Gown Rentals
Graduating students rent their gowns and hoods that are worn during their convocation ceremony. Advanced gown rentals is now closed.
Graduands 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. Please come 90 minutes before your ceremony to rent your gown and hood if you have not pre-ordered.
More information about renting hoods and gowns:
Review the convocation ceremony checklist to learn when and where you need to be to ensure you are able to participate in the procession.
Regalia Guideline
All grads are required to wear official academic gowns and hoods. The academic regalia for all University of Waterloo degree programs includes a gown and a hood corresponding to your degree. Hoods are not required for candidates from certificate courses.
Grads who have not pre-ordered their regalia can rent the gown and hood on the day of their ceremony at Studio 1, rooms 1212 and 1208 in the Student Life Centre. Please arrive 90 minutes before your ceremony to rent your gown and hood if you have not pre-ordered.
No externally purchased regalia will be permitted to be worn during the ceremony. If you own or are purchasing an official University of Waterloo gown or hood prior to your ceremony, please contact convocation@uwaterloo.ca.
Grads are welcome to wear culturally traditional regalia in place of the academic gown and hood. If you plan to wear culturally traditional attire, please register this for our records by emailing convocation@uwaterloo.ca.
Candidates may dress as they wish under their formal regalia, however, we encourage dressing appropriately for the momentous and celebratory occasion of convocation. Attire promoting hate or violence, including racism of all kinds such as antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab racism, will not be permitted.
For the safety of all participants at convocation, we advise against bringing any belongings with you as you process into the gymnasium and experience the ceremony. Please leave all belongings, unless medically necessary, with a guest or in the storage space provided in the small gymnasium. No objects will be permitted to cross the stage, unless deemed necessary by a convocation administrator.
If you have any questions, please contact convocation@uwaterloo.ca.