Convocation 2014: capturing the celebrations

Convocation: a celebration surrounded by time-honoured traditions, pomp, pageantry – and levity?

Many aspects of the ceremonies honouring graduating students at the University of Toronto evoke a different era. Graduands (as they are officially known) in dignified black gowns join faculty sporting colourful robes and impressive hats to troop across King's College Circle in rain or sunshine.

Honorary graduates and speakers deliver hearfelt, funny and inspiring addresses. A beadle carries a ceremonial mace of silver and gilt. Latin is spoken, scrolls awarded, and years of struggle and accomplishment are recognized.

But for many of the 12,500 students who'll cross the stage at Convocation Hall this month to become the University of Toronto's newest alumni, the festivities that follow the official ceremony offer an opportunity to be a little less formal.

“This year we decided to try something new to complement our existing photo booth," said New Media Designer John Guatto. "Our new video booth records eight-second video clips at 240 frames per second allowing us to showcase the participants' actions in super slow motion. We then edit the clips into a musical montage and post it for all to share on their special day."

From June 3 to June 20, U of T expects to host more than 43,000 family and friends at 25 ceremonies held at the downtown campus. Convocation Plaza, the elegant marquee where faculty, guests and graduates can gather and mingle, returned again this year, complete with Convocation Café for snacks and refreshments and a seating area where guests can watch a live stream of the ceremonies.

The traditional photo corner also returned, complete with backdrops and props, so graduates can take personalized photos to commemorate their special day. But the new video corner builds on that personalized approach, said Guatto.

"We encourage the graduates and their families to express their joy in any way they feel," said Guatto. "It’s a lot of fun. And it's free.”