In-person spring 2022 dates
Convocation events will take place in-person at FirstOntario Concert Hall. Graduands need to arrive one hour before their ceremony. Doors will open 1.5 hours before the start of the ceremony.
Faculty | Convocation date |
---|---|
Faculty of Health Sciences | Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 2:30 p.m. |
School of Nursing | Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 2:30 p.m. |
Faculty of Humanities and the Arts & Science Program | Monday, June 13, 2022 at 2:30 p.m. |
DeGroote School of Business | Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. |
Faculty of Social Sciences | Wednesday, June 15, 2022, 9:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. |
Faculty of Science | Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 9:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. & 7 p.m. |
Faculty of Engineering | Friday, June 17, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. |
Your assigned ceremony is based on your program. Access the ceremony schedules to find out your ceremony time.
Event details
- Limited parking is available at FirstOntario Concert Hall. Additional lots are available close to the venue. Please give yourself plenty of time to park.
- Make sure your guests have their tickets. You can print, send or download your guest tickets via Marching Order.
- Share our live stream link with guests who couldn’t join you in person.
- Don’t forget your ID! Photo ID is required to pick up your diploma after the ceremony.
Please note: All in-person events are subject to evolving guidance and mandates from the province of Ontario and McMaster’s commitment to the health, safety and well-being of our University community. Graduation events will follow McMaster University protocols. Latest updates can be found on the Back to Mac website.
Next steps
1. Make sure you’re on track to graduate
Undergraduate students: If you are not meeting all of your requirements, now is the time to make an appointment to speak with an academic advisor. You can check your Advisement Report through Mosaic > Student Centre > My Academics > View my Advisement Report.
Graduate students: You can contact your Graduate Administrator to confirm there are no further actions needed on your end.
2. Fill out the “Convocation Forms” tile
There are three forms within this Mosaic tile that you need to complete. These forms tell us about your in-person ceremony needs, the name to print on your diploma, your preference for picking up your diploma and more. It’s important to complete these forms whether you are attending convocation or not.
Please make sure you complete the RSVP form before June 10, 2022 to make sure you have access to guest tickets in time for your convocation ceremony.
The deadline for name changes for your diploma and convocation ceremony is May 13, 2022. You can check your name through Mosaic > Student Centre > Personal Information > Primary Name. If you need to change your legal name, you will need to fill out the Name Change form and submit a Mosaic Service Request.
3. Apply for your minor or certificate
Apply for your undergraduate minor or certificate via the Mosaic tile, before the deadline of May 20, 2022.
4. Check your McMaster email for details on guest tickets
You’ll receive an email to your McMaster email to log in to Marching Order. This email will only be sent to you once you are approved to graduate. You must also have your Convocation Forms submitted and accepted and your convocation fee paid. Use the Convocation Forms tile in Mosaic to complete these important steps. Approved grads are updated in Marching Order on weekly basis. Learn more by reviewing the End of Term Schedule.
Once you receive your email to log in to Marching Order, you will be able to claim your guest tickets and complete other important information for your ceremony.
Additional guest tickets may become available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guest ticket amounts will be reassessed after May 17 (May ceremonies) and May 31 (June ceremonies). Fill out your Marching Order form to request them before the reassessment dates.
5. Check your student account
It’s important to make sure there are no outstanding balances on your student account, otherwise you won’t be able to receive your diploma until your balance is paid.
We recommend that the name displayed on your diploma matches that of your legal name as future employers, licensing bodies, or other educational institutions may require proof the documents match. It is also recommended for visa, travel or identity purposes abroad.
Digital diplomas
- McMaster graduates have the option of receiving a digital version of their diploma.
- The diploma is anchored in the bitcoin blockchain.
- You will receive an email to opt-in to this initiative.
- Please make digital.diplomas@mcmaster.ca a safe sender.
- Want to know more about digital diplomas? Visit our dedicated digital diploma information page.
Parchment (printed diplomas)
- Diplomas are available for delivery up to one year following your convocation ceremony.
- After the year, there is a fee to request a replacement diploma.
Early conferral details
- Policies and procedures on how early conferrals work.
Request proof of graduation
You can request an Approved to Graduate/Post-Graduate Work Permit letter later this spring if you have a graduation status of ‘Approved to Graduate’ in Mosaic. Official transcripts stating your degree awarded and conferral date will be available the day after convocation. You will also be able to download a PDF “degree conferred” letter from your Mosaic Student Centre after this date.
Other details
Attire
McMaster has a long tradition of graduates wearing academic regalia during convocation celebrations. This includes McMaster-provided gowns and hoods for undergraduates and gowns, hoods and graduate caps for Master’s and PhD graduates. Unofficial memorabilia regalia can be purchased through the Campus Store for those that would like a keepsake.
McMaster is committed to promoting an environment of respect and collegiality that honours the rich diversity of our campus community. We fully support and encourage the inclusion and addition of culturally specific apparel during celebrations.
Letter of invitation
You can request a letter of invitation for your guest(s) visiting from outside of Canada for your spring convocation ceremony or legacy event. Please complete the form and submit a Parchment order for an educational verification letter.
Your privacy at convocation
Have questions or concerns around your privacy at convocation? Visit our privacy page to learn more about it.
Request proof of degree awarded
You can request an Approved to Graduate/Post-Graduate Work Permit letter later this spring if you have a graduation status of ‘Approved to Graduate’ in Mosaic. Learn more about this process.
Faculty, staff and official guests
Join the Academic Procession or Chancellor’s Procession and volunteer for the convocation ceremonies.
Grad photos
The Lifetouch Graduation Photo studio is located in MUSC. Book your appointment online through their website.
- Click McMaster University Grad sitting
- Click McMaster University for the site
- Click McMaster – all Faculties for the faculty
- Choose a day and time that is best for you
Questions? Reach out directly through mcmasteruniversity@lifetouch.ca or 905-525-9140 ext: 26222.
Note: COVID restrictions might impact or delay bookings.
Graduation gifts
Don’t know what to give your graduate? We’ve got you covered.
Remember to check out the Campus Store’s Grad page for diploma frames and more!
Flowers can be pre-ordered through this website.
Graduating student awards
Give yourself a grad present! There are scholarships specifically for undergrads in their graduating year.
Black Graduation Celebration
When: June 13, 2022 at 9:30 a.m.
This inaugural event celebrates the academic achievements of Black graduates at McMaster. The celebration is open to all Black-identifying students from any Class of 2022 undergraduate and graduate-level programs. Please note, Black Graduation is not the same as your convocation ceremony. Fill out this form to register for the event. Learn more about this event on the Black Student Success Centre’s website.
Indigenous Graduation Ceremony
When: June 16, 2022
Celebrating First Nations, Métis and Inuit students from all programs, as well as students graduating from the Indigenous Studies Program (Honours BA, Combines Honours BA, Minor in Indigenous Studies). Please email Tracy if you are interested in participating.
Other activities
Join your fellow classmates following the convocation ceremony in the FirstOntario Concert Hall Mezzanine space for photo opportunities.
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