HISTORY OF CONVOCATION

In the Middle Ages, the church was responsible for higher education. Monasteries were the centres of learning and monks were the scholars of society. By the 12th Century, secular scholars began forming communities to pursue knowledge and truth, which eventually developed into independent universities in the prominent cathedral cities of Europe, precursors of today’s universities.

As universities grew, scholars wanted to honour students who successfully completed their education as well as welcome them into the select and exclusive group of scholars. The word convocation originally referred to gatherings of the clergy of Canterbury and York, but in 1577 Oxford University used it to describe the assembly of its graduates. Ever since, students around the world have been admitted to the order of scholars in a convocation ceremony.

Since its first convocation ceremony in 1968, the University of Lethbridge has been proud to recognize the academic achievements of our students, and honour individual achievements in various fields. A convocation ceremony represents a celebratory ‘rite of passage’ for our students — an opportunity to share academic accomplishments with their mentors, fellow graduates and loved ones.

The ceremony begins with the national anthem and reflection. Following that the main features of convocation are a speech to the graduands by the president, a speech by the honorary degree recipient or guest speaker, and the conferral of degrees, diplomas and certificates by the chancellor.

THE UNIVERSITY SYMBOLS

The University’s colours are blue and gold, drawing inspiration from the blue sky and bright sun so prominent on the southern Alberta landscape. The University Shield brings focus to the fiery sun with twisted Aztec rays.

The University of Lethbridge Coat of Arms was unveiled during the University’s 45th anniversary celebrations at Fall 2012 Convocation and features the blue shield and the University’s signature sun, along with our motto, Fiat Lux. This is supported by other components such as the eagle feather, Alberta wild rose, pronghorn and miner’s lamp; all signature elements of the University.

Fiat Lux, our motto, is Latin for ‘let there be light’ and refers metaphorically to the illumination that comes from research and learning. At the University, everyone has the ability to shine and we believe it’s our job to help make that happen.

The mace, carried in the academic procession by the chief marshal, was created by artist Corne Martens and given to the University in memory of former senator Virginia Mitchell. Dedicated at the fall convocation ceremony on October 1, 1988, the mace is cast in bronze and represents the institution’s authority to grant degrees, diplomas and certificates. Unique to the University of Lethbridge, one end features three elements: mortarboard, gavel and open book, symbolizing academia, the Board of Governors and the General Faculties Council. The other end features a globe surrounded by pronghorns, representing our mascot and the universality of knowledge.

ACADEMIC REGALIA

The academic dress of the University of Lethbridge is unique to the institution. A black gown and mortarboard are worn by undergraduate and master’s students; the credential earned is represented by colours on the borders and linings of the hoods. The bachelor’s degree, certificate and diploma hoods are black lined with blue, trimmed with a twisted gold and blue cord. Master’s hoods are black lined with blue and have an exterior border of light blue satin trimmed with a twisted gold and blue cord.

A coloured braid on the lining of the hood distinguishes the type of degree. Students receiving combined degrees wear two braids. The colours representing the degrees are as follows:

Arts: White

Science: Golden yellow

Arts and Science: White and golden yellow Education: Light blue Fine Arts: Brown

Music: Pink

Health Sciences: Red and golden yellow

Nursing: Red

Therapeutic Recreation: Green

Management: Light brown Doctor of philosophy graduands wear a royal blue gown with blue velvet facings and chevrons outlined in bright gold piping, and a blue beefeater with a gold tassel. The hoods are royal blue, lined with sapphire blue satin and a bright gold chevron. The blue velvet trim is outlined in gold piping.

The stoles worn by the deans of each Faculty or School correspond generally with the colour of the braids on the lining of the undergraduate hoods of that Faculty or School. Convocation marshals wear royal blue stoles, and are selected from among the academic staff to supervise the academic procession and the presentation of graduands to the chancellor.

The regalia of the chancellor, president, board of governors’ chair, and honorary degree recipients also feature blue and gold elements.

CORDS OF DISTINCTION

Cords of academic distinction are worn by undergraduate students whose outstanding academic achievements merit the designation. Royal blue cords signify distinction and gold cords great distinction. Combined degrees students earning distinction or great distinction for both degrees wear two sets of cords.

INDIGENOUS STOLE

It is customary in many Indigenous communities to honour graduates with a special remembrance of their accomplishments as they continue on to various milestones in their lives. To celebrate their achievements, all graduating Indigenous students in attendance are gifted with a convocation stole.

Designed by Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Indigenous Services, the stoles are royal blue with white embroidery, featuring four important symbols alongside the University of Lethbridge shield:

The Buffalo acknowledges Blackfoot Territory and the importance of this animal to the Blackfoot people and to the great plains. The Eagle Feather represents our First Nations graduates. The Infinity Sign represents our Métis graduates. The Inukshuk represents our Inuit graduates.

PODIUM DESIGN

The convocation lecterns feature the university tartan alongside a Pendleton® blanket and eagle feather shield conceptualized by Blackfoot Elder Francis First Charger. A source of warmth and comfort, blankets serve a special role in Indigenous ceremonies. As gifts, blankets allow the recipient to forever wrap themselves in a treasured reminder of heritage, community and tradition.

Seven golden eagle feathers have been arranged in a circle to represent a shield. The number is significant and refers to the seven stars. The golden eagle is known for its majestic qualities, soaring high above and seeing far and wide with keen eyesight.

UNIVERSITY TARTAN

The University of Lethbridge tartan was a 50th anniversary legacy project unveiled on Founders’ Day Weekend in January 2017. The tartan design is inspired by convocation and the grand accomplishment it signifies. Faculty colours are incorporated in the tartan and the colours come together with the bright sunburst against the dark blue field. A frame of red honours the name given to University Hall, Iniskim (Sacred Buffalo Stone).

The tartan was registered with the Scottish Tartan Authority on August 16, 2016. A kilt, handwoven by world-renowned kilt maker Paul Henry (UK), is worn by the piper for convocation.