Thousands of Queen’s graduates will come together next week to celebrate a major milestone as in-person convocation returns to the university after a three-year pause due to the pandemic. Celebrating the achievements of the Classes of 2020, 2021, and 2022, Queen’s will host an estimated 8,000 graduates plus family and friends for a total of as many as 25,000 total guests between June 20-24 to officially mark the completion of their studies at Queen’s.

Due to the magnitude of the event and the numbers involved, graduate-focused ceremonies will take place at the Leon’s Centre in downtown Kingston at 10 am and 3 pm daily over the five-day period. Those unable to attend in person can join over livestream.

“We have been in touch with our graduates since the pandemic began and we know there is no replacement for in-person convocation,” says Ann Tierney, Vice-Provost and Dean, Student Affairs. “We are thrilled to bring this capstone event back and have been working closely with our community partners to host this exciting week for all our graduates, their families, and friends.”

Downtown Kingston will be bustling with activity as visitors come to town to take part in the events. For its part, the City of Kingston will be illuminating City Hall in Queen’s tricolour for four evenings of the week, and Kingston Transit is offering free transportation between campus and the Leon’s Centre on behalf of Queen’s.

Convocation ceremony details are available online, including full schedules, directions, and venue information.

Graduates are encouraged to use the hashtags #QueensuGrad20 #QueensuGrad21 and #QueensuGrad22 to share their photos and convocation moments.

Additional convocation coverage will be featured throughout the week on Queen's main channels including photos, video footage, and social media posts.