The University of Guelph’s #GuelphGrad on Tour experience is coming home to Guelph to give graduates that convocation-like moment of walking the red carpet.

This year, the event will be held on the U of G campus Oct. 9-11. A professional photographer will capture grads in front of the official convocation Portico backdrop, while ambassadors will be available to take photos on graduates’ personal cameras and devices.

A previous #GuelphGrad on Tour event visited graduates in six cities across southern Ontario. Since demand was highest in Guelph, the event is being brought back home to allow grads to return to campus for the special moment.

2021 grads are invited to book a time slot and gather two friends or family members for the event. Graduates who want to wear regalia may buy or rent hoods, caps and gowns for the occasion.

Staff will take every precaution to ensure the safety of participants by requiring that everyone on the U of G campus be vaccinated and complete the daily screening form before arriving on campus.

All attendees will be asked to wear a mask, both indoors and outdoors, although masks may be removed only for photographs.

Attendees will also be asked to physically distance from others whenever possible and to use a hand sanitization station upon check-in as well as at various other stations along the tour route.

The event is not intended to be a replacement or alternative to attendance at a future in-person convocation ceremony. In addition to #GuelphGrad on Tour, the University will host a virtual convocation celebration for fall 2021 graduates on Thursday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m.

Once again, graduates are being invited to submit a #GuelphGrad Grad Slide – a photo or a video clip to be shown during the virtual graduation celebration. Graduates are encouraged to have fun with their submission by walking, dancing or cheering their way across a virtual stage to celebrate their achievement.

Check the #GuelphGrad website for updates.