All graduating students must wear official academic gowns and hoods or culturally traditional regalia. Your academic gown and hood correspond to your degree. Candidates from diploma programs - who are not also graduating with a degree - are not required to wear hoods. See the sections below for more information on academic, Indigenous, and culturally traditional regalia.
- Graduating students may rent their academic gown and hood. Advanced gown and hood rentals begin on February 24 and end on May 23. Learn more about renting gowns and hoods.
- Externally purchased regalia will not be allowed. If you own or have purchased official University of Waterloo regalia, notify the convocation team by emailing convocation@uwaterloo.ca.
- Dress as you wish under your regalia, but we encourage attire that is appropriate for the occasion. Clothing promoting hate or violence, including racism of all kinds, will not be permitted.
- For safety, avoid bringing belongings into the ceremony. Leave items with a guest or in the unmonitored provided storage space at your own risk. Unless medically necessary, no objects will be allowed on stage unless approved by a convocation administrator.
- Review the convocation ceremony checklist to learn when and where you need to be to ensure you are able to participate in the procession.
Graduating students rent their gowns and hoods that are worn during their convocation ceremony. Advanced gown rentals opens on February 24 and closes on May 23. Rent your gown through the W Store.
Graduating students who have not pre-ordered their regalia can still rent the gown and hood on the day of their ceremony in the Studio 1, room 1212 and 1208 in the Student Life Centre. If you have not pre-ordered, arrive 90 minutes before your ceremony to rent your gown and hood.
In recognition of the original nations of Turtle Island, the University of Waterloo welcomes, honours, and supports the choice of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit graduating students to wear traditional regalia at convocation.
You may choose to wear traditional regalia instead of, or beneath, your convocation gown.
Indicate your intention to wear traditional Indigenous regalia. This helps our organizers and the Office of Indigenous Relations ensure proper planning and communication.
Our student body is diverse and is made of many different backgrounds. If the culture you identify with has traditional regalia that you would like to wear, please feel free to do that at convocation.
Indicate your intention to wear culturally traditional regalia. This helps our organizers ensure proper planning and communication.