Frequently asked questions

Yes, registration is mandatory for graduates and their guests to attend convocation. Registration for Spring 2025 Convocation will open on May 13, 2025.

Yes, as long as guest registration is still open and tickets are available. Follow these steps in the ticketing system to modify your seat selection: 

1. Log into your account and select “Your Orders” in the top right corner. 
2. Under "Orders," choose "View (Order Number)." 
3. Under "Notifications," select “Return Ticket” (only one ticket can be returned at a time). Confirm the return via the pop-up notification. 
4. You will receive an email confirmation, after which you can select a new seat. Repeat for each ticket you wish to change. 

We want to ensure that you are supported during your special day. Graduating students requiring accessibility accommodations should visit the Accessibility webpage for more information.   

Please note: 

• The University does not provide wheelchairs for public use. 
• A registered nurse will be on duty during the ceremonies, located at the rear of the main gymnasium. 

Notify the Convocation Team by emailing convocation@uwaterloo.ca and cancel your tickets in the ticketing system by following these steps: 

1. Under "Your Orders," choose "View (Order Number)." 
2. Under "Notifications," select “Return Ticket” and confirm. 
3. You will receive an email confirmation. Repeat for each ticket you wish to cancel.

Rental and purchasing of hoods and gowns is co-ordinated through W Store. Advance gown and hood rentals for Spring 2025 Convocation are now open and will close on May 23, 2025. Discounts are available to those who reserve their gown in advance. 

If you miss the deadline for the advanced gown and hood rental, you can rent a gown on the day of your ceremony in Studio 1 room 1208/1212 in the Student Life Centre. Sizing will be limited, so ensure that you arrive 90 minutes before your ceremony to rent your gown and hood. 

A regalia policy is available to review if you have any questions about what can be worn at convocation.

View the ceremony dates and times for the current convocation schedule. If you do not see your program listed, contact the Office of the Registrar (undergraduate students) or Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (graduate students).

Graduation checklists are available: 

• Undergraduate students: Office of the Registrar (via The Centre website). 

• Master’s/Doctoral students: Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs. 

Yes, a staff volunteer at the name card table (Grad Check-In, Studio 1, rooms 1212 and 1208) can update your name card with your preferred name. You may also add the phonetic pronunciation of your name during convocation registration.   

Your legal name is used on your diploma and during the convocation ceremony.  

View the ceremony proceedings online. Out of respect for graduates and guests, everyone is expected to remain in their seats until the chancellor formally dismisses convocation.

An alumni celebration will be held immediately after your ceremony on the BMH Green, where guests can meet you to celebrate and take photographs.

Dress professionally, as your outfit will be visible under your gown. Suits or sports jackets and ties, dresses and dress pants are all good choices. If the culture you identify with has traditional regalia, you are welcome to wear it. Keep in mind that convocation includes stairs, so high heels may be unsafe. As some parts of the ceremony are outdoors, dress appropriately for the weather. 

It is not appropriate to carry flowers, purses, or other articles in the convocation ceremony. We do not provide secure storage facilities, so it is best to leave these items with your guests for safekeeping. 

Visit the University of Waterloo Convocation YouTube channel to view past ceremonies.

In order to receive your photo proofs, the University will release your name and address to GradImages so please ensure that this information in your Quest account is accurate and up-to-date. To opt out, email convocation@uwaterloo.ca.  

If you haven’t received your proofs within a month, contact GradImages directly at 1-800-372-3686.

Your degree will be conferred in absentia, and your diploma will be shipped by courier to the mailing address in Quest. See the diploma courier service page for more details. 

You may watch the livestream, but your name will not be called unless you attend in person.

Yes, alumni who missed their original ceremony may participate in a future one. Visit the Returning as an alum page for details.

If you attend in person and register by the deadline, you will receive your diploma at the ceremony. Otherwise, it will be couriered after convocation week. See details about courier service delivery.

If you did not register to attend convocation, your diploma will be shipped to you by courier. Registration was required to receive it at the ceremony.

Official regalia and diploma/portrait frames are available for purchase on-site or online. Visit W Store's online store to view our selection and to place your order. Pre-ordered frames can be picked up at the frames tent on BMH Green on the day of your convocation ceremony. 

The W Store located in South Campus Hall also offers a wide range of souvenirs and gifts. 

For inquiries, please contact W Store at wstore@uwaterloo.ca.