Nov. 8, 2023
Is your name hard to pronounce?
On the day of your ceremony
When you collect your degree package in the Olympic Oval, you’ll receive a reader card with your name on it, which will be read during the ceremony. At this point, you can make minor changes to it, such as crossing out a middle name you do not want read out, including a preferred name or adding phonetic guidance.
You will be directed to do so at a designated table with volunteers who can assist you.
Tips for writing phonetically (saying your names as they sound):
Remember that the convocation name reader will only have a few seconds to look at your card and read your name while standing at the podium, so try to keep your changes simple, neat and clear:
- Break down the parts of your name into syllables
- Put a hyphen in between syllables
- Use capital letters for the syllable(s) that should be stressed or emphasized
Here are a few examples:
- Hala Said: HA-la Sa-EED
- Phuong Nguyen: Fong Win
- Kumar Ahmad: Koo-MAAR AHH-mad