Yorkville University
New Brunswick
Convocation Celebration
June 17-18, 2026
CONGRATULATIONS, GRADUATES!
Convocation Ceremonies
As Yorkville University continues to grow, we’ve made the decision to host three ceremonies this spring, as follows:
On Wednesday, June 17 at 10:00 a.m., we will celebrate the following graduating classes:
- Master of Education (research based) – must have your thesis defense successfully completed by April 30, 2026
- Master of Education (course based) – must have your degree conferred by May 9, 2026
- Graduate Certificate in Education – must have your degree conferred by May 9, 2026
- Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology – must have your degree conferred by May 9, 2026
On Wednesday, June 17 at 3:00 p.m., we will celebrate the following graduating classes:
- Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology – must have your degree conferred by May 9, 2026
On Thursday, June 18 at 2:00 p.m., we will celebrate the following graduating classes:
- Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology – must have your degree conferred by May 9, 2026
- Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy – must have passed your ASP defense by April 30, 2026
If your degree is not conferred by the required dates, you will not be eligible to attend the June 2026 ceremonies and will be invited to the next ceremony for your program.
**You will receive a specific invitation and RSVP link to the ceremony you are invited to attend**
***If you are unclear on which ceremony you should be attending or have any questions, please open a ticket using one of the following links:
For active students:
https://yorkvilleu.freshservice.com/support/catalog/items/57
For Alumni:
https://yorkvilleu.freshservice.com/support/tickets/new
Dress code: Semi-formal or business attire encouraged.
For those of you who are unable to attend Yorkville University’s Spring 2026 Convocation in person, we will be livestreaming the ceremony below. We also encourage everyone to share this link with your loved ones, so they might celebrate with you in this moment of great achievement.
***Please note this will be a livestream only and not an interactive online convocation ceremony.
Typical Ceremony Schedule
Graduates arrive approximately two hours early
Collect your gowns and get in place for the event.
Doors open for guests one hour before ceremony time
Guest seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis
Ceremony will last approximately 1.5 – 2 hours and is followed by a light reception.
Gown Process
Your gowns will be ready for pick-up at the Fredericton Convention Centre, 670 Queen St. in the Barker’s Point A Room at the following times:
Tuesday, June 16 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ADT)
Wednesday, June 17 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ADT)
Thursday, June 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (ADT)
Please enter the building through the main doors and you will be directed to the Barker’s Point A Room. This is where you will pick up your gowns, hoods, caps and name cards. Gowns and hoods are to be returned to the Barker’s Point A Room following the reception; a $150 fee will be charged for any gowns and hoods not returned. DCP graduates are invited to keep their hoods; however, gowns must be returned. The caps are yours to keep.
What to Expect During the Convocation Ceremony
The ceremonies are expected to last approximately 2 hours each. We kindly ask that you stay in your seat for the duration of the ceremony and keep noise to a minimum.
Each graduate will be called up on stage to be recognized and have a picture taken with Yorkville University President & Vice Chancellor Dr. Julia Christensen Hughes. Each graduate is expected to return to their seat after crossing the stage.
Following the ceremony there will be a light reception, where you will have the opportunity to socialize with your fellow graduates, faculty, family members and friends.
Professional photos taken during the ceremony will be shared with you via email at a later date.
Convocation Day Entering The Ceremony
Once you have your gown, please meet in the foyer on the main floor and find the Marshal holding a sign with your program and group name. Here, you will be directed to form a line in alphabetical order. You will enter the ceremony together as a graduating class.
Getting to the Ceremony
Yorkville University’s 2026 Convocation Ceremony will take place in the Pointe Sainte Anne Ballroom at the Fredericton Convention Centre, which is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Fredericton at 670 Queen St. – close to many accommodations, restaurants and shopping.
Arriving by Car
Approaching from east
(Moncton, Saint John, Halifax)
Approaching from west
(Edmundston, Bangor, Maine)
Arriving by Air
The Fredericton International Airport has regular flights from Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax, to name a few. Once you land, a 15-minute taxi ride alongside the gorgeous Saint John River will put you at the Fredericton Convention Centre (FCC), in the heart of downtown. Once at FCC, stay up-to-date on flight changes through conveniently located digital signs, which maintain a direct link to YFC flight information.
Parking Information
Underground Parking
Anvil Centre features three levels of underground parking with 270 stalls. Parkade access is on Eighth Street.
Other Parking
Parking is also available at two large nearby parkades. Adjacent to Anvil Centre is the Shops at New West multi-level parkade, located at the corner of Eighth Street and Columbia St. The Front Street Parkade, accessed from Fourth and Sixth Streets and just south of Columbia, offers reasonably priced hourly and daily parking rates.
On-Street Parking
Hourly pay meter parking can be found on the streets in and around Anvil Centre. Please note most meters have time limits.
Photos
There will be a photographer covering the ceremony and taking photos of each graduate on the stage. After the convocation, we will send out a link where you will be able to download your photos for free.
Guidelines for Academic Regalia at Convocation
The wearing of academic regalia is a tradition that has persisted from the Middle Ages, derived from the monasteries and wearing of clerical robes, and continued in a new way as universities were founded. The degree hood was originally part of the monk’s habit and eventually, the hood became separate from the gown, variegated in colour, and emblematic of fields of study, degrees, and universities.
For the mortarboard, the tassel is worn to left until graduation and is moved to the right during the ceremony. For photographs, the tassel should be worn on the right.
Today, academic regalia at convocation is to allow for inclusion while maintaining the tradition of academic regalia. Graduates are to wear the appropriate gown and hood for the degree or diploma being conferred at the convocation ceremony.
Special Gift at Convocation
Every year at convocation, Yorkville University and Toronto Film School honour our Indigenous graduates by presenting them with a Blackfoot Peoples Blanket – a special gift thoughtfully chosen by our Indigenous Student Advisory Council to celebrate these graduates’ achievements.
Indigenous graduates who would like to receive this gift must complete the online form here to confirm arrangements with event organizers. Please submit the form by Wednesday, February 18th.
“Receiving an Indigenous Student Bursary, and the inaugural gifting of a beautiful blanket at the convocation ceremony was not only a great honour, but was also deeply healing for all my relations. Hiy Hiy. Chi Miigwetch. Thank you.”
– T. Schenkeveld (MACP 2024)
Convocation and Traditional Regalia
Indigenous graduates and faculty may choose to wear traditional Indigenous attire (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit), in lieu of a gown and hood, at all convocation ceremonies. Traditional regalia refers to the traditional and often sacred clothing, accessories, and artifacts worn or carried during various ceremonies, such as powwows, celebrations, and gatherings. Yorkville University and Toronto Film School acknowledge the diversity of Indigenous peoples, communities, and nations. As such, it is recognized that traditional Indigenous attire may vary. All forms of traditional regalia are welcome and respected.
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The Alumni Network
As you prepare to embark on the next chapter of your journey after graduation, we want to remind you that your connection with Yorkville University doesn’t end here. You are now part of the YU Alumni Network. To ensure you receive updates on perks, benefits, upcoming alumni events, and networking opportunities, please take a moment to update your contact information with us below:
We look forward to seeing you thrive as part of our alumni community!
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