Guest seating
We would love to have all your family and friends attend in person, but to ensure there is space for all grads to have supporters in the crowd, there is a limit of 2 guests per grad. Registration is mandatory. Registration for Fall 2024 Convocation is now closed.
Grads are responsible for registering their guests when they receive their official invitation to convocation. Additional guests are invited to view the convocation ceremony on the livestream.
Most guest seats are bleacher-style seating, and can only be accessed by stairs. If any of your guests are unable to climb stairs, please email convocation@uwaterloo.ca.
The doors open one hour prior to the ceremony (i.e., 9:00 a.m. for the morning ceremony, 1:30 p.m. for the afternoon ceremony and 5:30 p.m. for the evening ceremony). Guests should be seated 20 minutes before the start of the ceremony so that they can see the academic procession march into the convocation hall. If you are not seated by the time the ceremony begins, you will be seated at an appropriate time at the discretion of the event staff.
Photos during the ceremony
Guests are welcome to take pictures of the graduates during the ceremony from their assigned seats. The University arranges for a professional photographer to take each graduate’s photograph during their ceremony. Complimentary proofs will be automatically mailed to the graduate’s home address listed in Quest following the ceremony. There is no obligation to purchase.
Note: Guests are asked to remain in their seats for the duration of the ceremony. Guests will have the opportunity to take photos of their graduate before and after the ceremony.
Flowers for the graduate
Complete the graduate's day with a beautiful convocation bouquet. Choose from a large selection, available at the BMH Green. Bouquets are available from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on convocation day. Flowers range in price from $26 to $49 plus tax. Methods of payment include debit, Visa and MasterCard.
Rings and giftware
The W Store has just the right graduation gift for your special graduate. Visit our retail space on the BMH Green or visit the W Store in South Campus Hall to see our selection. Visit our W Store website to view our rings and line of giftware products.
Diploma frames
Frames for diplomas and graduate portraits are available through the W Store. Frames can be pre-ordered online or purchased on the day of at convocation. Visit the W Store's online store or the W Store tent on the BMH Green to view the selection of frames.