As the University of Waterloo responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, the well-being of our students, their families, and our campus community is our top priority. It is with great disappointment that we will not be holding any in-person ceremonies in June 2020. These are extraordinary times, and we do not make this decision lightly. Please refer to the official announcement from President Hamdullahpur for more details. We look forward to celebrating with you, when it is safe to do so. We will do all that we can to provide you with more information as soon as it is available. Last updated: March 30, 2020
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 – May 15 will attend spring Convocation
- May 16 – 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 home and email addresses
Home address
In Quest (Quest website), verify that your home 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.
