During UBC graduation ceremonies, the UBC Bookstore manages regalia rentals (gowns, hoods and mortarboards) for roughly 10,000 graduating students—in Vancouver, under the leadership of Ana Munoz, Operations Manager. This process includes launching the rentals web page, preparing inventory, rented from Gaspard, and overseeing the regalia pickup and return process throughout graduation.

As of the fall 2024 graduation, students now pick up regalia and line up for their procession at Brock Commons South—a distinct upgrade from the former tented location in the Buchanan building courtyard—where Ana assembles a team of 20+ staff to support the operation, starting as early as 7 am. With 90 different hoods for different degrees, supporting graduation is no simple task!

Back at the Bookstore itself, another key piece of graduation support is led by Shane Gopaulsingh, Bookstore Manager: offering a wide selection of grad merchandise, including flower bouquets, diploma frames and the ever-popular grad bears. This year, the Bookstore is also hosting an activation space outside the Bookstore, featuring games, refreshments, music and Instagram-worthy photo ops.

On the Okanagan campus, graduation takes place on June 5 and 6, and the ceremony is similarly supported by the fantastic team at the UBC Okanagan Bookstore, under the leadership of store manager, Ryan Hirowatari.

Volunteer at graduation! Volunteers are needed to support ceremonies on both campuses. Learn more and sign up to volunteer: Vancouver | Okanagan.