McGill spring convocation 2008

Convocation is a time of iconic scenes: graduating students being piped in by the bagpiper; each grad's proud walk across the stage to receive the diploma from the Principal; mortarboards flung high into the air; and, of course, the statue of James McGill stoically standing as the centrepiece for the umpteenth family photo. But a lot of work goes into preparing the university for the festivities. Here's a list of little-known facts about the numbers that add up to making McGill's convocation ceremonies so memorable. Congratulations to all graduating students!

10 THINGS YOU LIKELY DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT CONVOCATION:

1. Number of ceremonies: 12
2. Number of chairs to be set up on the grounds: approximately 2,900
3. Number of diplomas to be handed out: almost 7,000
4. Number of volunteers busy working on convocation: close to 100
5. Square feet of sod laid: approximately 40,000
6. Number of speeches made: about 80
7. Size of the main tent on the lower playing field: 91 X 30 metres (300 X 100 feet)
8. Time it takes to raise and lower the tent and install the floor: approximately 44 hours to raise it and 16 to bring it down
9. Number of people needed to raise and lower tent: about 30
10. Hours piped and songs played by the bagpiper: 3 hours and 6 songs

Spring 2008 Convocation ceremonies for most faculties will take place at the downtown campus Monday, May 26 through Friday, May 30. The ceremony for the Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Science takes place at the Macdonald Campus on Monday, June 2.

For more information visit: www.mcgill.ca/convocations.