Before your Convocation Celebration Day
Step 1: Check your convocation celebration dates and times
Ceremonies are held in the main gymnasium of the Physical Activities Complex (PAC). Graduands should arrive 1.5 hours before their ceremony start time.
Step 2: Reserve your gown and hood
If you are participating in the convocation ceremony, you must wear an academic gown. Use the W Stores's online reservation system to reserve your gown.
If you are a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit student, you can choose to wear traditional regalia to your convocation ceremony. For more information, read our policy.
The last day for advance gown rental wasMay 29, 2022. Regalia can be rentedat graduand check-inonthe day of convocation.
Step 3: Invite your guests
It is mandatory for all alumni and their guests to register. While we would love to have all of your guests attend in-person grads will be issued two tickets for guests. Additional friends and family can enjoy watching the livestream ceremony online.
Step 4: Register for your celebration-
All alumni and their guests attending convocation must register for their ceremony. Please continue to monitor your UWaterloo email for your invitation that will be sent to graduating students in May.
You will be able to provide your accessibility needs at the time of registration. Visit accessibility accommodations for more information.
Step 5: Order your diploma and/or portrait frame if you have not already
Display your degree or portrait in a University of Waterloo frame. Order your frame in advance online through Alumni Relations. Pre-ordered frames can be picked up at the BMH Green on the day of your convocation celebration.
Frames will also be available for purchase on the day of your ceremony in the BMH Green.
Step 6: #UWaterlooGrad
Convocation is an exciting part of your relationship with Waterloo and we want to hear from you! Share messages of congratulation, photos and memories using #UWaterlooGrad.
On The Day of your Convocation Celebration
Step 1: What to wear
What you are wearing underneath your gown will show (less for doctoral gowns), so don't be afraid to dress up. Suits or sports jackets and ties, dresses, and dress pants are all good choices. Please note that high heels may be unsafe when you are entering and exiting the stage and during the outdoor receptions.
Many aspects of your convocation will take place outdoors, please ensure you are your guests are dressed appropriately for the weather.
It is not appropriate to carry flowers, purses, or other articles in the convocation ceremony. We do not provide storage facilities so please leave these items with your guests for safe-keeping.
Step 2: Parking
On-campus parking is free in selected lots during convocation. See maps and parking for more details.
Step 3: Pick up or rent your gown
Pick up your gown at the check in located in Studio 1, rooms 1212 and 1208, in the Student Life Centre between:
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9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. for morning ceremonies
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12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. for afternoon ceremonies
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4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for evening ceremonies
For those that did not reserve a gown, Visa, MasterCard, and Debit are accepted for rentals.
Information about renting your gown on convocation celebration day or purchasing your degree hood can be found through the W Store.
A name card has been prepared for you. Your name card indicates your name and sequence number which is your position in the procession line, your order number for seating, and your order number to cross the stage. You will need to:
- Keep your name card in your hand as it is checked several times by convocation marshals and attendants; do not bend your name card.
- Carry your name card with you as you march in the procession line into the main gymnasium.
-
Give
it
to
the
attendant
just
before
you
go
up
the
stairs
to
cross
the
stage.
Your
card
will
be
placed
under
a
camera
so
that
your
name
can
be
read
aloud
as
you
cross
the
stage.
- Important: do not leave your card on your chair. If you forget to carry your card with you to the stage, ask the stage marshal to make a card for you so that your name can be read aloud as you cross the stage.
Step 4: BMH Green
If time allows after you have picked up your gown, hood, and name card from the Graduand Check In located in Studio 1 room 1212 and 1208 in the Student Life Centre, join us on the BMH Green for pre-ceremony photos opportunities, grad gifts, and frame sales.
Step 5: Line up to enter the convocation hall
Faculty and dignitaries enter the convocation hall approximately 20 minutes before the celebration. You need to be lined up in the small gymnasium in the Physical Activities Complex by 10:00 a.m. for morning ceremonies, 1:00 p.m. for afternoon ceremonies, and 5:00 p.m. for evening ceremonies.
- This is the last opportunity to discard any gum you may be chewing.
- The convocation ceremony marshal will help you to line up according to the sequence number on your name card to ensure that you are positioned and seated in the correct order (alphabetical by program). The marshal will also give you instructions about the procession and celebration.
- You will proceed into the large gymnasium and be guided by an usher to the row where you will sit.
Please be punctual. If you are late, you may not be able to take part in the procession. You will be seated in a separate area from other alumni for the remainder of the ceremony.
Step 7: Crossing the stage
Here is what happens when you cross the stage:
- An usher will lead you to the stairs on the left side of the stage.
- As you approach the stage, an attendant standing off stage will drape your degree hood either over your arm (for masters’ and PhD Alumni) or check to ensure your hood is on correctly (for undergraduate alumni).
- You will give your name card to the stage marshal who will direct you when it is time to go onto the stage. If you received an undergraduate or master's degree, you will march across the stage in groups of three. If you received a doctorate, you will cross the stage one person at a time.
- Smile! Professional photos will be taken while you are on stage (complimentary proofs will be mailed to the alumni’s mail type address within one week of the convocation ceremony).
- You will stand facing either the University's President or Vice-President, who will personally congratulate you. Masters and Ph.D. graduates will be congratulated while the hood is placed on their shoulders.
- You will cross the stage and exit on the right side of the stage.
- Ushers will guide you back to your seat.
After the Convocation Celebration
Step 1: #UWaterlooGrad
The convocation celebration is an exciting part of your relationship with Waterloo, and we want to hear from you! Share messages of congratulation, photos, and memories using #UWaterlooGrad.
Step 2: Convocation celebrations reception
Celebrate your convocation celebration with your family and friends. A reception will be held immediately after your ceremony at the BMH Green. Commemorate your convocation celebration by taking photos with your fellow graduates, family, and friends at the reception with the UWaterloo alumni backdrops.
Step 3: Purchase or pick up your pre-ordered frame
If you pre-ordered a diploma or portrait frame, do not forget to pick it up at the BMH Green on the day of your celebration. Frames will also be available for purchase.
Step 4: Return your gown
Your family and friends will want to take photos of you in your academic gown. Please remember, however, that you need to return your gown and hood to the check in located in Studio 1, rooms 1212 and 1208, in the Student Life Centre as soon as possible after the ceremony. Information on purchasing a degree hood or PhD regalia can be found on the W Store web page.
Step 5: Treat yourself to a convocation celebration gift
Mark your time spent at Waterloo and graduation achievement with a gift. The W Store offers a wide range of souvenirs and gifts on the BMH Green.