Convocation 2024
Convocation 2024
Friday, June 7
Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, located on Red Deer Polytechnic’s main campus
Ceremonies will take place in the Fas Gas - On the Run Gymnasium
Livestream the Ceremonies
View morning ceremony livestream
View afternoon ceremony livestream
View the Convocation program
Ceremony Location, Time and Details
Convocation 2024
Friday, June 7
Ceremonies will take place in the Fas Gas – On The Run Gymnasium within the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre on Red Deer Polytechnic's main campus.
Morning Ceremony | 9:30 am
Students must arrive between 7:30 am and no later than 8:15 am
Announcements and student line-up at 9 am
Donald School of Business, Science and Computing
Administrative Professional Certificate
Aviation Certificate
Bachelor of Business Administration
Business Certificate
Business Administration Diploma (All majors)
Business Diploma
Human Resources Management Post-baccalaureate Certificate
Legal Assistant Diploma
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences
University Sciences Diploma
Computer Programming Diploma
Machine Learning Analyst Diploma
School of Health and Wellness
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – collaboration with University of Alberta
Kinesiology and Sport Studies Diploma
Medical Device Reprocessing Certificate
Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate
Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma
Pharmacy Technician Diploma
Practical Nurse Diploma
Pre-health Sciences Certificate
Social Work Diploma
University Transfer: Bachelor of Kinesiology and Sport Studies
Afternoon Ceremony | 2 pm
Students must arrive between 12:15pm and (no later than) 12:45 pm
Announcements and student line-up at 1:30 pm
School of Arts and Education
Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
University Transfer: Bachelor of Arts
Justice Studies Diploma
University Arts Diploma
Bachelor of Arts, Animation and Visual Effects
Bachelor of Arts, Film Production
University Transfer: Bachelor of Fine Arts
Visual Art Diploma
Bachelor of Education
University Transfer: Bachelor of Education
Early Childhood Education Leadership Development Certificate
Early Learning and Child Care Certificate
Early Learning and Child Care Diploma
Educational Assistant Certificate
Academic Upgrading
Continuing Education
Accounting Technician Certificate
Activity Coordinator Certificate – in collaboration ASCHA
Dental Office Assistant
Excellence in Teaching and Learning Certificate
Health Care Aide Certificate
Life and Employment Skills for Independence Certificate
Medical Office Assistant Certificate
Network Administration Diploma
Paralegal Post-diploma Certificate
Recreation Facility Management Certificate – in collaboration with AARFP
Site Manager Certificate – in collaboration with ASCHA
Software Development Diploma
Unit Clerk Extension Certificate
School of Trades and Technology
Apprenticeship Programs
Instrumentation and Automation Engineering Technology Diploma
Mechanical Engineering Diploma
Recognition of President's and Dean's Honour Rolls
Students who have achieved high academic standing in their last two academic program terms and are acknowledged on the President's and/or Dean's Honour Rolls will be recognized in the Convocation speeches.
Indigenous Student Presentation
Indigenous Student Services facilitates academic, social and cultural support for Status and Non-status First Nation, Metis and Inuit learners of Red Deer Polytechnic.
In 2017, a special stole was created to highlight cultural symbols important to many Indigenous students attending RDP. This stole was created with input from several Indigenous communities – people who support you on your journey – and it is in recognition of your academic achievements and the completion of your program at Red Deer Polytechnic.
The Convocation stole includes the following elements:
- A circle graphic was chosen to represent the circular life cycle and to house meaningful Indigenous colours and symbols, such as Eagle, Buffalo, Inukshuk and Treaty Agreement.
- The Métis symbol is woven into the center of the graphic as they are a part of all Nations.
- The colours white, yellow, blue, red and black respect both the Treaty 6 and 7 Nations.
- All seven Indigenous languages spoken in Alberta by the different Nations and Métis people surround the graphic.
If you are an Indigenous student and you would like to receive a Convocation Stole on June 7, please complete the following steps:
- Look for the invitation that you have received to apply to attend Convocation.
This invitation was sent as a personal announcement on your Loop account, and it was also sent as an email.
2. In this invitation, click on the link and apply to attend Convocation.
Make sure to check off the Indigenous Student’s Presentation section to indicate you would like to receive a Convocation stole. Students are also invited to wear their traditional Indigenous regalia, such as a ribbon shirt, ribbon skirt or Metis sash, in celebration of their Convocation Day.
For information regarding this special stole, email or call 403.357.3672.
Convocation Gowns & Hoods
Location
Graduands will come to the Arena in the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre on main campus to pick up and return their gowns. This is also where you will come to line up before your ceremony.
Gown Pick Up
Gowns and hoods will be distributed to graduands on Friday, June 7. There is no advance gown distribution available before that date.
Please note: There will not be check-in or storage available for graduates on Convocation Day. Please leave your purse, personal items, coffee, etc. with family or friends. Red Deer Polytechnic will not be held responsible for the loss or theft of any valuables.
Gown Return
Gowns and hoods must be returned no later than 5pm on Friday, June 7. Please ensure gown zippers are done up when returning the gown at the gown return tables. Graduates that do not return their gowns and hoods will be charged a full purchase price.
Academic Honours Cords
Red Deer Polytechnic recognizes graduates with high academic achievement through the awarding of honour cords at Convocation. A student achieving a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or greater in the last 60 credits of a Bachelor’s degree program or achieving a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or greater in a certificate or diploma program will receive a gold honour cord at Convocation. These cords are a testament to the hard work and dedication of students and are kept by students after the ceremony has concluded.
Academic Dress
RDP Academic Dress, for those with University Degrees and Doctorates, follows the British tradition, which has been adopted by Canadian Colleges and Universities.
The protocol for Academic Dress of graduands:
Certificate, Diploma and Trades – Cap, Gown and RDP Hood
Applied Degree(s) – Cap, Gown and RDP Hood
Baccalaureate Degree – Cap, Gown and Hood
Gold Honour Cords are worn by graduands with high academic achievement (cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher in a certificate, diploma or the last 60 credits of a degree)
The protocol for Academic Dress of faculty and staff:
Certificate, Diploma and Trades – Gown and RDP Hood
Applied Degree – Gown and RDP Hood
Baccalaureate Degree – Gown and Hood
Graduate Degree – Gown and Hood
Doctorate – Optional Bonnet, Gown and Hood
Honour Cords
The protocol for Academic Dress of the Honorary Degree recipient:
Honorary Degree – Gown and Hood
Graduates retain their caps and honour cords as a keepsake.
Alternatives to full Academic Dress:
Indigenous, Metis and Inuit Peoples may wear cultural objects and/or traditional clothing instead of the cap and gown
Cultural and religious head coverings, including hijabs, turbans, kippahs and others are encouraged and welcomed at convocation to celebrate the diversity and unique identities of our graduates
Active military or policing personnel may wear their dress uniform instead of the cap and gown
Members of the clergy may wear religious vestments instead of the cap and gown
Hood Colours:
The hood for Baccalaureate degree programs represents the discipline or field of study by a specific colour. The hood for certificate & diploma programs represents RDP brand colours. The hood for Honorary Degree recipients represents RDP brand colour, the discipline of Arts & includes silver trim.
Graduation Photographs
Lifetouch is the official photographer for Red Deer Polytechnic graduation photos. Lifetouch will be available several times throughout the year.
Ceremony Photographs
Graduates will receive a free photo of them crossing the stage. An email will be sent to each graduate on how to access their photo.
Upcoming Photo Session Dates:
- June 3-7, Room AC 159
Appointments are offered daily, during business hours. You must book your appointment online (see instructions below)
These photo sessions will be held at Red Deer Polytechnic's main campus. Please note that booking information and room numbers for future sessions will be provided closer to your appointment date.
If none of these dates work in your schedule, you can ask Lifetouch about booking an appointment at their studio in Red Deer.
Booking Your Photo Session
There is a $30.00 sitting fee payable to the photographer.
Book your appointment online. On the booking website, you will be automatically taken to the Red Deer Polytechnic page to view available dates. Then, you will need to:
- Select your Date, using the available dates identified on the calendar
- Select your Time
- Complete the Registration Form
- Confirm your Appointment
If you have challenges with your booking, please contact Lifetouch at 780.437.2431.
On the date and time of your appointment, come prepared! You are welcome to bring multiple outfits and props to your session. Please arrive five minutes before your session start time.
Guest Information
Convocation 2024
Friday, June 7
Morning ceremony - Doors open at 8:30 am
Afternoon ceremony - Doors open at 1:00 pm
Ceremonies will take place in the Fas Gas – On The Run Gymnasium within the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre on Red Deer Polytechnic's main campus.
Guests
Graduates are requested to limit guests to three people, where possible to Convocation. This ensures RDP adheres to fire code regulations within the Fas Gas – On The Run Gymnasium, where each ceremony will take place.
Tickets are not required, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please note that, if the guest numbers exceed capacity or if people would prefer to sit in a smaller gathering, the Convocation ceremonies will be live-streamed near the Gymnasium of the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. If you are unable to attend the ceremony on campus, the live stream will also be posted on this page for you to view.
Parking
Parking is free on campus during Convocation.
Graduates and guests can park in
- Student Parking Lot next to the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre
- Public Parking Lot West
- Staff Lots L and M
View the Parking webpage for more information.
Accommodations
Red Deer Polytechnic’s Residence offers a wide range of guest accommodation styles to meet your needs right on campus.
If you are looking for accommodations for the whole family, check out our four-bedroom townhouses.
Just yourself? Our Studio Residence offers the perfect single accommodations across from the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.
Call 403.342.3257 or email us at stay@rdpolytech.ca to inquire about our guest accommodations.
Flowers Supporting Student Scholarships
Congratulate your graduate with a Convocation bouquet!
Thank you to Stems Flowers & Cafe for partnering with us on Convocation Day! Stems is an alumni-owned local business that creates beautiful, hand-wrapped bouquets and floral accessories for our graduates, which are available for purchase in the Convocation Marketplace. Stems donates a portion of these sales to the RDP Alumni Association (RDPAA).
The RDPAA supports six student scholarships each year, and it creates networking, mentorship and recognition opportunities for RDP Alumni.
Initiatives such as this one made it possible for the RDPAA to donate $5,000 to Student Emergency Funding to support students experiencing urgent financial need in 2020.
Thank you for your continued support!
Convocation Marketplace
The Convocation Marketplace will be located onsite at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, throughout the day on June 7.
Questions?
We are happy to help! Please send us an email