Ceremony instructions

Although graduands will receive detailed instructions at the mandatory orientation session prior to the ceremony, the following information is a general outline.

All graduands will leave the SUB Ballroom as a group no later than 30 minutes prior to the ceremony to line up in the proper order and process to the ceremony. Graduands walk in pairs, by number (Marshals are present to assist with this). You must ensure you bring your parade card with you as these cards ensure your proper location in the procession. You will have picked up the parade card from the Alberta Alumni Recreation Centre prior to orientation.

The tassel dangles on the left side of the cap. (This will move to the right side of the cap after leaving the stage.) The top of the cap should rest flat on the head. Undergraduate hoods are worn with the colour showing only on the left shoulder. Hoods for higher degrees are carried on the left arm. Students receiving more than one degree wear the hood for their first degree and carry the hood for their second degree on their left arm.

The piper will lead the Marshals and graduates in a procession from the Mackay Promenade to The Richard J. CURRIE CENTER. Graduands will be greeted by the Honour Guard at the fourth-floor entrance. The Marshals will lead graduands into the performance hall, followed by the Honour Guard and then the Platform Party.

Conferring of degrees

After some preliminary words, the campus orator announces, "Candidates for the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy, Master’s and Bachelor’s will stand for the Supplication, Presentation and Admission.”

Graduands stand in unison until completion of the presentation (an exchange, in Latin, between the Orator and the President).

The Orator announces, "Candidates for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy please proceed onto the dais for individual acceptance. All other candidates, you may be seated.”

Graduands in the front row only remain standing in readiness to move forward to the stage; other graduands remain seated. Front row graduands advance to the left side of the aisle, in single file. The person in front of you should have a lower number on their card. Each graduand will climb the ramp and present the card to the Orator, who does not return it.

The second row graduands stand when they are directed to do so by the Marshal and proceed to the foot of the ramp to the stage. Subsequently other rows stand and proceed in turn.

When the Orator reads the graduands’ names, they move across the stage, acknowledging the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick, if attending, with a nod. Partway across the stage, the graduands will be hooded by the Chancellor (if higher degree). Graduands proceed to the far side of the stage to receive their parchments.

Upon receiving the parchment from the respective Dean (or representative), the graduate must pause for a photograph to be taken by the UNB photographer. If you prefer not to shake hands with the Dean, please place your hand, palm side down, on the left side of your chest.

The tassel may be moved to the right side of the cap before exiting the stage.

Concurrent degree graduates

Graduates receiving more than one degree at a given ceremony should make themselves known to the Marshal at the orientation session. The Marshal will provide you with specific instructions regarding receiving your second degree.

Concurrent degree graduates planning to attend graduation are asked to contact the Registrar’s Office by phone, (506) 453-4864, or email grads@unb.ca, in addition to filling out the application to graduate form.

Concurrent degree graduates will require two hoods – one for each degree. Concurrent degree graduates may place a rental order through the regalia rental site for the first degree (gown, hood, cap) and contact graduation@unb.ca to arrange for a second hood at no additional charge. Both hoods must be returned with the gown following the ceremony. If both hoods are not returned, graduates will be responsible for paying replacement costs.