Guests

Graduate with family

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.    

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 contact the Convocation Team.  

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 30 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.

Graduand with flowers

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 cash, debit, Visa and MasterCard.

Convocation giftware from the W Store

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.

Grads smiling with framed diploma

Diploma frames

Frames for diplomas and graduate portraits are available through Alumni Relations. Frames can be pre-ordered online or purchased on the day of at convocation. Visit the Alumni website or the alumni tent on the BMH Green to view the selection of frames.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I park?

On-campus parking is free in selected lots during convocation; permits are not required for convocation guests. Signs will be posted one to two weeks before convocation and every effort will be made to direct guests to parking areas as close as possible to the site of the ceremony. There will be signage to follow that day.

Note: Parking is not available close to the building. Guests with mobility concerns can be dropped off at the Student Life Centre expansion entrance located off the BMH Green.

Do I need to print my ticket?

You are required to present your ticket to event staff before entering the ceremony. Tickets can be printed or displayed on your mobile device. All tickets issued for convocation will have a unique barcode.

How long are the ceremonies?

We aim to keep the program at the convocation ceremonies to two (2) hours in length (i.e., the morning ceremony starting at 10:00 a.m. should be wrapping up by 12:00 p.m. (noon). However, there is always potential for them to go a bit beyond the two hours depending on the speakers and the number of individuals participating. 

Are cameras/video recorders allowed at the graduation ceremony?

Yes, guests can bring cameras and recording devices but are asked to remain in their seats.

How do I make arrangements for accessibility accommodations for my guest?

Please contact the Convocation Team if any of your guests require accessibility accommodations so that we can make appropriate arrangements. 

Where is Lost and Found located?

Lost and Found is located at our Nursing Station located at the back of the PAC. After convocation week any valuable items not claimed are sent to the UW Police Commissary.   

Will there be a first aid station available onsite?

Yes, a registered nurse will be on duty during the convocation ceremonies. The Nursing Station is located at the rear of the main gymnasium.

Additionally, the Campus Response Team is located on the BMH green.