As Brock University students prepare to celebrate graduation virtually this June, preparations are well underway to make sure it’s a day they won’t soon forget.

Public health restrictions because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic mean the University’s 109th Convocation scheduled for the third week of June will be offered in a virtual format.

About 3,500 students from all seven Faculties will have their degrees conferred and officially become Brock alumni when the University’s online Spring Convocation portal opens for the Class of 2021 on Friday, June 18.

Brock Campus Store is offering graduating students a number of Convocation-themed items such as gowns, hoods, degree frames, lawn signs and more.

New this year, students will have the option of ordering souvenir graduation gowns and hoods — the colourful sashes that are placed around their necks during a traditional Convocation ceremony. It’s the first time Brock has provided the opportunity for students to purchase graduation gowns, and although they’re not as formal as the collection the University uses every June and October, they’ll allow students to dress the part for grad photos at home. The sets are available for $60 while supplies last from the Brock Campus Store online and are part of a new line of Convocation items for students launched this year, which also includes degree frames, lawn signs and commemorative items.

When Spring Convocation goes live, each graduand will get their own personalized online experience with messages from the Brock President and Chancellor, student leaders, keynote speakers and others.

New is a Celebration Wall, where graduates, their friends and families will be able post photos of their celebration in a common area of the Convocation website. The Celebration Wall will be accessible to all and anyone who wants to share a photo celebrating the Class of 2021 can do so at brocku.ca/convocation/celebration-wall/submit

It’s part of an expanded Celebration package this year, which also includes Brock Convocation mobile wallpapers, as well as stickers and filters for social media.

After going live on the morning of Friday, June 18, the Virtual Convocation portal will remain online and available to students and the wider Brock community.

In addition, a number of Brock Faculties and departments are planning their own online events to celebrate graduating students after they convocate.

Following the launch of the Convocation portal, all graduating students will be mailed a package that includes their degree parchment, a Convocation program, an alumni pin, a copy of Surgite magazine, other information from the Brock University Alumni Association and a bag of Class of 2021 confetti.

Graduands are reminded to update their address and phone number on their Brock student portal to receive their Convocation package.