Family and friends

Join us in celebrating the University of Calgary’s graduating class of 2026. This page provides information to help you prepare for and attend the ceremony.

Convocation ceremonies are open to family and friends. Guest tickets and RSVPs are not required, and seating is available on a first‑come, first‑served basis.

Due to venue capacity, graduands are strongly encouraged, where possible, to limit their guest attendance to a maximum of four guests. This helps ensure seating is available for all graduates and their supporters.

We appreciate the cooperation of graduates and guests in helping us provide a positive and inclusive convocation experience.

When to arrive

Guests can access the Jack Simpson Gym from the upper track level via the Olympic Oval one hour before the ceremony start time. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

We ask that guests remain seated for the duration of the ceremony to allow everyone to enjoy seeing their graduate cross the stage.

Convocation location

All convocation ceremonies are held in the Jack Simpson Gymnasium in the Kinesiology Complex (labeled KNB on the map). The entry for our convocation ceremonies is the north entrance to KNB by the Olympic Oval. For an overview, see Google maps.

Parking

The closest public parking lots to the Jack Simpson Gym are Lots #10 and #11. Covered parking is available in the Arts Parkade. Students and visitors can use the Parkedin app on their smartphone at any flat rate or hourly lot on campus. See the parking map for additional information.

Find out more about parking on campus

Family viewing areas

In the event of the Jack Simpson Gym reaching capacity, accessible family viewing areas will be available in Kinesiology Blocks A and B to ensure everyone can watch the ceremony comfortably and celebrate their graduate's achievement.

Fall 2026

Convocation dates

Nov. 9–10, 2026

Monday, Nov. 9, 2026

2:00 p.m. | Afternoon Ceremony

Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026

9:30 a.m. | Morning Ceremony

Faculty of Graduate Studies
Faculty of Arts
Werklund School of Education

2:00 p.m. | Afternoon Ceremony

Faculty of Graduate Studies
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Social Work
Haskayne School of Business
School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape
School of Public Policy
Schulich School of Engineering

For those in need of accommodated guest seating, wheelchairs, and/or noise-cancelling headphones, visit the accessibility table at the entrance of the Olympic Oval during convocation. A quiet space will be available in the Oval Lounge and boardroom, including a private nursing area.

If you have any questions about accessibility, reach out to us at alumni@ucalgary.ca.

International guests, who require a visa, may be asked to provide a letter of invitation to obtain their visa. This letter is written by the graduand. Please refer to the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website for guidance on what to include in your invitation letter.

The university is unable to provide letters of invitation for guests of graduands.

Learn more about letters of invitation

The Calgary Tower will be lit up with our Red and Gold school colours for one night during Fall Convocation. Date to be confirmed. Congratulations to the class of 2026!