Graduation vs convocation — what’s the difference?
Congratulations on this milestone! The last steps in your academic journey include graduation and convocation.
Wait, what? Two things? Let’s break it down.
Graduation is the awarding of your credential — degree, diploma or certificate. In your final term of study, regardless of convocation plans, you must apply to graduate to receive your credential. Most NIC graduates will receive their credentials by mail, so keep your address current.
Convocation is the ceremony where your graduation is celebrated! That means fancy outfits, regalia, grad caps, photos, applause and congratulatory hugs from friends and family!
To attend, download and fill out the convocation registration and regalia order form or pick up a copy at Student Services. A $35 fee is due at the time of registration, payable by debit, credit, cash or cheque. Drop off your completed form at any Student Services office.
Email darin.bellham@nic.bc.ca for more information.
Convocation in Port Alberni
Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: Alberni Athletic Hall, 3727 Roger Street, Port Alberni
Convocation in Campbell River
Date: Monday, June 16, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: Tidemark Theatre, 1220 Shoppers Row, Campbell River
Convocation in Comox Valley
Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Time: 10:00 am (Arts, Science and Management programs) and 2:00 pm (Health and Human Service programs)
Location: Sid Williams Theatre: 442 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay
Convocation details
Please arrive an hour before the ceremony begins to pick up your regalia and get ready for photos. Graduates will be ushered into the ceremony to their reserved seating.
About regalia
Regalia originated in the monasteries of the Middle Ages, but today is worn to recognize academic achievement. Students may also choose to wear ceremonial regalia that honours their respective First Nations, Métis or Inuit culture, or traditional European regalia.
If you have not already picked up your regalia it will be available at the ceremony venue and must be returned after the ceremony is over.
Awards
All graduates can email registrar@nic.bc.ca to apply for the following awards. Application forms are available in your MyNIC portal. Deadline: Tuesday April 30, 2024.
Lieutenant-Governor’s Medal for Inclusion, Democracy and Reconciliation
A medal in the name of the Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia is awarded annually to an NIC student. This award recognizes a student who has demonstrated outstanding contributions in support of inclusion, democracy and/or reconciliation on campus or in the community. Students must apply for this medal.
President’s Community Engagement Award
In recognition of the diversity of our regional communities, this annual graduation award may be presented to eligible graduates from each NIC campus whose energy, vision, and dedication have embodied NIC's commitment to community engagement and community-engaged learning. Students can self-nominate or put forward a graduating student’s nomination.
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