Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
What is the difference between my graduation date and convocation ceremony date?
Your graduation date is the date that Senate confers your credential (see kpu.ca/graduation/final-term for your Senate conferral month, according to when you submitted your graduation application). Your convocation date is the date that the KPU community comes together to celebrate and honour our graduates (see kpu.ca/graduation/attending-convocation).
How do I get my Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) Letter?
Once your name appears on the Graduation Roll your Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) letter will be sent directly to you by KPU International. Please contact KPU International directly by email at InternationalStudents@kpu.ca if you have any further questions.
When is the earliest I can order my official transcript for it to include the credential awarded?
Once your name appears on the Graduation Roll you may order an official transcript that states the credential awarded.
Credential Conferral, Details & Mailing
Do I have to attend the Senate meeting for the conferral of my credential?
No, students are not required to attend the meeting.
When will my credential be mailed?
Upon Senate conferral of your credential, it will be put in the mail within 10 business day to the address you provided when you applied to graduate. Your credential will not be held until your assigned Convocation.
What should I do if my mailing address changes?
If your mailing address changes after applying to graduate, please update it by visiting kpu.ca/update-your-contact-info. It is imperative that you inform graduation@kpu.ca once you have updated your mailing address to ensure it is updated for graduation purposes.
I am in the process of changing my legal name. How can I ensure my credential is printed with the correct name?
If you are in the process of a legal name change, please update your information as soon as possible (Updating Your Personal Information) and notify us once the change is complete. All credentials will be printed using the legal name current in our system. If your legal name change is finalized after credentials have been printed and mailed, you may submit a Duplicate Graduation Credential Request form for a $25 fee.
How can I order a duplicate credential?
You may request a duplicate credential using the Duplicate Graduation Credential Request form for a $25 fee.
Convocation Ceremonies
Can I request my preferred name be announced instead of my legal name when crossing the stage at my convocation ceremony?
Yes, graduates have the option to have their preferred name announced as they cross the stage. In the gowning room, you will visit the phonetics table with your reader card and may request this change. The name you provide will be the one read aloud when you cross the stage.
Can I defer my convocation?
Unfortunately, students are not permitted to defer their convocation to a later date. Dates and times are assigned based on your Faculty, program, and the number of students that indicated they would be participating at convocation. Your assigned date is the only option for you to participate.
How do I inform the university if I plan to attend convocation?
Students must inform graduation@kpu.ca by the deadline if they wish to participate in convocation. If you did not inform us by the deadline, you will not be able to participate.
I missed the deadline to reserve guest tickets. How can my guests attend my ceremony?
Guests may visit the ticketing table 15 minutes prior to the ceremony start time to have their names added to a standby list. Guests without tickets are also encouraged to watch the live stream in the overflow room at KPU's Grassroots Cafe.
How long do the convocation ceremonies typically last?
Each ceremony is approximately 1 - 1.5 hours in duration.
Is it required to attend the reception at the conclusion of my convocation ceremony?
No, graduates are not required to stay to attend the reception.
Will the convocation ceremony be available online?
Yes, the convocation ceremonies will be streamed publicly for each ceremony day and time at the following link: kpu.ca/graduation/live. No tickets or sign-up are required to watch the stream.
I already received my credential in the mail. Do I need to bring it to my convocation ceremony?
No. Graduates will receive a new red folder and a statement of participation at their convocation ceremony.
How do I rent or purchase my regalia?
KPU does not have regalia for students to purchase; students may rent their regalia only for the period of their convocation ceremony. Visit gaspard.ca for information regarding regalia purchase.
I did not receive my personalized stage clip from my convocation ceremony. What do I do?
Students will receive an email 2-3 days after their ceremony with a link to their stage clip. If you did not receive your stage clip, contact the KPU Alumni Association at alumni@kpu.ca.
How do I invite my family from abroad to attend my convocation ceremony?
Graduates planning to invite family or friends from abroad to attend should visit Inviting Family or Friends to Convocation for more information.