Virtual Convocation ceremonies to celebrate fall graduates on Oct. 29
Niagara College will host a virtual send-off to remember for almost 1,000 new graduates this fall.
Preparations are well underway for the College’s Fall 2021 Virtual Convocation ceremonies. To be held on October 29, two unique convocation ceremonies will be livestreamed from the Welland Campus – a 10 a.m. morning ceremony and a 2 p.m. afternoon ceremony – each tailored to groups of graduating students from different program areas.
With safety as a top priority and a continued adherence to restrictions on public gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, Virtual Convocation enables graduating students to celebrate their special academic milestone in a safe and meaningful way before moving on to the next chapter of their lives.
No one hosts Virtual Convocation like NC! Since they debuted in June 2020, the College’s standout Virtual Convocation ceremonies – powered by staff and students from the College’s renowned Broadcasting: Radio, Television and Film program – have been applauded by graduates and families alike. The upcoming ceremonies follow the resounding successes of Spring and Fall 2020, and Spring 2021, which not only proved to be memorable for graduates, but drew tens of thousands of visitors from Niagara, Canada and around the world.
What happens at Virtual Convocation
NC’s Virtual Convocation ceremonies feature the same treasured traditions of the College’s on-campus ceremonies, while leveraging modern technology and NC broadcasting expertise to create a live, interactive experience for graduates.
College President Sean Kennedy and Vice President Academic Fiona Allan will conduct each formal ceremony from the Welland Campus, while a team of faculty and students from NC’s Broadcasting program work behind the scenes to bring the livestream to a virtual audience.
Graduates and their families may visit the convocation website to view their ceremony as it happens, live in real time, from anywhere in the world. They will hear inspiring speeches from College officials and a special guest speaker (to be announced). Graduates will hear their names called out during their ceremony, one by one, and see them appear on screen.
Interactive, digital elements are also infused into the ceremonies to bring grads and viewers #NCTogether. Videos will be incorporated into the live broadcasts, featuring well-wishes from the College community and beyond. Graduates will be invited to connect with their classmates and faculty through program Zoom parties held during their convocation ceremony. Select clips from the Zoom parties will be incorporated into the convocation livestream, enabling graduates to make an on-screen appearance during their ceremony.
Virtual convocation will also feature an immersive social media experience. Photos, videos and text messages shared with the NC convocation hashtag #NCGrad2021 will be incorporated into ceremonies. Graduates and guests can participate by using the hashtag during the ceremonies, which will make their likes, comments and reactions visible during the livestream.
A suite of digital NC Grad swag and printables, customized for the Class of 2021, is available to help graduates celebrate their special day – including animated gifs, phone and desktop wallpapers, Zoom backgrounds, social media photo frames, Instagram AR filters, and printable signs. Visit the ‘Downloadables and Printables’ section of the Convocation website.
Those unable to attend their ceremony livestream won’t miss out on the celebration. For the convenience of those unavailable to watch in real time, ceremony broadcasts are archived online and available for later viewing via the Convocation website.
Important info for graduating students: October 1 deadline
Please note that October 1 is the deadline to meet graduation requirements for NC’s Fall 2021 Virtual Convocation ceremonies. Students who are expecting to graduate this fall must review their Graduation Requirements by this date, ensure that all of their expected final grades are submitted, and review the grade report listed on their MyNC account.
Students who have concerns about their final grade report results may contact [email protected] with their name, student ID number and program before October 1.
Important info for College employees
The planning team will reach out to staff and faculty with information on how to submit well wishes to graduates for Fall 2021 Virtual Convocation. Videos will be aired during the live ceremonies.
While virtual convocation ceremonies are being held during the COVID-19 pandemic, NC plans to invite those who have graduated virtually to an in-person gathering on-campus in the future, after it has become safe to do so.
Visit niagaracollege.ca/virtualconvocation for updates.