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Western University is moving its graduation ceremonies to Canada Life Place for at least the next five years, a temporary measure as it works to bring convocation back to campus.
The university announced Wednesday it will shift its twice-annual convocation ceremonies from Alumni Hall to Canada Life Place, formerly Budweiser Gardens, due to capacity and accessibility issues at the campus venue.
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The move comes at the recommendation of a university task force of faculty and students convened earlier this year.
The committee’s final report was presented to Western’s senate, the body that governs academic policy at the university, in September.
The report ruled out London’s convention centre as a convocation option, citing a capacity of just 300 more than Alumni Hall, the site of Western’s convocation ceremonies since 1967. It also ruled out the possibility of a tented, outdoor graduation ceremony at Western Alumni Stadium or ceremonies at Thompson Arena, the campus recreation centre at the corner of Sarnia and Western roads.
However, the report said Thompson Arena possibly could be renovated so it could hold graduation ceremonies.
Alumni Hall can hold a maximum of 450 graduates, with up to four guests a student. By holding convocation ceremonies at Canada Life Place, the ceremonies can accommodate up to 850 graduates and their guests.
The downtown sports and entertainment venue has been the location of Fanshawe College’s June graduation ceremonies since 2022.
Western holds 27 convocation ceremonies at Alumni Hall during two weeks in June and three days in October each year. The ceremonies attract about 8,000 graduates and their families.
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