Graduation Information

When is graduation?

Check the dropdown tab "2024 Ceremony Dates" for a complete list of our graduation dates and locations.

How long is the graduation ceremony?

Our graduation ceremonies typically do not exceed an hour and fifteen minutes. To ensure your guests do not miss you walking across the stage, please encourage them to arrive at the time listed on their invitation.

Is the graduation venue accessible?

Charlottetown Ceremonies:  The McMillan Centre for Community Engagement and Florence Simmons Performance Hall are both accessible. The MCCE has a full ramp with accessibility to the gym floor seating area. The FSPH is fully accessible with space for wheelchair seating at the top of the tiered seating. If our staff are made aware of an accessibility requirement in advance, we can arrange for seating to be available at the front of the theatre. You can request accessibility accommodations for yourself or a guest when you complete your Application to Graduate

Summerside Ceremonies: The Harbourfront Theatre is fully wheelchair accessible, with availability in Row T in the Centre, North and South seating sections. You can request accessibility accommodations for yourself or a guest when you complete your Application to Graduate

When should I arrive and where should I go?

McMillan Centre for Community Engagement (MCCE) Ceremonies: Please arrive at the Centre for Applied Science and Technology one hour before your ceremony start time to congregate with your class. You are asked to enter through the Kent Street entrance where you will register and be directed to the appropriate room by college staff. Guests enter through the front doors of MCCE no earlier than 1 hour prior to the ceremony start time.

Summerside Ceremony: Please arrive one hour before your ceremony start time. Enter through the main entrance of the campus and proceed to the sunroom to register. You will then be directed to the appropriate room by college staff. Guests enter through the front door of Harbourfront Theatre no earlier than 30 minutes prior to the ceremony start time.

Florence Simmons Performance Hall Ceremony: Please arrive one hour before the ceremony start time. Enter through the Charlottetown Centre main entrance on Kent Street to register. You will then be directed to the appropriate room by college staff. Guests enter through the Weymouth Street entrance of the Charlottetown Centre no earlier than 1 hour prior to the ceremony start time.

How do I get my gown?

Gowns are to be picked up after registration at CAST building on the day of the ceremony.

Gowns are provided by a third-party vendor on graduation day. You will be asked to include your size when you submit your application to graduate. Please note that you are not permitted to leave campus with the gown. If the gown is not returned the third-party vendor will bill you directly for a replacement. All graduates are required to wear a graduation gown and stole with the exception of Pastry Arts and Culinary Arts. Graduates in those programs will wear their white coats for their ceremony.

If you require a gown prior to graduation day, please contact the following:

Charlottetown & East: Samuel’s Campus Store – campusstore@hollandcollege.com

Summerside & West: Andrew Dobson – adobson@hollandcollege.com

Is there a link to watch the ceremony online?

Yes! Watch the graduation ceremonies live here. 

WILL THERE BE A PLACE FOR MY GUESTS TO TAKE PHOTOS?

To maintain a clear and safe pathway in our venues, we ask that guests refrain from moving throughout the venue or to the stage to take photos. A professional photographer will be on-site to take photos of every graduate as they cross the stage. You will be able to download your photo a few days after your ceremony. There will be lots of time after your ceremony to take photos with your friends and family around campus.

Where can I access the graduation ceremony photo gallery?

All photos can be found and downloaded at: https://hollandcollege.lencurrie.com
A special thank you to Len Currie for his photography.

What should I wear to graduation?

You are required to wear a Holland College gown and stole. You are encouraged, but not required, to wear business casual clothing. The gown length is approximately mid-calf, so please keep that in mind when choosing your outfit and footwear. The college does not permit any add-ons or alterations to graduation gowns and stoles such as flags, specialty sashes, or signs. Save those items for your celebrations after the ceremony! 

Will there be a secure place for me to leave my personal belongings?

We discourage you from bringing any personal belongings that you cannot carry on your person, as there is no secure area where you can leave these items while you are participating in the ceremony. The college is not responsible for any loss or damage to items during the ceremonies 

Where do I park?

McMillan Centre for Community Engagement: Please refer to this page for information regarding parking for the graduations taking place May 22, 23, and 24.

Florence Simmons Performance Hall: There is ample street parking on site. In addition to street parking, graduates and guests can use the student parking lot on Grafton Street. 

Harbourfront Theatre: There is a large parking lot on-site that guests can use.

Will I be able to purchase a frame or other souvenirs at graduation?

Yes! Samuel’s Campus Store staff will be there with diploma frames and graduation memorabilia. If you're looking for HC swag or other items, visit the stores in the Charlottetown Centre or on the Summerside Waterfront Campus, or shop online.