Michael Lackmanec says, “Not learning should be the scary thing.”

Michael Lackmanec, Certificate in Manitoba Municipal Administration graduate

Michael Lackmanec’s council asked if he would like to take the Certificate in Manitoba Municipal Administration (CMMA) through UM Extended Education.

“Of course, I said yes,” says the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for Cartier, who now holds his CMMA.

“As a CAO, there are very broad-spectrum penicillin types of things that you do in your daily work commitments and that involves oversight,” Lackmanec says. “There is a what and a how to do things. And in the municipal world, you know the what is usually a construct of legislation, rules, policies, et cetera. But the how is everyone’s own special sauce. And I think it’s your own unique brand of how you get things done and that’s informed by your education experience and exposures.”

With Extended Education, he says, “Most instructors have the municipal boots on the ground experience and exposure to many of the concerns and issues affecting the municipal world. It was similar to the MBA I did because they wouldn’t allow professors to teach at the MBA unless they had their own business. Working with the Extended Education office was an absolute pleasure. It was definitely Brendan and the team that provided, we’ll call it the precursors to success for the studies.”

Working professional development programs and courses into a busy life is about time management, Lackmanec says.

“When has learning concrete skills, becoming more knowledgeable, and professionally developing one’s own toolkit ever been a detriment to you as an individual or your organization, or your family, or society as a whole? The idea is that learning is not something you should be afraid of. Not learning should be the scary thing.”

Employers recognize learning, and it can take you to unexpected places, he says.

“Definitely all astute employers realize change is the constant in the world, and those that are comfortable with change and have the skill sets to manage forward will ultimately be rewarded for their perspectives and successes. Education is a way to be able to traverse the woods and go through the hills and valleys, and you know, everybody’s life will be different, but the learning will definitely assist in whatever you embark upon.”

Derek Scott is working on his next certificate with Extended Education.

Derek Scott, Certificate in Program Development for Adult Learners graduate

Derek Scott started off as a power cableman for Manitoba Hydro, and now he is training people to be system operators who make sure the lights stay on.

Scott is graduating with his Certificate in Program Development for Adult Learners. It was a requirement for the position he holds.

“I think I was looking for some guidance on how to make our program better, and some tools and techniques that could elevate our training and get more return on investment in the training we provide to our system operators,” says Scott. “To just offer an all-around better program to the people we educate.”

In addition to the knowledge and skills he is learning with Extended Education, Scott says he has also come to realize that, despite being over 40, he could go back to school and be successful in his studies.

“The most important thing is that learning never ends. That you can continue on your journey of learning. And no matter what your age or your life or what’s going on, you can do it and you can still advance and you know you are not stuck where you are. You can always grow.”

To anyone considering taking a program or course to advance in their life and career, he says, “Just do it. Go for it. I was scared coming into this too, but you can get back in the swing of things and you can do it.

“I would absolutely recommend the continuing education here at UM Extended Education, to grow and to learn, and to use the knowledge you gain to advance in your career.”

Scott is happy to be celebrating his program completion but he is also now working on his next certificate with Extended Education, in Applied Management. “It’s nice to be graduating, to be finally done and see the completion at the end. But I am also enrolled in another program. So, I am continuing on my journey.”

Barakat Bamidele pivoted from tech to HR.

Barakat Bamidele, Certificate in Human Resource Management graduate

Barakat Bamidele didn’t know a thing about human resources or CPHR Manitoba, the province’s professional HR organization when she started to study with UM Extended Education. Now she’s working as a human resources coordinator with Canad Inns.

“My certificate is one of the reasons I got the job. It’s actually given me the experience, the certification I need to be able to practice HR here in Canada,” says Bamidele, looking forward to her Fall 2025 Extended Education Graduation. She is graduating from the Applied Human Resource Management program at Extended Education, with her Certificate in Human Resource Management.

“My family is all back in Nigeria. I have friends that I have made here. They will be there for me. To my Human Resource Management colleagues, I say congratulations to each and every one of us. I am very proud of us. I can’t wait for us to meet in the future, you know, being great, doing great in this profession we have chosen to go to do.

“I see myself being at the top of the chain of this profession, you know, being a human resource manager in the future. That’s a dream of mine.”

With a previous degree in computer science and certifications in Python and Java, Bamidele says she was ready for a change. “I know that I just got tired, you know, of sitting in front of the computer. And not having human interaction.”

Her best friend completed the same program before her and inspired her to do it. “Seeing her do well was actually the push that I needed to say sure I can do this. And here I am doing it.”

At Extended Education, she says, “I found community. I found a network. I found great instructors. I know that everything I was taught I still remember, from legislation to total compensation, to strategic human resource management.  I won’t forget the instructors and I won’t forget the way they made me feel welcome.”

In 2024, Bamidele made the Dean’s List and received a Student Excellence Award at Empowering Excellence, UM’s continuing education showcase. “It was actually something I was not expecting. So actually it was a push for me to keep going, stay on the right path.”

For anyone planning to go back to school and change careers, she offers her own push. She strongly recommends Extended Education, especially for anyone considering going into the HR profession without prior knowledge or experience. But no matter what you choose to pursue, she says, “You can actually do it. It’s not going to be easy. However, it is doable. You can do it. My advice is that you just start.”

Akhil Eldho Renji congratulates his peers on their graduation.

Akhil Eldho Renji, Certificate in Business Analysis graduate

Akhil is graduating from the Applied Business Analysis program with his Certificate in Business Analysis. Completing his studies has motivated him to want to go even further.

“Extended Education was really great. They have so many programs that could help people to move further in their careers. You are good here,” he says.

Now he has the business analysis concepts and how to approach a problem.

“Always ask questions. Whatever it is, always ask questions,” he says.

Working as a business analyst back home in India had become monotonous. He felt stuck and wanted something different so he came to study with UM Extended Education.

He completed his Industry Placement at Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. “The people were wonderful and Manuela was always there to support us.

“The instructors were the real gift from Extended Education. They were really helpful for me.”

He congratulates all of his program peers on their graduation.

“They had been through a lot to earn a credential from a reputable university like UM. It takes lot of resilience and courage and hard work to complete the course and to move further in their life. It’s a win for everyone.”

Learn more about Extended Education programs and courses

Here are 10 tips to make for a memorable and easy convocation experience:

1. Arrive on time. 
   The Fort Garry ceremonies will be held in the Investors Group Athletic Centre (IGAC). Graduates should report to the James Daly Field House in the Max Bell Centre 60-90 minutes before their ceremony. View the Convocation day schedule for details. Don’t forget– it’s construction season on and around campus, so give yourself extra time to arrive and review the latest construction update for road closures and alternate routes. 
2. Plan what to bring.
   Bring your photo ID to pick up your procession card. We recommend leaving other valuables with a friend or family member.
3. Look your best.
   Convocation is a formal occasion, meaning dress clothes are recommended even under your gown and hood. Please avoid wearing corsages, boutonnieres, fraternity or sorority adornments. Indigenous students can wear traditional Indigenous attire in addition to or instead of the other approved academic regalia (gowns, hoods, etc.). You can also pick up an Indigenous graduation stole at the James Day Field House on the day of your ceremony.
4. Know where to park.
   Complimentary parking is provided in the U lot and Q lot (as seen on the Parking Map) starting 2 hours before the ceremony begins. Accessible parking will be available in the P lot. 
5. Make any necessary arrangements for accessibility support.
   Everyone deserves to have a memorable experience! Contact Student Accessibility Services if you require assistance with seating, ASL interpretation, or other accessibility support.
6. Take graduation photos.
   Photographers will be present for individual and family photo sessions before and after the ceremony. A photographer will also be capturing the moment you cross the stage.
7. Gown drop and photo op.
   You’re officially an alumni now! Before you drop off your gown, stop by and capture all the moments at our photo booths in the Fieldhouse. (The Fieldhouse and gown return will be open for 60 minutes post ceremony.)
8. Include family, friends and loved ones no matter how far away they are.
   We encourage graduates to invite guests, but we kindly ask that you limit your in-person guests to five people. Guests should enter the IGAC and take their seats before the ceremony begins. If you have a guest with mobility issues, they should talk to an usher at the door for seating accommodations. Those unable to attend in person are welcome to tune in virtually by accessing the live stream on the Convocation website.
9. Share the experience.
   Post your pictures and videos using #UManitoba2025 and tag @umanitoba and @umstudent in your Instagram stories for your fellow graduates and the UM community to see!
10. Celebrate! 
    Convocation Day is meant to honour you and your accomplishments while looking forward to the future ahead of you. Take a moment to reflect on your journey and celebrate your success.

To stay up to date on what to expect and how to prepare for convocation, visit umanitoba.ca/convocation.

UM Bisons are at the center of it all, making a difference here in Manitoba and around the world. 1,395 students are graduating this Fall, bringing the number of graduates in the class of 2025 to 5,586 so far. Many of these new alumni will stay in Manitoba, contributing high-demand skills to the labour market and injecting nearly $300 million into the province’s economy each year.

ABOUT CONVOCATION

Ceremonies for October graduands from the Fort Garry campus will be held from October 21-23, 2025.

A separate ceremony will be held for graduating students from the Bannatyne campus on November 6, 2025.

If you are a student and have declared your intent to graduate, you should have already received emails to your UM account with instructions on how to claim your academic attire and what to expect from this year’s ceremonies. If you haven’t received the information, please email Graduation.Convocation@umanitoba.ca

You can find more information at umanitoba.ca/convocation and can view the ceremony schedules on the  Convocation Dates and Times page.

Join the conversation online by using #umanitoba2025 to celebrate.

Use the following link to learn more about the awards offered through the Riddell Faculty – https://umanitoba.ca/environment-earth-resources/student-experience/funding-and-awards

Undergraduate Awards

3 Year General Program Medal:

• Livia Vandal

Major or Advanced Program Medal:

• Tyler Jobes

Honours Program Medal:

• Shayla Trippier

University Gold Medal:

• Raymond Guerard

NSERC-USRA Undergrad Summer Research Awards:

• Abby Wawrykow
• Adam Isaak
• Anabella Perez
• Ayub Regehr
• Riley De Blonde
• Grace Oliver
• Johnathan Campbell
• Kendal Courchaine
• Mitchell Baker
• Matthew Hordosi

URA Undergrad Research Awards:

• Klara Gagnon
• Sophie Lakusta
• Danika Harland
• Ashlee Vachon
• Mya Stam
• Arison Mintenko
• Nithisha Karthikeyan
• Marta Zalud
• Charlotte Gil

Riddell Faculty Direct Entry Admission Scholarships:

• Callista Millar
• India Friesen
• Kaitlyn Podolchuk
• Alyana Camarines
• Christale Rasamison

Riddell Faculty Indigenous Direct Entry Admission Scholarship:

• Matthew Davis

Riddell Faculty Indigenous Undergraduate Admission Scholarship:

• Jon Hooker

Riddell Faculty Undergraduate Admission Scholarships:

• Adam Isaak
• Debora Wipf
• Taylor Swalwell
• Grace Oliver
• Jenna Winstone

Women in the Physical Sciences Scholarship:

• Caitlyn Roy
• Shayla Trippier
• Gina Bilic
• Jessica Kristof
• Maya Desrochers
• Abigayle Wawrykow
• Alexandrea Mitchell
• Sara Bergen
• Kendal Courchaine

Isbister Scholarship in Environment:

• Alexandria West-Massey

Dr. A. W. Hogg Undergraduate Scholarship:

• Conor McNab
• Tyler Jobes

Diana Loranger Memorial Scholarship

• Abigayle Wawrykow
• Matthew Friesen

Dr. George Brownell Memorial Scholarship:

• Matthew Friesen

Engineers Geoscientists MB Scholarship in Geological Sciences:

• Caitlyn Roy

Mike and Lesia Muzylowski Scholarships of Excellence (Geological Sciences):

• Gina Bilic
• Jessica Kristof
• Abigayle Wawrykow
• Matthew Friesen
• Sara Bergen

Paul R. Beaudoin Memorial Geochemistry:

• Matthew Friesen

Philip and Marjorie Eckman Scholarships in Honour of Dr. Justin DeLury:

• Matthew Friesen

William J. Hill Memorial Award:

• Caitlyn Roy

Manitoba Association for Resource Recovery Scholarship:

• Audrey Despins
• Megan Bergmann

Roscoe R. Miller Scholarship:

• Evan Bamford

Tire Stewardship Manitoba – Moe Tresoor Scholarship in Environmental Studies:

• Conor McNab

Mark G. Smerchanski Memorial Prize:

• Raymond Guerard

Marty Morrice Geology Award:

• Matthew Friesen

Kenneth Bergwall Memorial Scholarship:

• Brenna Findlay

Canadian Association of Geographers (CAG) Undergraduate Award Winner:

• Tyler Jobes

Graduate Awards

D.G and V.E. Memorial Barber Fellowships in Arctic Research:

• Nicole Loeb
• Veronica Coppolaro
• Zakhar Kazmiruk
• Lisa Kulchycki
• Madhurima Chakraborty

Aboriginal Issues Press Scholarship:

• Jaden Dela Rosa
• Sina Sarviha

B.A. Baryla Geography Graduate Student Travel Award:

• Shushanna Lorenz

Distinguished Dissertation Award:

• Brock Edwards

Distinguished Master Thesis Award:

• Jordan Stewart

Henley Graduate Scholarship in Aboriginal Resources Development and Stewardship:

• Jessica Mariana Sanchez Jasso

Natural Resource Institute’s (NRI) 50th Anniversary Legacy Scholarship Award:

• Martha Alejandra Diabb Sanchez

Natural Resources Institute (NRI) Scholarship in Energy Research:

• Julia Tays

Narratives Legacy Scholarship:

• Somashree Chattapadhya

Oakes-Riewe Environmental Studies Research Award:

• Julia Arzu

Karen Palidwor Memorial Fellowship in Forest and Wildlife Management:

• Maridiyatu Sibawai

Debra and Ross Pitman Graduate Scholarship in Geological Sciences:

• Sina Sabermahani

GAC-MAC Winnipeg 2013 Scholarship:

• Sina Sabermahani

IISD – Experimental Lakes Area Graduate Fellowship:

• Julianna Wanke
• Madeleine Milne

Riddell Faculty Graduate Entrance Scholarship:

• Mahdi Zabihi Mayvan
• Alejandra Pascagasa
• Cara Rankin
• Julianna Wanke
• Eric Ayitah
• Dilshini Bandara
• Djelika Sogoba
• Vida Avoe
• Meagan Simpson-Law
• Somashree Chattapadhya
• Oluwatimilehin Sanni
• Peri Wiebe

Rita Wadien Memorial Scholarship:

• Issac Jacques

Seven Oaks Game and Fish Association Environmental Legacy Scholarship:

• Julianna Wanke

Faculty Awards

Award of Excellence for First-Year Undergraduate Teaching:

• Ricardo Silva

Award of Excellence for Undergraduate Teaching:

• Alistair Brown

Award of Excellence for Graduate Teaching:

• C. J. Mundy

Graduate Student Teaching Award:

• Jack Mulcahy

Sally and Keith Caldwell Teaching Assistant Fund:

• Adam Dubinsky
• Madelyn Stocking
• Nancy Osei Boakye
• Mira Thompson
• Jack Mulcahy
• Dilshini Bandara

STRR Students’ Teacher Recognition Reception:

• Conor McNab & Dr. Mark Hanson

Among this year’s honorees is Conor McNab, a graduating student from the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources. He will be receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science this year. As part of the ceremony, Conor chose two teachers to recognize for their enduring impact—one from his formative K–12 years and one from his time at the University of Manitoba.

Reflecting on his K–12 experience, Conor shared his admiration for Miss Kentner, a teacher who ignited a passion for environmental science. “Miss Kentner inspired me without hesitation to pursue my Bachelor of Environmental Science at the U of M,” Conor recalled in his speech. “Miss Kentner used inquiry-based teaching where she would ask us questions throughout our lessons to make us think critically about what we were learning or to spark further interest in a topic. I always looked forward to attending Miss Kentner’s classes because of her energetic lectures, her sense of humour, and her keen passion for fun trivia.”

Graduating student Conor McNab giving a speech next to one of his mentors, Miss Kentner. Photo taken by Mike Latschislaw

What made Miss Kentner’s teaching memorable was her ability to challenge students to think deeply. “[She] perfected the art of being able to point us in the right direction without giving us the answer to a challenging question. Miss Kentner set the foundation for me to study hard, to seek answers to tough problems, and to make best of the learning opportunities put before me.”

At the university level, Conor expressed deep gratitude for Dr. Mark Hanson, a mentor whose support and high expectations opened doors to exciting opportunities. “For the past 3 years, Mark has been a mentor from our common interests in ecotoxicology and risk assessment. I owe Mark a deep debt of gratitude for taking me in as his student, and for giving me the chance to participate in his field work and his lab’s projects.”

Mark’s dedication to student growth was evident in the diverse experiences he provided. “[Mark] sets big goals to support and allow students to work hard and succeed in these challenging projects… It is because of Mark that I may summarize my time in the Riddell Faculty in one word – opportunity.”

Dr. Mark Hanson (left) posing for a photo with Conor McNab (right) at the Riddell Faculty Convocation & Awards Reception.

As he prepares to embark on his professional journey, Conor carries forward the lessons learned from both educators: “And now as I start my career in the work world, I will hold close the steadfast lessons from both my mentors here today: to be curious, to reach big goals, and to always do it with a smile.”

ABOUT CONVOCATION

Ceremonies for February and Spring graduands from the Fort Garry campus will be held from June 4-6, 2025.

Separate ceremonies will be held for graduating students from the Bannatyne campus on May 15, 2025 and Université de Saint-Boniface on June 16, 2025.

If you are a student and have declared your intent to graduate, you should have already received emails to your UM account with instructions on how to claim your academic attire and what to expect from this year’s ceremonies. If you haven’t received the information, please email Graduation.Convocation@umanitoba.ca

UM is thrilled to announce that 4 outstanding individuals will be awarded Honorary Degrees at this year’s Spring ceremonies. These will be awarded at the following ceremonies:

• Thursday, May 15 at 10:00 am – Sister Lesley Sacouman
• Wednesday, June 4 at 3:30 pm – Rosanna Deerchild
• Friday, June 6 at 9:30 am – Catherine Christiane Bowler
• Monday, June 16 at 3:00 pm – Gregory Francis Selinger

You can find more information at umanitoba.ca/convocation and can view the ceremony schedules on the  Convocation Dates and Times page.

Join the conversation online by using #umanitoba2025 to celebrate.

GRADUATION POW WOW

The Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025. All 2024-2025 Indigenous graduates (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) are encouraged to participate, including those graduating in Fall 2025.

Learn more about the Graduation Pow Wow here.

We look forward to celebrating the class of 2025 this Spring!

February Graduation

There is no convocation ceremony in February, however, February 2025 graduates are invited to participate in the Spring 2025 Convocation. More information will follow this spring.

36^th Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow

Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) students graduating in February 2025 are invited to participate in the 36^th Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow on May 3, 2025.

Learn more about the Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow, including FAQ’s.

Questions? Email mailto:isc@umanitoba.ca.

Parchment Delivery

Parchments will be sent through regular mail (Canada Post) to the graduates’ addresses as listed in Aurora. Parchments are sent two weeks after the graduation date, which is February 5, 2024.

For instructions on how to update contact information in Aurora, please visit our page on Updating Personal Information.

Other ways to receive your Parchment

1. Parchment pick-up:
   • Students have the option to pick up their parchment or have someone else collect it on their behalf, please submit a completed Parchment Delivery Request Form to   Convocation@umanitoba.ca.
   • The deadline to submit the Parchment Delivery form is Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
   • Parchments will be available for pick-up approximately 2 weeks after your graduation date, which is February 5^th.
2. Pre-arranged request for courier or express mail:
   • Students are welcome to provide us with a pre-paid courier or express mail envelope along with detailed mailing instructions using the Parchment Delivery Request Form.
   • The University of Manitoba will hold unclaimed parchments for a maximum of 12 months after graduation, including those returned to us as undeliverable. We will destroy any unclaimed parchments after 12 months.
   • If a student does not receive their parchment, it is their responsibility to follow up with the Registrar’s Office within 12 months. Any requests for a parchment after this time will be processed as a Request for Replacement Parchment, at the cost of $81.25 (subject to change).

Eligibility to Graduate Letters

A Confirmation of Eligibility to Graduate letter can be ordered for students who have declared their intent to graduate but have not yet graduated.

This document includes the student’s full name, the degree they are expecting to receive and the date of their expected graduation.

This document is $13.00 and may take a minimum of two weeks to process. The fee is subject to change.

How to request Eligibility to Graduate Letters.

Confirmation of Degree Awarded Letters

Confirmation of Degree Awarded letters can only be ordered for graduates of the University of Manitoba. This document can be used for visa permits, post-docs, and convocation invitation letters, for February graduates. This document includes the student’s full name, the degree conferred, and the date of graduation.

This document is $13.00 and may take up to ten business days. The fee is subject to change.

Students who have declared graduation but have not yet graduated will need an Eligibility to Graduate letter.

How to request Confirmation of Degree Awarded.

Accounts and AURORA ACCESS

Even after graduation, students will always have access to their Aurora account. If locked out of Aurora, please contact the Registrar’s Office to regain access.

Most document orders need to be made through Aurora.

Email account:

As a graduate of the University of Manitoba, Microsoft Office 365 (M365) OneDrive access will be discontinued 120 days after the end of the last class you were registered in. Email accounts will transition to an email-only alumni account. All other tools such as Office and OneDrive access will be discontinued.

Students will have 120 days to access and download any files and folders they want to save. Once OneDrive access has been deactivated, the remaining data within OneDrive will be removed, and UM will not be able to recover it.

We recommend copying any important information from OneDrive. Visit our Microsoft 365 page for instructions to download OneDrive files.

Even for students who do not plan to continue using a UM email account for email, there are benefits to keeping the account active. Graduates from UM will likely need to order official transcripts for employers, professional organizations, or applications to other educational institutions. The simplest way to order a transcript is through Aurora. Aurora access is also necessary to obtain T2202 tax forms. In order to maintain access to Aurora, it is necessary to maintain access to your UM email account.

To ensure email access continues after graduation, students are required to change their password and reaccept the Computer Accounts – Usage Agreement every 12 months. If this agreement is not reaccepted every 12 months, the email account will also be deleted.

Questions regarding email accounts and OneDrive should be addressed to the IST Service Desk.

The certificate, offered through The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning (The Centre), combines workshops, mentorships and classroom observations. Participants learn pedagogical principles and foundational knowledge that can be applied in the classroom.

Bridget Kozyra, Instructor in the Faculty of Social Work, was one of the 16 graduates and spoke at the event about her experience in the program.

“It was incredibly valuable and a great experience,” she says. “I learned so much from my mentor and being able to connect with the other participants.”

Kozyra found the skills and knowledge from the program also helped her beyond the classroom. “The timing worked out that we were going through curriculum revision as I was in the program,” she says. “The workshops and knowledge gave me an additional lens to use as we were reviewing our content – what we were teaching, how we were teaching it and best methods for assessing our students.”

Daniel Nagel, an assistant professor with the College of Nursing, took the program to expand his knowledge. One of the things he appreciated about the program was the ability to connect with instructors in other areas.

“The workshops really helped to break us out of our usual silos and connect with other instructors across the university,” he says. “Being able to see how other faculty members approach teaching and what they bring to the classroom, was inspiring. And the connections and friendships I have made throughout the journey, with both the mentors and other participants, is something I really appreciated about the program.”

Nagel notes that, while the program is targeted at faculty in the first few years of their teaching career, the workshops are also relevant for those who are farther along in their teaching career.

“There were workshops that had very specialized topics, like incorporating Indigenous Knowledge, mental health, and accessible teaching strategies that are hugely beneficial because of how our knowledge in those areas continues to expand and grow,” he says. “As a life-long learner, there’s always something new to learn that will help me be a better instructor and able to better support my students.”

Joanna Koulouriotis, Educational Developer with The Centre and TLC Program Coordinator, serves as one of the program mentors.

“It’s so wonderful to see the participants and mentors connect and build relationships,” she says. “Being a mentor is a way for me to support new faculty, but it’s also a chance for me to learn from them. It’s incredibly rewarding.”

Registration for the 2025 TLC program will open in April 2025.

Meet the 2024 TLC graduates

Learn more about the TLC program

Learn about becoming a mentor

Explore workshops offered by The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning

Here are 10 tips to make for a memorable and easy convocation experience:

1. Arrive on time. 
   The Fort Garry ceremonies will be held in the Investors Group Athletic Centre (IGAC). Graduates should report to the James Daly Field House in the Max Bell Centre 60-90 minutes before their ceremony. View the Convocation Day Schedule.
2. Plan what to bring.
   Bring your photo ID to pick up your procession card. We recommend leaving other valuables with a friend or family member.
3. Look your best.
   Convocation is a formal occasion, meaning dress clothes are recommended even under your gown and hood. Please avoid wearing corsages, boutonnieres, fraternity or sorority adornments. Indigenous students can wear traditional Indigenous attire in addition to or instead of the other approved academic regalia (gowns, hoods, etc.). You can also pick up an Indigenous graduation stole at the James Day Field House on the day of your ceremony.
4. Know where to park.
   Complimentary parking is provided in the U Lot and Q Lot (as seen on the Parking Map) on the Fort Garry campus. Accessible parking will also be available in the P lot.
5. Make any necessary arrangements for accessibility support.
   Everyone deserves to have a memorable experience! Contact Student Accessibility Services if you require assistance with seating, ASL interpretation, or other accessibility support.
6. Take graduation photos.
   Photographers will be present for individual and family photograph sessions before and after the ceremony. A photographer will also be capturing the moment you cross the stage.
7. Visit the Alumni photo booths.
   You’re officially an alumni now! Stop by and capture all the moments at one of two digital photo booths in the Fieldhouse after the ceremony (we’ll send you links to the pics!). Use our photo backdrops to take your own, and chat with Alumni staff, Board and volunteers to find out all the cool perks and opportunities available to you as new UM alumni.
8. Include family, friends and loved ones no matter how far away they are.
   We encourage graduates to invite guests, but we kindly ask that you limit your in-person guests to five people. Guests should enter the IGAC and take their seats before the ceremony begins. If you have a guest with mobility issues, they should talk to an usher at the door for seating accommodations. Those unable to attend in person are welcome to tune in virtually by accessing the immersive virtual platform and joining the live stream component.
9. Share the experience.
   Post your pictures and videos using #UManitoba2024 and tag @umanitoba and @umstudent in your Instagram stories for your fellow graduates and the UM community to see!
10. Celebrate! 
    Convocation Day is meant to honour you and your accomplishments while looking forward to the future ahead of you. Join up with family and friends in the James Daly Fieldhouse after the ceremony to enjoy the reception. Hosted by the Alumni Association, the celebration will include music, lots of fabulous photo ops, refreshments and more!

To stay up to date on what to expect on convocation day, visit umanitoba.ca/convocation.

UM Bisons are at the centre of it all, making a difference here in Manitoba and around the world. 1,429 degrees are being awarded at Fall Convocation, bringing the number of graduates in the class of 2024 to just over 5,500. Many of these new alumni will stay in Manitoba, contributing high-demand skills to the labour market and injecting nearly $300 million into the province’s economy each year.

Convocation Schedule

Graduates will check-in at the Joe Doupe gym, in the basement of the Brodie Building. We ask that graduates arrive an hour early for their ceremony (9:00 am for the 10:00am ceremony and 1:30 pm for the 2:30 pm ceremony). This is so that graduates have time to get their cap, gown, and procession card. For some general tips on how to prepare for Convocation, please review the emails that were sent to you in preparation for graduation.

Grad Photos

A UM photographer will be at the ceremony to take a photo of each graduate as they cross the stage and of the ceremony itself. Graduates will be able to order their photos through Artona.

Guests

Guests can attend in person or stream the ceremonies online.

For guests attending in person, the ceremony will be in the Brodie Atrium, in the Brodie Centre, at 727 McDermont Avenue. The doors will open at 9:00 and 1:30 respectively, and guests will be seated on a first come first serve basis.

You can view the ceremony schedules on our Convocation Dates and Times page.

We look forward to celebrating your graduation this Fall! Join the conversation online by using #umanitoba2024 to celebrate.

Parking

If you plan to drive to the ceremony, you will need to make your own parking arrangements. There are public parking garages and street parking available – you can view parking options on the Bannatyne Parking Map. There is no complementary parking provided.

The Bannatyne Campus is also well served by transit, you can visit Winnipeg Transit’s Website for details on bus routes.

Not Attending

If you are not coming to Convocation, you do not need to advise us. We will send your parchment through regular mail to your address listed in Aurora, two weeks after the ceremony.

Graduation Pow Wow

The Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow is being held on May 4, 2024. All Canadian Indigenous students (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) who are graduating or have already graduated during the current 2023-2024 academic year are eligible to participate.

Students who graduated last fall can look for registration information on our Indigenous Student Experience page.

Stoles are presented to Indigenous students at the convocation pow wow and students are encouraged to wear their stoles at their UM Convocation.

If you are unable to attend the pow wow but would like a stole to wear for convocation, you can receive your stole in person at the Ongomiizwin Education Table in Joe Doupe Recreation Centre located in the lower level of the Brodie Centre at 727 McDermot Avenue.

If you receive a stole at pow wow but forget to bring it to convocation, you can borrow one by leaving a piece of government-issued ID or a $50 deposit at the Indigenous Student Centre table. Borrowed stoles must be returned immediately following your convocation ceremony.