Congratulations, you’re graduating! Convocation is an important ceremony to celebrate the achievements of Yukon University Graduates. We’ve responded to some of the most-asked questions to help you anticipate what to expect on June 6th, 2026 at Takhini Arena. Please read on!
Before the ceremony
What should I wear?
Gowns and regalia: Graduates will wear either a YukonU graduation gown or traditional attire of their choosing. Graduation gowns are provided for the ceremony. Staff will be ready to help students don gowns and regalia in the Student Services area, across from the Campus Store from 9:00 am – 11:30 am on June 6th.
Clothing: What you wear underneath the gown is up to you, and note that whatever you wear under the gown will be shown. Don’t be afraid to dress it up! During past ceremonies students have worn dress shirts, suits or sports jackets and ties, dresses, skirts, and dress pants.
Footwear: You will walk together in a graduation procession and cross the stage. Please choose footwear that is comfortable and safe to walk in.
Hair: All graduates will wear caps (mortarboard) during the ceremony, so consider this when styling your hair.
Who can I bring to the ceremony?
Convocation will be held at Takhini Arena this year to allow more guests to attend. There is no cost to attend convocation, and graduates are welcome to invite family and friends to celebrate with them. For friends and family who are unable to attend in person, we will be live streaming on YouTube at this link: Convocation 2026
Where do I receive my gown?
Student gowning will take place on June 6 from 9:00–11:30 a.m. at Yukon University in the Office of the Registrar / Student Services area of the Ayamdigut Campus main building (across from the Campus Store). Staff will assist graduates with gowning upon arrival. Following gown pickup, graduates are welcome to spend time on campus taking photos, visit the Grad Lounge, and connect with fellow graduates, or meet at Takhini Arena for the ceremony arrival time.
If you are unable to pick up your gown at this time, please email convocation@yukonu.ca to make alternate arrangements.
Student Grad Lounge:
The Pit will be open from 9:00am–12:00pm to YukonU graduates prior to Convocation. This will provide a space for graduates to relax, socialize with fellow graduates, take memorable photos, and enjoy some light refreshments before making their way to Takhini Arena.
Optional Student Bus:
Three bus trips will be available to transport graduates from Yukon University to Takhini Arena for those needing a ride. Buses will begin departing at 12:00 p.m.
Seats are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a spot, please visit the Student Engagement team in the Grad Lounge, located in the Pit, to sign up.
Samay Thìa Harry Allen Lounge (Elders Lounge):
The Lounge will be open before the ceremony on June 6th. If your guests include Elders, they are welcome to sit and relax at the Samay Thìa Harry Allen Lounge, room C1540, Ayamdigut Campus. Coffee, tea and snacks and seating will be provided.
Accessibility and Accommodations
If you or your guests require assistance to address mobility or other accessibility needs, please contact access@yukonu.ca before Friday, May 15.
Ceremony Information
Location: 1:00pm Takhini Arena, 345 Range Road, Whitehorse, YT
Parking: Parking is available at the arena for graduates and guests. Carpooling is encouraged where possible to help make the best use of the available space.
Graduate Arrival: Please arrive at Takhini arena at 12:30pm. Once you arrive, YukonU staff will guide you to the procession line.
Guest Arrival: 12:30pm is the recommended arrival time at Takhini Arena. Guests are asked to be seated by 12:50pm.
Ceremony procedure
The ceremony is about two and a half hours long. Once you arrive, you will line up according to your program area. Ceremonial drummers will lead the procession. From there, marshals will lead you to your assigned seats. You will sit together with students from your program. Each program will approach the stage as a unit, and each graduate will be announced one at a time.
What should I expect when it is my time to cross the stage?
Marshals will lead your program group to the stage in a line. Your name will be called when you get to the front of the line. It is important you stay in your place in line.
When your name is called, you will cross the stage, shake the hands of the university officials, receive a folder, pause for an official photograph, then continue to the other side and descend the stage. Marshals will guide you back to your seat.
The folder you will receive contains a sheet with instructions on where to collect your credentials after the ceremony has concluded.
Can my chosen name be announced at the ceremony?
Students’ legal names are used for official transcripts and on credential parchments. However, students may request that their chosen name be announced during the graduation ceremony. To make this request please contact convocation@yukonu.ca.
Is childcare available during the ceremony?
Childcare services are not provided on graduation day. A parent or guardian must stay with their children at all times.
Where can I buy flowers or grad gifts?
Flowers and grad gifts will be available to purchase at Takhini Arena.
Where can I watch the livestream?
The convocation ceremony will be live streamed on YouTube: Convocation 2026
After the ceremony
Following the ceremony, graduates and guests are invited to stay at Takhini Arena to celebrate with cupcakes and light refreshments.
Gown return: Please return your gown at Takhini Arena. Gowns must be returned by 4:00pm.
Where do I receive my credential?
During the ceremony, you will be given a folder that contains instructions for claiming your credential. Note that this folder is not your credential.
Your credential will be given to you once your gown has been returned. For students graduating from a partner program, your parchment will be provided by the other institution.
The graduation cap is yours to keep.
Are meals provided on graduation day?
No, meals are not provided, however; light refreshments and snacks will be available for graduating students in the Grad Lounge (located in the Pit) prior to the ceremony, and after the convocation ceremony at Takhini Arena.