Ambassadors

At the University of Waterloo, we are guided by our core values: thinking differently, acting with purpose, and working together. Convocation provides a unique opportunity to showcase these values as we come together to celebrate the achievements of our newest graduates.

Convocation is a culmination of hard work and dedication, and it’s important that we celebrate as a community. It takes many faculty, staff, students, alumni, and retirees to bring this large celebration to life, and your interest in participating is greatly appreciated!

Staff

Become an ambassador to help support convocation in a variety of positions, such as supporting the student procession, assisting students before crossing the stage, and helping behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly. See more information for staff roles.

Alumni

As an Alumni Experience Ambassador, you'll be the first friendly face graduates and their guests see as they arrive. Help celebrate this milestone, share insights about life as a UWaterloo alum, and support guests with directions and information. See more information for alumni roles.

Retirees

Share your experience as a valued member of the Waterloo community at convocation! Help make the day seamless for grads and their guests by assisting with wayfinding and sharing your knowledge of our campus. See more information for retiree ambassador roles.

Registration will open mid-April.

Paid student roles

Support convocation by applying to one of the paid student roles. Student roles are primarily customer service positions, providing exceptional care to grads and guests. See more information for paid student roles.

To join the student ambassador program you will fill out an application. If your application is accepted, you will be notified.

Frequently asked questions

How many ceremonies can I be an ambassador for?

Since convocation runs during regular business hours, in the evenings and on weekends, staff will need to request approval from their manager for the number of number of ceremonies that they can participate in as an ambassador. 

Staff and retirees can feel free to participate in as many ceremonies you can accommodate.

Paid student roles can only work for a maximum of 40 hours per week, including all other positions on campus. 

What should I wear?

It is best to come dressed in business casual attire (e.g., dress pants, dress shirt/blouse, business skirt/dress, etc). This is a celebratory event where guests will be dressed in more formal clothing so we want to ensure ambassadors align with the occasion.

Depending on your role you may be required to wear a black convocation gown which will be provided to you free of charge. The gown is placed over the clothes you are already wearing.

It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes as you will be on your feet throughout the ceremony.

What kind of training will be provided?

Training will be conducted prior to convocation to provide you with the information and resources needed to be successful in your role. You will receive an orientation video to watch in preparation for convocation. Similarly, we’ll host one in-person training session the week before convocation to provide role-specific training. This will be conducted over a lunch hour.