Vancouver Ceremony - May 9, 2019 12:00 pm Luncheon, 2:30 pm Ceremony
Firefighters Banquet & Conference Centre 6515 Bonsor Ave. Burnaby, BC
Centre of Excellence in Sustainability, Gym 4155 Belshaw St. Merritt, BC
I've applied for Grad, when is my payment due?
Your payment must be received by March 31st to participate on graduation day. Payment can be made in person by debit or credit card or over the phone by VISA or MasterCard.
How many guests can I bring?
Vancouver: The number of invitations will be announced once we determine how many NVIT graduates there will be this year. Tickets must be presented for the luncheon and ceremony.
Merritt: There will be no need for tickets at the ceremony. Tickets must be presented for the Gala if you choose to attend.
What if I have paid for two credentials? Can I have double the amount of tickets?
Unfortunately, no. The $75 graduation fee covers the cost of your frame and your gown rental. It does not cover the costs for the venue or the catering.
What if I have more guests that want to come? Can they pay extra for the meal to attend the ceremonies? Are children counted as part of the number of guests I can bring?
Vancouver: Unfortunately the facilities chosen have limited capacities. Due to fire regulations, we are not allowed to have a single person over that limit. The number of invitations we give to you is strictly enforced. Children are counted as guests. (If we exceed the capacity limit, the event will be shut down by the city By-law Officer)
Merritt: For the ceremony, we will not be handing out tickets. For the Gala, you will receive two free tickets (one for you and one for a guest) and additional tickets will be at an extra cost (TBD).
When and where do I pick up my tickets? Can someone pick up my tickets on my behalf?
Tickets will be available for pick up the week before graduation at the front desk of each campus. You can send someone to pick up your tickets on your behalf. You must call the campus beforehand to let us know who will be picking them up. If you cannot collect your tickets until the day of Graduation, please call us at 1-877-682-3300 to arrange for pick-up at the ceremony (must be picked up by student)
What do I wear?
Vancouver: The Graduation day begins with a luncheon. Most people wear either a skirt/dress pants and dress shirt or jeans and a dress shirt. After the luncheon, grads get ready to put on their gowns; it gets warms wearing a gown for a couple hours so it might be very uncomfortable if you wear a suit of any kind. Instead of a graduation gown, you may choose to wear your traditional ceremonial attire. If this is your plan, please notify the Events Planner so we can ensure your name is included on the Graduation Program. Only BSW Degree students wear caps with tassels so if you are not a BSW Graduate, you can wear your hair as you please.
Merritt: Most people wear either a skirt/dress pants and dress shirt or jeans and a dress shirt. It gets warms wearing a gown for a couple hours so it might be very uncomfortable if you wear a suit of any kind. Instead of a graduation gown, you may choose to wear your traditional ceremonial attire. If this is your plan, please notify the Events Planner so we can ensure your name is included on the Graduation Program. Only BSW Degree students wear caps with tassels so if you are not a BSW Graduate, you can wear your hair as you please.
For the Gala, you are welcome to dress as fancy as you would like as this will be a formal gathering.
Are there opportunities to have photos taken? Will there be a professional photographer? How much are photographs?
There will be a professional photographer. The photographer will be taking the group picture and candid photos. The photographers will have business cards on hand.
Can I bring my child on stage?
We ask that your child stay seated with your family in the audience. There will be opportunities for pictures after the ceremony.
How is the Valedictorian selected?
Graduates from each department will decide on one student to represent them as their class valedictorian. These students will then form our Valedictorian Committee and select one student to represent them all. Only one speech will be presented.
What time do I have to be there?
Vancouver: You should arrive at the start of the luncheon (as indicated in the schedule above) to find a good seat.
Merritt: You should arrive at 1:00pm to give yourself an hour before the ceremony if you would like to take photos around campus with your family. Our ceremony will begin at 2:00 pm prompt, so we will start lining up at 1:45pm.
Are there any accommodation options?
For the Merritt Campus Ceremonies, contact nvit@stayrcc.com for NVIT Student Housing rates.
Is there parking? Do I have to pay for parking?
Parking is free but very limited. If you can, please carpool.