Graduation and Convocation

Review the following graduation checklist for master's and doctoral students to ensure everything is in order so that you can receive your degree or diploma.

Graduate Studies graduation checklist

Step 1: Apply to graduate

In Quest (Quest website), apply to graduate approximately one month prior to the completion of your degree requirements:

Select My Academics
Select the Graduation tab
Select the Apply for Graduation link
Select the Expected Graduation Term from the drop down list
Review the Graduation Instructions and then select Continue

Those that degree complete:

September 1 – April 30 will attend spring Convocation
May 1 – August 31 will attend fall Convocation

Step 2: Verify your name for your diploma

In Quest, check the name that appears in the Legal/Primary name type of the Personal Information section (Quest website). This is the name that will be printed on your diploma.

If you'd like to make changes/additions/deletions to your name (including middle names), submit a Change of Name form (Graduate studies forms website) with the required documentation to the Student Service Centre (the Centre website) by the following deadlines:

May 1 for spring Convocation
September 1 for fall Convocation

Step 3: Verify your mailing and email addresses

Mail address

In Quest (Quest website), verify that your mail address is current. This is the address that will be used to send:

your Convocation invitation
your diploma after Convocation if you are unable to attend Convocation

Deadlines to update information:

May 1 for spring Convocation
September 1 for fall Convocation

Email address

Important Convocation information is sent via email to your Waterloo account.

Step 4: Verify your degree status

You can view your graduation status in the following ways:

Return to the My Academics, and select the Graduation link.
In the Degrees Awarded section at the beginning of your unofficial transcript (Quest website).

Step 5: Pay outstanding University accounts

In Quest, check whether you owe the University money (for parking fines, library fines, tuition balances, etc.). Your diploma and transcript may be withheld if outstanding fees aren't paid by:

June 1 for spring Convocation
October 1 for fall Convocation

Next steps

Information about convocation ceremonies is available on the Convocation event website, such as:

Note: Alumni have access to Quest indefinitely after graduation to generate account statements and to access tax receipts.