Graduation and Convocation
Find important information on this page, including:
Applying to Attend Convocation
Ceremony Location, Times and Details
Convocation Gowns
Flowers Support Student Scholarships
Graduation Photographs
Guest Information
Indigenous Student Presentation
Make Your Convocation Day Memorable
Marketplace
Alumni Association
Leave Your Mark
Frequently Asked Questions
For More Information
Convocation 2022 will be in-person on June 3
- Date: Friday, June 3
- Location: Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, located on main campus
- Times: There will be morning and afternoon ceremonies
For students who are eligible to graduate:
- You will need to apply to attend Convocation.
- Be sure to check your Red Deer Polytechnic email and Loop account regularly, because this is where you will receive updates and information.
- Confirm your permanent address:
- You can confirm your address by logging in to TheLoop and clicking on Personal Information. Students who need to change their permanent addresses should email the Office of the Registrar at admissions [at] rdpolytech [dot] ca or call 403.342.3400 to update their information.
We look forward to celebrating with you in person this June!
Applying to Attend Convocation
In order to attend Convocation, eligible graduates must:
- Complete the Application to Attend Convocation by May 11, 2022.
- A link to this application has been provided to eligible graduates by emails and through personal announcements.
- Pay the $50 fee that is required with the application.
The deadline to complete these steps is May 11, 2022.
If you did not receive an email or a personal announcement, but you believe you are eligible to graduate this year, please email student [dot] records [at] rdpolytech [dot] ca.
Ceremony Location, Times and Details
Convocation 2022
Friday, June 3
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
Donald School of Business, Science, and Technology
- Administrative Professional Certificate
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Science (all majors)
- Business Administration Diploma
- Electrical Engineering Technology Diploma
- Health Care Management Post-Diploma Certificate
- Human Resources Management Graduate Certificate
- Legal Assistant Diploma
- Management Certificate
- Electrical Engineering Technology Diploma
- Mechanical Engineering Technology Diploma
School of Education and Trades
- Apprenticeship Programs
- Bachelor of Education
- Early Learning & Child Care Certificate and Diploma
- Educational Assistant Certificate
Division of Extended Education
- Academic Upgrading
- Bachelor of Arts (all majors)
- Bachelor of Applied Arts in Animation and Visual Effects
- Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Justice Studies Diploma
- Media Studies and Professional Communication Diploma
- Motion Picture Arts
- University Arts Diploma
- Visual Art Diploma
School of Community, Wellness and Health
- Bachelor of Science Nursing
- Bachelor of Kinesiology
- Kinesiology Fitness and Health Diploma
- Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate
- Occupational & Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma
- Pharmacy Technician Diploma
- Practical Nurse Diploma
- Pre-Health Sciences Certificate
- Social Work Diploma
Recognition of President's Honour Roll and Dean's Honour Roll
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.
Red Deer Polytechnic supports the choice of all those attending our Convocation ceremonies to wear a face covering – or not – as it works for your personal situation. We ask that everyone respects the choices of one another as we celebrate Convocation together.
Convocation Gowns
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. See Ceremony Location, Times and Details for more information.
Gown Pick Up
Gowns and hoods will be distributed to graduands on Friday, June 3. There is no advance gown distribution available prior to 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 5:00 pm on Friday, June 3. 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 Dress
Red Deer Polytechnic Academic Dress follows from the British tradition, which has been adopted by Canadian Colleges and Universities.
The protocol for Academic Dress of graduands is a follows:
- Certificate, Diploma and Trades – Cap, Gown and Red Deer Polytechnic Hood (over the shoulders)
- Applied Degree(s) – Cap, Gown and Red Deer Polytechnic Hood
- Baccalaureate Degree – Cap, Gown and Hood from Red Deer Polytechnic or from graduating institution
All graduands from 2022 will receive and wear caps at Convocation and will be able to keep their cap as a keepsake.
Flowers Support Student Scholarships
Congratulate your graduate with a Convocation bouquet!
Once again, Red Deer Polytechnic’s official Convocation Flowers Partner is Stems Flowers and Café. Starting in April, proceeds from flowers ordered and purchased from Stems will support the RDP Alumni Association. There are three convenient ways to purchase flowers to celebrate your graduate:
- Order online through the Stems – RDP Convocation website
- Place your order by phone at 403.342.1515 and be sure to mention RDP Alumni when purchasing an eligible arrangement
- Purchase your flowers on-site at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre on Convocation Day
The beautiful arrangements created by Stems feature ethically sourced, fresh blooms, and they are artfully presented and hand wrapped. As a local business, Stems is proud to be RDP-alumni-owned.
The RDP Alumni Association 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!
Graduation Photographs
Lifetouch is the official photographer for Red Deer Polytechnic 2022 graduation photos.
Lifetouch will be available several times throughout the year. Please check back as new dates will continue to be posted.
March 28 - April 1 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Red Deer Polytechnic Main Campus, Cornerstone, Room 1500
There is a $30.00 sitting fee payable to the photographer.
Book your appointment online. Once on this website, under the Appointment Locator heading on the left-side of the webpage:
- Select Session: Choose "University Grad Portrait Session"
- Select School: Choose "Red Deer Polytechnic"
- Select your Date, using the available dates identified on the calendar
- Select your Time
- Complete the Registration Form
- Confirm your Appointment
Guest Information
Convocation 2022
Friday, June 3
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
View ceremony times and details for complete information
Red Deer Polytechnic supports the choice of all those attending our Convocation ceremonies to wear a face covering – or not – as it works for your personal situation. We ask that everyone respects the choices of one another as we celebrate Convocation together.
Guests
Graduates are permitted to bring a maximum of three guests 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.
Parking
Parking is free on campus during Convocation 2022. Graduates and guests can park in the Student Parking Lots next to the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, located on the west side of Red Deer Polytechnic’s main campus. See the parking map for details.
Accommodations
Are you looking for accommodations for Convocation 2022? 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 [at] rdpolytech [dot] ca to inquire about our guest accommodations.
Indigenous Student Presentation
Indigenous Student Services facilitates academic, social and cultural support for Status and Non-status First Nation, Metis, and Inuit leaners 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 3, 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.
- In this invitation, click on the link and apply to attend Convocation.
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 indigenous [dot] studentservices [at] rdpolytech [dot] ca or call 403.357.3672.
Marketplace
The Convocation Marketplace will located onsite at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, and it will be open throughout the day on June 3.
- Flowers will be available from Stems Flowers and Café, as described above
- RDP's Campus Store will be onsite with a variety of Red Deer Polytechnic and Convocation gift items and frames. Not sure what to get your graduate? You can choose from:
- Convocation frames
- Red Deer Polytechnic clothing and merchandise
- Other graduation gifts, including stuffies and mugs
For More Information
For Convocation inquiries, please email convocation [at] rdpolytech [dot] ca.