For us, graduation marks not an end, but a beginning.

Please note: This year's Encaenia ceremonies will be photographed, filmed and live-streamed to the Internet. Friends and family far and wide can view the ceremony live at http://www.livestream.com/kingscollegeencaenia.

Procedures

The conferring of academic and honorary degrees takes place during Encaenia, a ceremony rooted in the traditions of Oxford. Encaenia is a Greek word meaning "beginning, commencement," and the term has been used since the founding of King's in 1789. The King's graduation ceremony has not changed greatly over the years, either, although the use of Latin has given way to English, except in the conferring of Honorary degrees.

Arts and Science degrees are conferred by the President of Dalhousie University while degrees in Journalism and Honorary Degrees are conferred by the Chancellor of the University of King's College. Joint degrees of CSP, EMSP and HOST are conferred together by the Presidents of Dal and King's (who, here, acts for the Chancellor). Graduands are presented alphabetically by degree and come forward individually to be conferred; kneeling to receive the degree is optional. A rehearsal is held the afternoon before the ceremony itself.

Anglican hymns and prayers are included in the ceremony. Since 1989, the venue for Encaenia has been the Cathedral Church of All Saints, a building that provides a dignified and appropriate setting as well as beautiful acoustics and seating for about 700 guests.

Important Dates (2011/2012)

Frequently-Asked Questions

What is the date of graduation?

May 17, 2012.

How many guests may I invite?

Three.

Do I need a ticket?

No.

Do my guests need tickets?

Yes.

Where and when do I get tickets for my guests?

From the Advancement Office, in the Link between the A&A and the NAB, starting April 20; they must be picked up before May 10.

Can I request additional tickets for the ceremony?

If you require more than three tickets, you may add your name to a waitlist for tickets. If there are additional tickets for the ceremony, they will be distributed in mid-May.

How long does the ceremony last?

Depends on the length of the speakers and the number of graduates—usually two and a half hours.

What do I wear?

Shirt and tie for men. Spring/summer dress or pants suit for women.

Must I wear a gown and hood?

Yes, if you are a graduate.

What colour are they?

Gowns are black and the hoods are black, without lining and trimmed with white fur for BA; black, lined with gold and trimmed with white fur for BSc; black, lined with blue and trimmed with white fur for BJ (1 & 4yr); black, lined with white and trimmed with lavender for BMus (Music). A limited number of hoods with synthetic fur will be available. If you would like a hood with synthetic fur, please let the Dean of Residence know no later than March 1.

When, where and how do I get my gown?

Bachelors' gowns and hoods may be obtained from the Haliburton Room on the 1st floor of the King's A&A building on the Wednesday, May 16, from 12:00 noon to 2:30 pm and Thursday, May 17, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. A deposit of $250 (cash or cheque only) is required when the gown and hood are issued. The deposit will be refunded in full upon return of the gown and hood to the Haliburton Room immediately after the Encaenia ceremonies.

What other events does the Administration plan for graduates?

On the day before, there is the Encaenia rehearsal, a reception for graduands and guests in the Wardroom lounge, and the President's Dinner in Prince Hall . On Encaenia Day, Chapel service (Baccalaureate Service), class photograph, ceremony itself and reception following Encaenia in Prince Hall.

Do I need tickets for any of the events?

Yes.

President's Dinner - As a graduand, you are the guest of the President at the President's Dinner but you still must obtain a (free) ticket for yourself. If you are bringing guests, you must buy tickets for your guests. Cost is $25  (per ticket) in advance from the Advancement Office (maximum of 3 per graduate). This event always sells out so please get your tickets early.

Encaenia ceremony - Graduates do not require tickets. All guests require tickets but there is no charge for the tickets.  Each graduate receives three tickets. They must be picked up by May 10.

Where and when can I get the tickets for all the events?

You pick up the tickets from the Advancement Office, in the Link, starting April 20; they must  be picked up by May 10.

What is the Baccalaureate Service?

This is an Anglican service of Choral Mattins held in the Chapel at 10:30 a.m. the morning of Encaenia day. The graduands who wish to attend assemble in their gowns and hoods at about 10:15 a.m. in the Board Room and process into the Chapel and sit together as a class.

Must I attend the Baccalaureate Service?

No. Attendance is optional.

May family and guests attend?

Yes.

Are tickets required for this service?

No.

What may my guests attend?

You are encouraged to invite your parents to the President's Reception and Dinner, Baccalaureate Service, Encaenia ceremony and reception following. As a graduate, you are the guest of the President at the President's Dinner. You must obtain a (free) ticket for yourself and, if you are bringing a guest, you must buy tickets for your guests. Cost is $25 in advance from the Advancement Office. No tickets will be sold at the door. As well, your graduation committee will have events that your guests may attend. Check with your Grad Committee. Your guests are especially welcome at the Encaenia ceremony and the reception following in Prince Hall (see above note about tickets).

Are photographs permitted during the ceremony?

Yes. We encourage your family and friends to take photographs at the ceremony. We ask that they move to the front of the Cathedral shortly before you will be conferred.  Once they have taken their photographs, we ask that they return to their seat to make room for others.

It is likely that you will be photographed by the official photographer at the moment you are conferred with your degree (capped). The photographer will be standing on your left. If your hair is long, and whether you stand or kneel to be capped, the action of bowing your head will swing your hair forward which will partly obscure your face. It would provide a better photograph if you could push your hair back behind your left ear. When you are handed your parchment by the President, it would be helpful if you could remember to turn slightly to your left—otherwise the photographer is faced with the back of your head. 

Are video recordings allowed during the ceremony?

Yes. As well, there will be an official videographer at the event to record the ceremony. If you would like to purchase a DVD, you may do so at the reception in Prince Hall.

Do I have to notify anyone about my graduation?

Yes, the Registrar's Office by December 1 [download form].

Do I have to attend?

No, but you must notify the Registrar's Office of this so that your parchment may be mailed to you.

Must I go to the rehearsal?

No, but it is very helpful to everyone if you can.

Will I receive notification of all these events?

Yes, if you are a potential graduate, usually in mid-March or earlier. Make sure the Registrar's Office has your valid local address and e-mail address.

2012 Graduating Class Committee Events

TBA