Welcome to the University of Waterloo!
Your presence at convocation makes this milestone even more special for your loved one. Together, you’ll celebrate their hard work, dedication, and achievements as they step into their future as a proud University of Waterloo alum.
We are delighted to welcome you to campus for this momentous occasion. To help you prepare for the day, please review the following important details:
Guest seating
We want every graduate to have supporters in the crowd. To ensure fairness and accommodate all graduates, each grad may register up to two guests to attend in person. Registration is mandatory and is managed by the graduate upon receiving their official convocation invitation. Registration for Spring 2025 Convocation opens May 13, 2025.
Additional guests are invited to celebrate virtually via our livestream.
Most guest seating is bleacher-style and accessible only by stairs. If any of your guests require accessible seating, please complete the Guest Accessible Seating form during the open registration period.
Arrival and seating times
Doors open one hour before each ceremony:
- Morning: 9 a.m.
- Afternoon: 1:30 p.m.
- Evening: 5:30 p.m.
Guests should be seated at least 20 minutes before the ceremony starts to watch the academic procession enter the convocation hall. If you arrive after the ceremony begins, seating will be at the discretion of 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.