Graduation and convocation

Apply to graduate in Quest 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 be eligible for spring convocation
• May 1 – August 31 will be eligible for fall convocation

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

If you'd like to make any of the following changes, submit the appropriate form with any required documentation to The Centre by the appropriate deadline:

• Update legal name
• Request a gender-neutral diploma
• Request to add accents or special characters to diploma name

Deadlines

• May 15 for spring convocation
• September 15 for fall convocation

Mail address

Your Mail type address will be used to ship your photo proofs after convocation. Updates should be made in Quest by:

• June 1 for spring convocation
• October 1 for fall convocation

New: If you do not attend convocation, you (or a designate) will need to either pick up your diploma in person at The Centre or arrange for courier delivery at your own expense. An email with detailed instructions will be sent during the week following the final convocation ceremony.

Note: If your diploma is shipped to you and then returned to the University as it was undeliverable, you will be required to pay courier fees before the diploma is re-shipped to you.

Email address

Important convocation information is sent via email to your Waterloo account. Please continue to monitor emails sent to this address.

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).

If you would like to request to add accents or special characters to the approved and final title of a doctoral thesis for the convocation program, please submit the Request to Add Accents or Special Characters to a Doctoral Thesis Title webform. 

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

Up-to-date information about convocation, including dates, times, and registration information for you and your guests, is available on the Convocation event website. You will receive an email to your UWaterloo email address once registration opens. Registration is mandatory for both you and any guests that would like to attend.

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