PrintConvocation: Frequently Asked Questions
Preparing to Graduate
What do I need to do in order to graduate?
There are several steps that need to be completed to ensure a successful and smooth convocation experience. If you intend on graduating during the Fall ceremonies, please see the Checklist for Fall Graduands page for a complete list of everything that you must do before you graduate.
Diplomas
How do I get my diploma?
If you attend your convocation ceremony you will receive your diploma at Hamilton Place after the ceremony. Graduands can return their academic regalia and pick up their diploma after the ceremony in Wentworth Room A (located in the adjoining Hamilton Convention Centre). If you do not attend your ceremony, you may opt to have the diploma mailed to you, or to pick up the diploma yourself in Gilmour Hall Room 108. To allow for processing, diplomas are mailed and available for pickup approximately two weeks after each convocation ceremony. The extra processing time is required to sort the diplomas, as all diplomas are shipped to the venue and then shipped back to campus (even if you have opted to pick up or have the diploma mailed). You may notify the Office of the Registrar of your intent to attend or not attend your ceremony, pick up or have your diploma mailed to you using the Graduation Response Form.
Do I get a copy of my transcript included with my diploma?
You do not automatically receive a copy of your transcript packaged with your diploma; you must request a transcript from our office. For more information about transcripts, please see the Information for Graduands page.
Can I get my diploma now? I have completed all of my degree requirements.
Normally, you must wait after your scheduled convocation ceremony before you may obtain your diploma (even if you do not intend on attending your ceremony), as the degrees are officially conferred during the ceremony itself. However, under exceptional circumstances it may be possible for you to obtain your diploma before your scheduled ceremony (for example, you have secured employment abroad). To make a request to obtain your diploma early, please contact the Assistant Registrar, Services at (905) 525-9140, ext. 24553. The request must also be approved by the University Senate for the diploma to be released to you. For more information, please see the Senate Policy on Issuing Diplomas in Advance (PDF document).
I will not be attending my ceremony. Where and when can I pick up my diploma, or when will it be mailed to me?
Diplomas are mailed and are available for pickup approximately two weeks after each ceremony. For more information about diploma pickup / mailing, see the Information for Graduands: Diplomas section of this website. If you have previously opted to pick up your diploma, it will not be mailed to you later unless you make these arrangements. Contact our Office if you have any questions regarding this procedure.
How do I have a different version/spelling of my name printed on my diploma?
The name and spelling of the name printed on your diploma will correspond to the name and spelling that McMaster has on file in its student records system (i.e. the name you initially registered with the University upon arrival at McMaster). For instructions on how to check the spelling of your name, or how to change the spelling in McMaster’s records, please see the Information for Graduands: Diplomas page of the convocation website.
I have opted to not attend my ceremony and pick up my diploma. Can someone else pick up the diploma for me?
Graduates may elect to have someone else pick up their diploma on their behalf from Gilmour Hall 108; the designate will be required to present photo identification for themselves, and written authorization from the graduate (including the graduate’s McMaster student ID number and signature). You may notify the Office of the Registrar of your intent to attend or not attend your ceremony, pick up or have your diploma mailed to you using the Graduation Response Form.
I have lost or damaged my parchment/diploma. How do I get a new one?
You may request to have a duplicate or replacement diploma produced. For more information see the Information for Graduands: Diplomas section of this website.
This page is currently under construction.