Accessibility Statement
What to Expect at a Convocation Ceremony
The University of Waterloo is committed to achieving barrier-free accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Convocation is a celebration that involves crowds, both at the ceremony and the informal Alumni reception. During the ceremony, attendees can expect a mixture of speeches, live performances, and video presentations. Graduates can expect to stand in line for an extended amount of time as they process into the gymnasium and across the stage.
We welcome accompanying assistants or interpreters and encourage a scent-free environment to accommodate all attendees. Please note that our convocation ceremonies are ticketed, and it is important for organizers to be informed of any accommodations in advance. A livestream of each ceremony will be available on the day of convocation.
Venue information, including parking, washroom facilities, a campus map, and the layout of the ceremony venue can be found on the Venue page.
For questions regarding accessibility at our convocation ceremonies, please email convocation@uwaterloo.ca.
Graduating students
If you are a graduating student who requires accessibility arrangements for convocation, please complete the Grad Accessibility Accommodations form during the registration period so that we can work with you to arrange appropriate accommodations.
Guests
If any of your guests have accessibility needs, please complete the Guest Accessible Seating form during the registration period, and we will do our best to make the appropriate accommodation arrangements for them.
Guests who require accommodation should arrive at least 15 minutes before the doors open. Guests with mobility concerns can be dropped off at the entrance of the Student Life Centre expansion by entering William Tutte Way off of Ring Road. There will be signage to follow that day. Ushers in the main gymnasium will show guests to the reserved seating area.
Accessible parking will be available in lot L. If you require accessible parking, ensure that your grad completed the Guest Accessible Seating form during the registration period to arrange accessible parking. Please email convocation@uwaterloo.ca if they did not complete the form.
Information about washroom facilities is available on the venue page.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email convocation@uwaterloo.ca and we will do our best to accommodate you.