Convocation 2023

Q: If I’m going to finish my program in August, when will my convocation be?

A: Only students who complete their program before June 30^th are invited to this convocation. Completing your program after June 30^th means you will be included in the next convocation in 2024.

Q: I want to invite a guest from abroad. Does the college provide an invitation letter?

A: Graduates who wish to invite a guest from abroad can access the Convocation Letter sent to their Fleming College Toronto email. This letter can be included in the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) application as a supporting document to confirm when the convocation is taking place. Please refer to the Government of Canada website for further information about inviting guests to visit Canada. Please note that students are responsible for writing their own letter, and individual letters with student and/or guest names are not provided.

Q: How many guests can I bring?

A: Each graduate can bring up to two (2) guests to the ceremony. Guest tickets must be requested through the RSVP form sent to your Fleming College Toronto email address.

Q: When should I arrive for my convocation ceremony?

A: All graduates should arrive at least 1.5 hours prior to convocation beginning. This will allow you time to check in at Graduate Registration, pick up your gown, and get organized for the procession to your ceremony.

Q: When should my guests arrive?

A: Guest seating begins approximately 30 minutes prior to the ceremony starting. Guests will receive their admission tickets on the day of Convocation at the venue check-in.

Q: What happens if I'm late for my Convocation Ceremony?

A: Entry will not be permitted once the auditorium doors are closed and the ceremony has started. Please arrive on time and make sure you give yourself enough time to check in beforehand, so you don’t risk the chances of missing your convocation.

Q: Will I have time to take pictures at Convocation?

A: Yes! There will be plenty of special photo opportunities, including from a photobooth during the reception. You will have an opportunity to take pictures in your gowns with friends, family, and other graduates

Will the people I want to invite to Canada need a visa?

Check this website to confirm if your guests need a visa to visit Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html

Can I invite my guest(s) to visit me inCanada?

Yes, for instructions please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/letter-invitation.html

Will Fleming College Toronto Issue an invitation letter for my guest(s) to visit me?

No, students are responsible for inviting their parents/guests to visit them and writing the invitation letter to be used in visa application.

What information should I include in the invitation letter?

Information about what to include in the invitation letter can be found on the IRCC website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/letter-invitation.html

I need a letter confirming I’m a student at Fleming College Toronto. Where can I get this?

You can access your “confirmation of enrollment” through MyFCT Student Portal. For more details, watch the video below.

Convocation will be held at the Meridian Arts Centre.

Address: 5040 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario, M2N 6R8

The most important thing is to arrive on time! Plan your travel in advance and give yourself extra travel time just in case there is unforeseen traffic or construction. 

Public Transportation

We encourage you and your guests to take public transportation to the convocation since the venue is conveniently located close to major subway stations and bus stops. Please visit the TTC and GO Transit websites to view all transit schedules and plan your trip to the Meridian Arts Centre.

Directions via Public Transit:

• Get off at North York Centre station on the Yonge Subway line.

• Walk south on Yonge and the venue will be on your right.

• Alternatively, get off at the Yonge-Sheppard station, and the venue is a short walk north.

Driving

The Meridian Arts Centre is easily accessible by car as well.

Directions from the 401: Take the Yonge Street exit and drive north. The venue will be located on your left-hand side just north of Sheppard Avenue.

Directions from the 407: Take the Yonge Street exit and drive south. The venue will be located on your right-hand side just south of Mel Lastman Square.

Parking

Public parking can be found at several lots near the Meridian Arts Centre, including at:

• 5000 Yonge Street, an underground lot with direct connection to the venue (wheelchair accessible with elevators).
• 93 Beecroft Road, a 24-hour indoor lot with a staffed booth until 10 pm.
• North York City Centre and 180 Beecroft Road, two 24-hour parking lots with automated payments.

Limited street parking is available on Yonge Street, Beecroft Road, and other nearby streets.

Letters of Completion will be available in the Student Portal as a digital copy for all graduates prior to convocation. Letters of Completion will not be provided in physical form.

After the conclusion of the ceremony and upon the return of their gown, graduates will receive a physical copy of their official Fleming College diploma and transcript.

Any diplomas and transcripts that are not collected during the convocation will be returned to the Fleming College Toronto campus. It is the responsibility of graduates to pick up their graduation documents from the FCT campus as they will not be mailed, domestically or internationally, under any circumstance. 

If you have any questions about your graduation documents, please contact records@flemingcollegetoronto.ca

Convocation Gowns

Gowns will be provided at the convocation prior to the ceremony. If you did not submit your gown sizing, there will be extra gowns available at Convocation, with limited sizing.

After the ceremony, graduates are asked to return their gowns to the same gowning area and collect their graduation documents. It is expected that all gowns will be returned in the same condition as received.

What to Wear

Business or business casual dress wear is recommended, as it will be partially visible underneath your robe. Don’t be afraid to dress to impress, as this is a milestone moment, and you should look your best! Suits, sport jackets, ties, dress pants and dresses are all good choices. Please note that wearing high heels may be unsafe when entering and exiting the stage.

Before the Ceremony

Please be punctual and ensure that you arrive on time. If you are late, there is a chance you may not be able to participate in the procession and you will be seated in a separate area from your classmates during the ceremony.

When you arrive at the venue, you will receive your gown, guest ticket and a name card. Your name card indicates your name, gown size, program, and position in the procession line. Please keep your name card in your hand as it will be checked several times by convocation marshals and attendants – DO NOT BEND YOUR NAME CARD.

Before the ceremony, convocation marshals will help you line up according to your program. Once the procession begins, you will enter the George Weston Recital Hall and be guided by an usher to your seating row.

Crossing the Stage

1. An usher will lead you to the stairs at the left side of the stage.
2. Give your name card to the stage marshal who will direct you when it is time to go on the stage.
3. You will walk across the stage, be congratulated by the stage party, and receive an FCT folder containing instructions on how to collect your graduation documents after the ceremony.
4. SMILE! Photographs will be taken when you are on stage.
5. You will then cross the stage and exit on the right side of the stage.
6. Ushers will guide you back to your seat.
7. You are expected to remain in your seat until the end of the ceremony. There will be no in-out privileges during the ceremony.

Reception

After the ceremony, this is the time to celebrate with your family, friends, and fellow graduates! Commemorate your convocation by taking lots of pictures in your gown in front of unique backdrops and photo opportunities. Enjoy beverages and hors d'oeuvres, light entertainment, an FCT cake cutting ceremony, opportunities to purchase flowers, FCT merchandise, and much more!

Afterwards, don’t forget to return your gown to receive your graduation documents!