Yorkville University
New Brunswick
Convocation Celebration
October 28 & 29, 2026
CONGRATULATIONS, GRADUATES!
We at Yorkville University can’t wait to celebrate your accomplishments with you at the Fredericton Convention Centre, 670 Queen St., on Wednesday, October 28 and Thursday, October 29, 2026. Your convocation ceremony will take place in the Pointe Sainte Anne Ballroom.
Convocation Ceremonies
As Yorkville University continues to grow, we’ve made the decision to host two ceremonies this fall, as follows:
On Wednesday, October 28 at 2:00 p.m., we will celebrate the following graduating classes:
- Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology graduates who conferred their degree in May – September, 2026
On Thursday, October 29 at 11:00 a.m., we will celebrate the following graduating classes:
- Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology graduates who conferred their degree in May – September 2026
If your degree is not conferred by September 26, 2026 you will not be eligible to attend and will be invited to the next ceremony in June 2027.
**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 Fall 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, October 27 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ADT)
Wednesday, October 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ADT)
Thursday, October 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.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 $550 fee will be charged for any gowns and hoods not 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
Parking for events at the Fredericton Convention Centre (FCC) is easy and convenient.
Parking Under Cover
The FCC provides ample parking for visitors. The attached East End garage provides seven levels of parking, and additional spaces are located underneath the FCC for a total of 529 parking spots, with reasonable parking fees in effect 24/7. Less than two blocks away, the 535 Brunswick Street parking garage offers another 390 parking spaces.
Meters and Surface Lots
Dozens of meters line the streets adjacent to the FFC (Queen, King, and much of St. John Street). At the end of Carleton Street, next to the river behind Officer’s Square and just a block from the FCC, another 70 spots of surface, metered parking are available. Meters and surface lots are free of charge after 5 p.m. (ADT) daily and all weekend long.
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.
We will also have a photographer on-site taking headshots of the graduates – first come, first served. More details to come!
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.
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.
Special Gift at Convocation
Each year Yorkville University and Toronto Film School, presents graduating Indigenous students with a special gift during their convocation ceremony. In honor of their accomplishment Indigenous graduates are presented with either a Blackfoot Peoples Blanket, a Métis sash, or an Indigenous Stole. These gifts were thoughtfully selected by Yorkville University and Toronto Film School’s Indigenous Student Advisory Council. This wool blanket comes from Boy Chief Trading Post, an Indigenous-owned and operated retail company located on Siksika Nation.
In many Indigenous cultures, the gifting of a blanket is a sacred tradition. Draping a blanket over a graduate’s shoulders tells a story: one of resilience, heritage, and community. The blanket is symbolically wrapping each student in the knowledge they have gained.
“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,” she said. “Hiy Hiy. Chi Miigwetch. Thank you.”
– T. Schenkeveld (MACP 2024)
The Indigenous stoles presented at convocation are handcrafted by Yellowknife artist Karen Wright-Fraser. Through her artistry and collaboration with local beaders, each stole represents Dene, Métis, and Inuit traditions. It begins as a Métis sash, features intricate Dene beadwork and moosehide fringe, and forms a scoop at the back symbolizing a traditional Inuit packing parka. Each piece is made with care, pride, and positive intentions to honour and celebrate the journey of every graduate.
The Métis Sash comes from Étchiboy, a Métis company, the sash represents a connection to Métis traditions while supporting ethical artisan partnerships. This sash is handmade on a loom using alpaca wool. Its design is a replica of the Coventry style sash which Louis Riel wore circa 1860.
All Indigenous graduates who wish to receive a gift, must confirm arrangements via an online submission form. This is to inform the event organizers. The registration form can be accessed here. Please complete at least 2 weeks prior to the ceremony.
Yorkville University has partnered with Hanson Road Flower Co. , a local floral design studio in Fredericton, to provide you the opportunity to pre-order graduation bouquets. Whether you’re treating yourself or making it easy for family and loved ones to celebrate you in style, pre-ordering ensures you get exactly what you want on graduation day.
HOW IT WORKS:
- Visit the “ YORKVILLE GRADUATION FLOWERS – CONVENTION CENTRE PICKUP ” collection on the Hanson Road Flower Co. website
- Preorder your bouquet online in advance
- Select your graduate’s ceremony date and time
- At checkout, select “Store Pickup”
- Your flowers will be waiting for pickup at our flower table inside the Fredericton Convention Centre (670 Queen St.) prior to the ceremony
***PLEASE NOTE: Although checkout will say “Store Pickup at Hanson Road,” all Yorkville Graduation bouquet orders will automatically be brought to the Fredericton Convention Centre for pickup. There is no additional fee for Convention Centre pickup.
Can’t pre-order? Hanson Road Flower Co. will also have a limited selection of arrangements available for purchase on-site at the Fredericton Convention Centre. However, bouquet quantities will be limited, and preorder is highly recommended.
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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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