Get ready to graduate

convocation

Congratulations!

You are about to join a prestigious network of more than 200,000 University of Waterloo alumni around the world. Receiving your degree is one of the most exciting moments in your undergraduate career. Read more below to get to know all things convocation and make sure you're prepared to graduate.

Before you graduate

Program & Administrative requirements

Other things to consider before you graduate

Graduation photos

Appointments are booked online at New School Photography. Grad photos are taken in the Spring and Fall terms leading up to your graduation year. Please visit New School Photography’s website for appointment times. Questions can be directed to Joseph at help@newschoolphotgraphy.com or Mary Bland at mbland@uwaterloo.ca.

Getting your Iron Ring

Near the end of their final year, engineering undergraduate students are invited to attend the "Ritual of the Calling of the Engineer" by the Iron Ring Wardens of Camp 15 - Waterloo.

Find out when your Iron Ring ceremony is scheduled.

Order your diploma and/or portrait frame

Display your degree or portrait in a University of Waterloo frame. Order your frame in advance of convocation through Alumni Relations either online or purchase it on the day of your ceremony in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Student Life Centre. Pre-ordered frames can be picked up in the Multi-Purpose Room in the Student Life Centre on the day of your ceremony.

Plan for convocation

Held twice a year, each spring and fall Convocation is administered by the Registrar's Office. Details are available on the Convocation and graduation web page.

All graduating students and their guests are invited to a reception with refreshments following each convocation ceremony. Yearbooks can be picked up at the reception during spring Convocation.​

After graduation

Take advantages of these services

Looking for work?

  • Connect with your fellow engineering alumni over coffee on the Waterloo Engineering Hub (powered by Ten Thousand Coffees) for career advice and advancement.
  • Join the Waterloo Engineering alumni group on LinkedIn to grow your alumni network and look for career opportunities.

  • Book a session with an Alumni Career Advisor
    • Each grad is entitled to three free sessions either in person or over the phone. Get help with your resume, interview skills, career direction and much more.
    • Note: As a student, you are entitled to unlimited sessions with a career advisor. Book an appointment to take advantage of this valuable resource before you graduate!
  • Join the Alumni E-Community to access Alumni WaterlooWorks to search for jobs.

Repaying OSAP

If you have received OSAP during your studies, you are responsible for beginning to repay your loan six months after you have stopped being a full-time post-secondary student. You are also responsible for contacting the National Student Loans Service Centre and/or financial institution for repayment arrangements. Visit the OSAP website for more information.

Consider professional registration

Stay in touch!