declining letter, but I should have been approved
If you received an email declining your application for Convocation, our records indicate that at this time you have not yet satisfied the completion requirements for your program. Confirmation of program completion is a requirement for attending Convocation, which means you are not currently eligible to attend this year’s event.
If you believe you have satisfied your program’s completion requirements, don’t panic! Please reach out to your program and ask them to review your program completion status. If they confirm you have in fact completed your program, they will notify us to update your status and we will update your eligibility to attend convocation.
If we have correctly assessed that your program completion requirements have not yet been met, we are sorry we won’t see you at Convocation 2024. We hope you will apply again to attend Convocation in the future when your program is complete.
I’m unable to attend the convocation, will I still receive my parchment (degree)?
The graduates attending convocation will receive a parchment holder and a congratulatory letter. Your actual parchment (degree) will be mailed to you 6-8 weeks following the end of your final term, regardless if you attend convocation or not.
Grad gowns
How do I purchase my gown?
I have issues with my gown purchase, who do I contact?
Please reach out to shop@nait.ca for any issues with your gown purchase.
What is the deadline to purchase my gown?
Order your Grad Gown Souvenir Package before June 3, 2024 for the early bird price of $49.95+tax. After June 3, the price increases to $59.95+tax. In order to attend Convocation, you must order your gown by June 17 at 1 p.m. If you have missed this deadline, you can purchase your gown package on site (Edmonton Convention Centre) 1.5 hours before your Convocation ceremony.
I missed the gown pick up. What do I do now?
You will have to pick up your gown before your graduation ceremony at the Edmonton Convention Centre. Please ensure you arrive at least 1.5 hours before the ceremony start to have enough time to pick up your gown.
What if I’m declined to attend the convocation, but I already purchased my gown?
Refunds will be issued for students who apply to attend Convocation and do not meet graduation requirements. To qualify for this refund, you will need to show the email from the Registrar’s Office confirming you have not met requirements.
When can I pick up my gown?
Pick up will span from June 11 to June 15 at shop at NAIT. For more details and exact times, please reference the Grad Gown & Hood page.
I’m unable to pick up my gown during the pick-up period
If you are not able to pick up your gown in person on campus during the pickup period, you can send a representative to pick up your gown. If someone else picks up your gown, please ensure they have your order confirmation and that an email is sent to shop@nait.ca with your authorization for that person to pick up for you.
If you live out of the province and don’t have someone else who can pick up your gown, you will have the option of picking it up before your graduation ceremony at the Edmonton Convention Centre. Please mention this request in the note section when ordering your gown, so we can put your gown aside to bring with us to the ceremony. Please also ensure you arrive at the ceremony at least an hour before the event start time.
Can I rent a hood only?
Yes, you can! The cost of renting a hood on its own is $39.95 and can only be done in person at shop AT NAIT. All those who are renting a hood, whether it’s a part of the souvenir package or on its own, will fill out a contract that goes along with the hood/liripipe rental. There is a very strict due date of July 15, 2024 for this hood to be returned to shop AT NAIT. Please note, you are still required to wear the gown, but we understand some graduates make alternative arrangements to obtain their NAIT gown.
Guest tickets
How do I get my guests tickets to attend convocation?
Guest tickets will be released in early June when students have been notified if they’ve met graduation requirements and are eligible to attend Convocation. You do not need a ticket for yourself to attend. Graduates can order up to 4 guest tickets for their ceremony.
Extra tickets may be released depending on the number graduates in attendance. If there are extra tickets available, they will be released one week before the ceremony.
Find more info about guest tickets on the Tickets page.
Do I need a ticket for myself?
Graduates do not require a ticket to attend Convocation.
Why can I only get 4 tickets?
Every graduating student is able to secure up to four tickets to ensure the distribution of tickets is equitable. However, if not every student requests all four tickets and there are additional tickets available, these extra tickets will be released a week before convocation.
I need more tickets, what can I do?
Extra tickets will be released depending on the number graduates in attendance. If there are extra tickets available, they will be released one week before the ceremony.
I missed the deadline to order tickets, what do I do now?
Please visit our info desk at the Edmonton Convention Centre during the convocation hours on June 24 - 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to determine if any additional tickets are available. If space permits, your guest will be provided a ticket and they will be allowed to enter.
Grad photos
How do I get grad photos taken?
We are offering multiple opportunities to get your grad photos taken – on campus, at the studio and at the Convention Centre during the ceremonies. In addition to the professional grad photo session, you will also receive a complimentary photo taken after you cross the stage when you attend the convocation.
Is there a fee?
Yes, if you book the 15-minute professional photography session, the cost is $42 including tax. You do not need to attend convocation to book your grad photo session. However, everyone attending their ceremony will also receive a complimentary grad photo after they cross the stage. Should you wish for more formal photos with the opportunity to select from a variety of poses, it is recommended that you book a grad photo session as procession line moves quickly.
What is the difference between the pre-booked photo session and the complimentary photo after I cross the stage?
The pre-booked session allows grads to pose and choose from a variety of photos; the complimentary photo captures the moment after a graduate walks across the stage. There is not the same opportunity for multiple photos or retakes with a complimentary photo because they are provided during a pre-booked session.
Additional inquiries
What does “with Honours” mean and will it be mentioned when I cross the stage?
Students will graduate with Honours standing if they achieve a Graduation GPA of 3.7 or higher and have satisfied all program completion requirements. Graduation GPA is cumulative of the grades achieved in all courses used to satisfy the program’s completion requirements. Honours standing is recognized on the student’s certificate/diploma/degree parchment and at NAIT’s Convocation ceremony when you cross the stage.
Students may be placed on the Dean’s Honour Roll by achieving a term GPA of 3.5 or higher. This achievement is recognized on the student’s transcript of grades and through a congratulatory letter, but does not appear on the parchment awarded upon program completion or at NAIT’s Convocation ceremony.
I need a letter for my family to obtain a visa to attend my convocation
Please go to Student Information Services in CAT and they will issue a letter OR you can request a letter through my.nait.ca/contact. Select "Start an Email or Chat" >> Topic: Transcripts, Records, and Letter Requests >> Subcategory: Official Letters. There's an inquiry box to specify you need this for your family to attend your convocation ceremony.
Will convocation be live-streamed?
I still have a question, who do I reach out to?
If you still have questions, please reach out to convocation@nait.ca. Please note the answer may be delayed 48 hours before responding.