Student AffairsGraduation
Convocation marks the culmination of a student's career at Queen's, but it also represents the rewarding and enriching mentorship provided by members of our faculty and staff.
Our ceremonies are a celebration of the successful partnership between student and educator – an enduring legacy. Queen's faculty and staff play an important part in this auspicious occasion and their participation is always welcomed.
Academic Procession
The Academic Procession assembles 40 minutes prior to the start of each convocation ceremony.
Dates, times, and Honorary graduands for all convocation ceremonies will be available on: https://www.queensu.ca/registrar/graduation/spring-2026-graduation
Receptions are the responsibility of the faculty or school concerned, and faculty members are encouraged to attend these functions to meet with graduands and their families.
For faculty members who require regalia, we will provide:
- Queen's graduates: the correct hood and gown combination for their Queen's degree; or,
- Non-Queen's graduates: a black gown (without a hood)
To confirm your participation in the Academic Procession at convocation, you can submit your RSVP via the Online Regalia Request / Reservation Form (A link to the form will be posted here when available)
Please note that this form is for Faculty (Teaching staff) only. Graduating students are instructed to order their regalia via the graduating student online portal.
Those requiring further assistance are encouraged to e-mail: graduand@queensu.ca
Inquiries regarding Special Hooding Requests for Spring 2026 Convocation must be directed to convocation@queensu.ca
- Ceremonies on May 21 & 22, 2026: Deadline: May 13, 2026
- Ceremonies on June 22-26, 2026: Deadline: June 15, 2026
Please be advised that the practice of allowing Special Hooding during Convocation ceremonies is governed by the following policy:
Senate Committee on Academic Development and Procedures – Guidelines for Special Hooding
The practice of special hooding arrangements is highly desirable. It adds warmth and a personal touch to the ceremony and does not delay the proceedings. It is recommended that there be no substantial change to the existing policy; however, to insure that the situation is equitable and consistent among faculties and schools, the following is recommended:
- The privilege of special hooding is normally extended to Queen's faculty, members of the Board of Trustees, and senior administrative staff to hood close family members (e.g., children, spouses, parents, grandparents, grandchildren, etc.). This privilege may also be extended to academic faculty members from other universities. Graduate supervisors may only in exceptional circumstances hood their students
- A request for special hooding, which includes assurance from the student involved that he/she is agreeable, should be submitted in writing to the Office of the University Registrar, Student Records and Services at least two (2) weeks before the scheduled convocation
- The Associate University Registrar (Student Records and Services) and University Registrar, in consultation with the Dean of the faculty/school where necessary or appropriate, have the responsibility to consider and approve recommendations with due consideration to:
- Enhancing the convocation experience for the student concerned
- Ensuring reasonable consistency of practice across faculties/schools, and
- Preventing undue interference with the convocation ceremony
Dates, times, and Honorary graduands for all convocation ceremonies will be available on: https://www.queensu.ca/registrar/graduation/spring-2026-graduation
For faculty members who require regalia, we will provide:
- Queen's graduates: the correct hood and gown combination for their Queen's degree; or,
- Non-Queen's graduates: a black gown (without a hood)
To confirm your participation in the Academic Procession at convocation, you can submit your RSVP via the Online Regalia Request / Reservation Form (A link to the form will be posted here when available)
Please note that non-faculty members of the Board of Trustees, Senate and University Council are NOT required to reserve regalia or participate in the Academic Procession. Seating will be provided in the Reserved Section in at each event / venue.
Please note that this form is for Board of Trustees / Senate / University Council members only. Graduating students are instructed to order their regalia via the graduating student online portal.
Chancellor's Procession
The Chancellor is the highest officer, and ceremonial head, of the university.
Modeled after similar positions at Scottish universities, this office was created in 1874, and first filled in 1877. It was enshrined into law in 1882.
For the purposes of convocation, the Chancellor presides over the ceremony, and represents the authority by which degrees, diplomas, and certificates are conferred.
At convocation, the Chancellor leads his or her own procession, which includes the University Principal, and the University Rector. This procession may also include Honorary Degree recipients, as well as any other individuals as may be specified.
The current Chancellor of Queen's University is Shelagh Rogers, OC, LLD
Marshals
Marshal is a term used in several official titles of various branches of society - in academia, politics, law enforcement, and in the military.
The word derives from the Old High German marah (meaning horse) and schalh (meaning servant), and originally meant "stablekeeper." As Marshals became valued members of Medieval European courts, this title grew both in stature and prominence. Over the preceding centuries, the title of Marshal has been used in relation to many prominent positions or offices.
A university marshal often leads, or guides, graduates in a procession to the location where the graduating ceremony, or convocation, takes place.
In our convocations, the Marshal is often a ranking member of the university's faculty or administration. Their duties include instructing the various processions (Academic, Chancellor's, and Graduate) on how to enter the Convocation Hall, as well as directing each group to their respective place when they arrive.
Their role ensures that the key participants in the convocation ceremony are in the proper position in a timely and orderly fashion.