• Bring your Photo ID, you’ll need it for diploma pick-up after the ceremony.
• Make sure you’ve forwarded your guests their tickets, which can be printed or emailed via Tassel.
• Ensure that you have accessed your Stage Pass via Tassel.
• Plan ahead for getting to the venue. Limited parking is available at FirstOntario Concert Hall, with additional lots nearby.
• Make sure that your device is charged so that you can access your Stage Pass during multiple points throughout the ceremony.
• Dress comfortably. Gowns have no pockets; use the coat check or keep valuables with your guests.
• McMaster University fully supports and encourages the inclusion and addition of culturally specific apparel during celebrations.

Pictured: Graduand entrance

Graduands:

• Verify your check-in time sent to you via email and arrive promptly.
• Enter via the Hamilton Convention Centre entrance on Summers Lane.
• Staff/signage will guide you to check-in. Notify staff if you require accessibility support.

Pictured: Guest entrance

Guests:

• Doors open one hour before ceremony start time.
• Enter via the Main Entrance to FirstOntario Concert Hall on Summers Lane.
• Present your tickets to staff.
• Notify staff if you require accessibility support.
• Seating is first-come, first-served in the Great Hall; no seat saving is allowed.

Check-in:

• Show your Stage Pass on your device to staff.
• You will then be fitted into your regalia:
  • Bachelor’s: Gown and hood only.
  • Master’s & PhD: Gown, hood and cap.
• Staff will guide you to line up as for the Graduand Procession. Your Across the Stage Number on the Stage Pass determines the order – please stay in sequence.

Regalia notes:

• All regalia must be returned one hour after the ceremony.
• Your regalia will be returned in exchange for your diploma.
• Graduation gowns do not have pockets – plan where to keep phones or personal items.
• Bachelor level graduands will be pre-hooded in The Studio, Masters and PhD graduands will be hooded on stage.

• Marshals will usher the Graduand Procession into the Great Hall approximately 20 minutes before the ceremony.
• Please turn all devices to silent. The ceremony begins with speeches from senior leaders and Honorary Doctorate recipients.
• Marshals will guide you backstage to prepare for when your name is called.
• Once backstage, open your Stage Pass. Staff will scan your phone to cue your name display and announcement.
• You will be directed on stage where your name will be announced and you can pause on the mark for your big moment!
• Follow the red carpet to exit the stage. Explore this diagram illustrating a graduand’s path across stage to get a better idea of your route.
• Handshakes with the Chancellor’s Procession are optional. If you prefer, simply place your hand on your chest.
• PhD and Master’s Graduates: After crossing the stage, you may don your cap.
• Ceremony ends with speeches from the valedictorian and President and you will be led by Indigenous drummers and Marshals out of the Great Hall.

• Return your regalia within one hour to pick up your diploma.
  • Pre-framed diplomas have a separate pick-up area within the same room. Make sure to read all directional signage.
• If you’d like photos of you in your regalia take them before heading to the diploma pickup area. The patio off the mezzanine level is great for pictures.

Looking for the best route to join us? Open the map below to enter your location and get driving directions.

Driving directions from popular areas in the GTHA:

From Toronto

• Take the QEW to Highway 403 west
• Take the Main St. East Exit and follow directional signs to FirstOntario Concert Hall

From Guelph

• Take Highway 6 South to Highway 403 west Hamilton
• Take the Main St. East Exit and follow directional signs to FirstOntario Concert Hall

From Cambridge

• Take Highway 8 East to Hamilton, Highway 8 becomes Main Street in Dundas
• Follow Main St. East to Summers Lane

From Brantford

• From Highway 403, take the Main St. East Exit
• Follow Main St. East to Summers Lane

From Niagara / Buffalo 

• Take the QEW Hamilton to Highway 403 West Hamilton
• Take the Main St. East Exit and follow directional signs to FirstOntario Concert Hall

Convocation ceremonies are held at FirstOntario Concert Hall in downtown Hamilton. With multiple ceremonies scheduled each day and ongoing construction in the area, traffic will be heavier than usual. We strongly recommend allowing extra time and planning your parking in advance.

Due to ongoing construction, there is no vehicle access to Summers Lane, and there is no pedestrian access to Summers Lane from King Street W. Vehicle access is available via the underground parking garage on King Street W, and elevator and stairwell access to the venue is available from Levels 3 and 5 of parking. To avoid delays, we recommend using other nearby parking options whenever possible. 

A short-term drop-off area (maximum 10 minutes) is available on Main Street W, just east of Summers Lane. Guests may use this option to avoid congestion or for accessibility needs, and drivers can then continue to nearby parking.

To avoid delays, we encourage you and your guests to use university-designated parking areas, including:

• 10 Bay underground lot, beside the 10 Bay residence
• 100 Main Street W, behind the David Braley Health Sciences Centre (DBHSC)

Paid underground parking is available at FirstOntario Concert Hall. The City of Hamilton operates this lot and sets parking rates. Visit the Hamilton Municipal Parking System Office for rates.

Explore a map, including pricing and accessibility options, of other available parking lots in the surrounding area.

The MacNab Transit Terminal is located immediately east of FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place).

For easy transit to the ceremony in Hamilton, use the HSRnow mobile app (available on the App Store and Google Play) to plan your route, check real-time bus updates, and set up alerts. Visit  HSR Trip Planning Tools for route planning and bus information. You can also visit the HSR System Map to view all routes and key landmarks.

Use My Ride to plan your trip with Burlington Transit, or view their schedule and maps.

Guests of GO Transit buses can request to stop directly outside of FirstOntario Concert Hall at the Summers Lane stop. Plan your trip with Go Transit here.

Looking for a comfortable & convenient place to stay for your student or family during convocation? Our summer accommodations offer affordable options within walking distance to campus. These dorm style rooms, available from mid May to early August, are ideal for those visiting McMaster. Secure your stay in our PGCLL or Les Prince buildings today!

Experience luxury and comfort in one of McMaster’s exclusive Signature Suites, available year-round. Choose from three beautifully designed suites, the Marion, the Sassafras, or the Mulberry, each offering custom-designed spaces, a queen-size bed, deluxe kitchenette, and spacious bathroom. Each suite also includes a reserved parking spot for your convenience.

Tourism Hamilton has curated a list of accommodations in Hamilton to help you find a comfortable place to stay while you celebrate. 

Grads: Please notify staff upon your arrival at check-in of your seating accommodation needs.

Guests: Upon arrival, please let event staff at the information desk know of your seating accommodation needs. The information desk is found directly inside the Main Entrance to FirstOntario Concert Hall.

• A first floor accessibility map of FirstOntario Concert Hall.
• A second floor accessibility map of FirstOntario Concert Hall.

Accessible parking options are available at FirstOntario Concert Hall, as well as additional lots close to the venue.

All spoken parts of the ceremonies include live captions (communication access real-time translation), except during the reading of graduate names. The captioned text will appear on the large video screen facing the audience.

FirstOntario Concert Hall also has infra-red hearing devices for guests with a hearing impairment. These are available for loan at no charge and may be obtained at the information desk in the main lobby.

Please contact us at convo.accessibility@mcmaster.ca so we can learn how to best support you.

We can appreciate your concern for the publication of your personal information as part of your convocation event. McMaster University is dedicated to ensuring that your personal information is protected, as well as operating in a transparent way to ensure that community members understand how we collect, use and share personal information. The university’s Notice of Collection, Use and Disclosure Statement includes graduation as one of the purposes for which we use your personal information (section 4(a)). In addition, McMaster University commits to basing disclosure of your personal information on your consent (section 7(c)).

We have a protocol to provide you some control over image capture at convocation. Our protocol is designed to empower graduates to take accountability for safeguarding their privacy during the ceremony. For more information regarding this protocol, or if you have any questions or concerns about your privacy at convocation, please reach out to convo.accessibility@mcmaster.ca.

If your privacy is a concern for you at convocation ceremonies, please read the following information carefully. Please also see McMaster University’s Statement on Collection of Personal Information and Protection of Privacy (PDF document).

Senate list of graduands

Before each convocation ceremony, the McMaster University Senate approves a list of all graduands that will be conferred a credential (certificate, diploma, or degree) at a particular convocation ceremony. The list is not made public and is only available to Senators via a secure, password-protected website. Before any student can graduate, their name must first be approved by the University Senate, and after the student has met all of their academic requirements of their particular course of study.

Digital ceremony program

For each and every convocation ceremony, the University prepares a booklet containing the names, programs and credentials (certificate, diploma, or degree) that each graduand will be conferred during that particular ceremony. All graduand names are included, even the names of graduands who have indicated that they will not be attending the ceremony. A PDF version of this ceremony program is posted online so viewers of the live convocation webcast may refer to it. You may opt out of having your name included in these materials on your Tassel RSVP form.

Memorabilia giftware

As part of our tradition of celebrating academic achievements, the Campus Store offers a variety of graduation memorabilia available for purchase during convocation ceremonies. This may include custom t-shirts, posters, and other keepsakes featuring the names of graduands. Please note that all names listed in the convocation program are used to create these commemorative products. You may opt out of having your name included in these materials on your Tassel RSVP form.

Photography and video

Video

Convocation ceremonies will be recorded, and broadcasted live on our live stream page. Approximately two weeks after each ceremony, each convocation ceremony will be posted to McMaster’s YouTube channel. The two week delay is necessary to allow for rendering of the raw video, processing, and uploading of the video to the sites.

Some ceremonies with high-profile honorary degree recipients or award winners may be covered and broadcasted by local news agencies without notice.

Photography: Graduands and their guests

Some graduands and their guests may be photographed by photographers hired by the University. Some of these photos may be posted to the public McMaster Convocation Flickr site. These photos may be used in publicity material promoting McMaster Convocation ceremonies (including, but not limited to the convocation website, the McMaster Daily News website, future convocation programs, or other printed material).

It should be understood that many graduands and their guests will likely be photographing the ceremony and the people events within it. Many of these graduands and guests may choose to post their photos on social media such as Tik Tok, X, Instagram, Facebook etc.

Photography: Platform party

Please note that photographers hired by the University will be photographing the faculty members, senior management, special guests, dignitaries, valedictorians, special award winners, and honorary degree recipients that are part of the Chancellor’s Party or President’s Party. These photos will be posted to the public McMaster Convocation Flickr site.

Immediately following your convocation ceremony you are invited to visit the Alumni Welcome Event within the venue for photo opportunities with you and your loved ones hosted by McMaster Alumni.

This event offers the opportunity to mingle, make some memories and celebrate your accomplishments. We look forward to welcoming you to the MAC alumni community!

The McMaster Black Student Success Centre is thrilled to celebrate your incredible achievement at the 2027 Black Graduation Celebration. This special event honours the resilience, excellence and accomplishments of Black graduating students. You will be surrounded by fellow graduates, family, friends, faculty, staff and community partners, all coming together for an in-person celebration of Black student success. You will be able to opt in for more information about this event through your RSVP form in Tassel and receive more information in May 2027.

Black Graduate Excellence Celebration is not the same as your McMaster convocation ceremony.

McMaster’s Indigenous Student Services team hosts this annual event celebrating Indigenous Graduates (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit), from all programs, and all Indigenous and non-indigenous graduates of the Indigenous Studies Program, including those in a combined degree or minor. Learn more about the Indigenous Graduation Celebration or contact indigssa@mcmaster.ca for assistance. You will be able to opt in for more information about this event through your RSVP form in Tassel and receive more information in May 2027.

Indigenous Graduation Celebration is not the same as your McMaster convocation ceremony.

Event photos taken during convocation ceremonies will be posted to McMaster’s convocation Flickr account a few weeks after your ceremony. Not every graduate will appear in the photo album.

After you cross the stage, a professional portrait will be taken. Within two weeks of your graduation, GradImages will email you instructions on how to view and purchase your photo. If you don’t receive an email, you can visit their website to search for your photo or contact their support team.

A recording of your full ceremony will be available a few weeks later on the YouTube channel for McMaster Alumni. It’s a great way to rewatch the moment or share it with friends and family who couldn’t attend.

Want to revisit past graduations or explore what previous ceremonies looked like? Check out McMaster’s celebration archives, where you’ll find past programs, photos, and ceremony recordings.

Feeling nostalgic or just curious about previous graduations? Dive into McMaster’s convocation celebration achives. You can explore past ceremonies, including event programs, photos, and recorded live streams.

For Spring ceremonies, they are generally held the Wednesday and Thursday the week of Victoria Day in May, and the third week of June. For Fall ceremonies, they are generally held the third week of November.

If you are unable to attend your convocation ceremony due to extenuating circumstances, you may request to defer your attendance to the next appropriately affiliated ceremony in the next convocation cycle. Please review the Senate Policy for more information. To submit a request, complete the following steps:

1. Complete the Request to Defer Attendance at convocation form
2. Gather your supporting documentation. This must show evidence of the circumstances beyond your control impacting your attendance (e.g. employment letter, medical documentation).
3. Upload your completed form and documents as a Service Request in your Mosaic Student Centre.

Please monitor your service request and McMaster email for any updates. A decision should be available within 3-5 business days.

Each graduand is guaranteed two guest tickets and are responsible for forwarding them to their guests. Guest tickets are required due to venue capacity.

We are unable to accommodate individual requests for additional tickets but graduands can opt in through their RSVP form to be notified if extra tickets become available. Extra ticket availability is based on final RSVP numbers and expected attendance varies by ceremony. Availability cannot be guaranteed.

Guests without tickets will not be admitted to the FirstOntario Concert Hall.

Each ceremony will be live streamed for guests who are unable to attend in person.

The standby line for extra guest tickets has been retired. Extra tickets will not be available on the day of the ceremony.

All guests must have a ticket to attend. All tickets will be available in Tassel to graduands in advance of their ceremony and they are responsible for forwarding tickets to their guests.

FirstOntario Concert Hall has a capacity of 2,181, which includes seats for graduands and their guests. Expected attendance varies by ceremony.

Due to these space limitations, we are unable to provide additional tickets beyond the allotted amount. Guests without tickets will not be permitted entry under any circumstance.

We are unable to accommodate individual requests for additional tickets but graduands can opt in through their RSVP form to be notified if extra tickets become available. Extra ticket availability is based on final RSVP numbers and expected attendance varies by ceremony. Availability cannot be guaranteed.

A live stream of each ceremony will be available if your guests cannot attend in-person.

Children, typically under two, who will be sitting on a lap do not require a ticket. Children who will be sitting in a seat require a ticket.

We want all graduates and guests to be able to celebrate convocation while observing their religious practices. If your ceremony falls during a time you need to pray, such as Jumu’ah prayer on Friday, more information about available accommodations will be sent to you via email to support your participation.

Prayer spaces are also available on site during convocation ceremonies.

Details about available accommodations will be shared in advance of your ceremony. If you still have questions, please contact convo.accessibility@mcmaster.ca.

If an out-of-country family member wishes to attend convocation, your family member will need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)  or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for Visiting Family Members. Please find out if your country of origin requires a visa to enter Canada.

If the family member needs to apply for a TRV to enter Canada, they must apply through the IRCC Portal, please visit How to apply for a visitor visa – Canada.ca

If the family member needs to apply for an eTA to enter Canada, please visit Electronic travel authorization (eTA): How to apply – Canada.ca

Your family member will need the following supporting documents for their application:

• A letter of invitation. This is a letter written by you inviting your family member to come and visit/attend convocation. Details about the information required in the letter of invitation are available on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.
• A Confirmation of enrollment letter. Confirming you are a registered student and your current enrollment level. This letter can be generated through your Mosaic Student Centre (for undergraduate requests).
• In some countries, a second variable may be required to prove the identity for the Visitor Visa to Canada. These variables may be a passport number, date of birth or identity number.

The letter is used for immigration purposes and does not guarantee entry to Canada. This letter is not a ticket or RSVP to the convocation ceremony.

Questions? Please connect with a Student Services Professional via our online chat.

Each graduand is guaranteed two guest tickets and are responsible for forwarding them to their guests. Guest tickets are required due to venue capacity.

Guests without tickets will not be admitted to the FirstOntario Concert Hall.

We encourage those without tickets to watch the available live stream of each ceremony.

Guests will enter through the Main Entrance to the FirstOntario Concert Hall on Summer’s Lane. Doors open one hour before the ceremony begins and seating is filled in the Great Hall on a first-come basis. If the hall reaches capacity, additional guests may be directed to a nearby live-stream viewing area.

Please ensure your graduand has forwarded your ticket to you in advance. Guests with accessibility requirements are encouraged to speak with staff at the information desk just inside the Main Entrance.

The Campus Store will be on-site with frames and other memorabilia. Visit the Campus Store’s Grad page to explore diploma frames, graduation gifts, and more. Secure the perfect frame for your achievement by pre-ordering in advance and enjoy the convenience of our professional framing service!

Flowers can be pre-ordered or purchased on-site from The Commencement Group.

If you are attending convocation:

Your diploma will be available for pick‑up at FirstOntario Concert Hall after your ceremony. Please return your regalia no later than one hour after the ceremony ends before picking up your diploma. Staff or signage will guide you to the diploma distribution room. If you ordered a pre‑framed diploma, refer to the posted signage indicating its separate pick‑up area, or staff will be available to assist you.

If you are not attending convocation:

Your diploma will be delivered according to the option you selected in the RSVP form (pick‑up or courier). More information about diploma pick‑up and mailing timelines can be found on our diploma requests page.

Your primary name on Mosaic will be displayed on your diploma. Make sure this name matches your legal name as future employers, licensing bodies or other educational institutions may require proof the documents match. It is also recommended for visa or identity purposes abroad.

If you need to update your name, submit a Primary Name Change service form in MacHub. Name change requests have specific deadlines. Please visit our diploma requests page to find out the timeline for your convocation.

If you are not attending convocation, you must indicate ‘No’ on the RSVP form via Tassel and complete your diploma delivery information.

If you did not complete the RSVP form before it closed, you must submit a Mosaic Service Request  to request the delivery of your diploma. Complete the Diploma Delivery Request Form and attach it to the Service Request. You have 12 months from the date of your convocation to submit a Service Request.

There is no payment for initial Diploma within 12 months of convocation.

The Approved to Graduate/Post-Graduate Work Permit letter is available 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. Please only request a letter or transcript if necessary for reasons such as immigration, employment, admission etc.

Follow these steps to make sure your credential is available as soon as possible:

1. Before submitting a request, check your graduation status in Mosaic.
2. Once your Mosaic Student Centre is updated to ‘approved to graduate’ by your Faculty Office you can request a verification letter.
3. Download your letter or submit a Service Request to order your credential.
4. Visit our Transcript Request Page in Mosaic after convocation to order your official transcript stating your degree awarded.

Reviewing is completed by your Faculty. Thank you for your patience as the Faculty Office completes reviewing and your request is processed. Requests made too early will be cancelled. Please remember to follow the steps for timely processing.

Please submit an order via Parchment to request the re-issue of your diploma for pick-up or courier. More information about diploma requests are available on the diploma requests webpage.

In extenuating circumstances, there may be times when you need your degree conferred ahead of your scheduled ceremony. Visit the diploma requests webpage to view the process for early conferrals.

If you are requesting your original diploma more than 12 months after your convocation date, you will need to place an order through Parchment. Please note that additional fees apply. 

If you have earned more than one degree from McMaster, please specify the convocation month and year for the diploma you are requesting. A separate order must be submitted for each diploma you would like issued. 

Many students choose to dress up for this special occasion. Wear what makes you feel confident, and most importantly, comfortable—ceremonies typically last about two hours.

McMaster celebrates the diversity of our community and fully supports the inclusion of culturally significant or personal apparel as part of your convocation regalia.

All graduands will be loaned the appropriate regalia when they check-in for their ceremony.

Gowns do not have pockets, so please plan ahead for personal items such as your phone or camera. You will not see your guests after check‑in, but a staffed coat check is available for graduands. Keep in mind that any items you bring must be carried with you as you cross the stage.

If you’d like to keep your regalia as a memento, it can be purchased in advance through the Campus Store website.

Only Master’s and PhD’s graduate receive a cap as part of their convocation regalia. They can be worn after you cross the stage and are to be returned after the ceremony.

If you would like to purchase your own regalia to keep, please visit the Campus Store website.

Master and PhD students are responsible for informing their supervisor about their convocation ceremony details. Supervisors who are interested in hooding are required to register for the Academic Procession.

Degree frames can be ordered in advance from the Campus Store.

Our regalia return policy requires that you return your regalia within one hour after the ceremony in exchange for your diploma.

You will not be able to take photos with your diploma while wearing your regalia. If you’d like photos in your regalia take them before heading to the diploma distribution room. The patio off the mezzanine level is great for pictures.

Lifetouch offers graduation photos for McMaster students at their studio located in MUSC. Lifetouch operates independently from McMaster University, and all photo appointments and services are arranged directly through them. Book your appointment online through their website. 

Questions? Reach out directly through mcmasteruniversity@lifetouch.ca or 905-525-9140 ext: 26222. 

DeGroote School of Business graduands

DeGroote School of Business graduands can book their graduation photos through New Paramount Studios at their studios in Mississauga and Toronto. New Paramount Studios operates independently from McMaster University, and all photo appointments and services are arranged directly through them.

Event photos taken during convocation ceremonies will be posted to McMaster’s convocation Flickr account a few weeks after your ceremony. Not every graduate will appear in the photo album.

After you cross the stage, a professional portrait will be taken. Within two weeks of your graduation, GradImages will email you instructions on how to view and purchase your photo. If you don’t receive an email, you can visit their website to search for your photo or contact their support team.

If your name does not appear in the program, it does not mean you are not graduating. You may have:

• Not consented to have your name published in the program when completing the RSVP form in Tassel.
• Submitted changes to your convocation registration after the RSVP deadline.
• Received “Approved to graduate” status after April 30, 2026.

Graduands can refer to their “Approved to graduate” status in Mosaic to confirm their graduation status.

If you still have questions undergraduate students can make an appointment to speak with an academic advisor. Graduate students can contact your Graduate Administrator.

Your OSAP loans may begin collecting interest once you are no longer enrolled in full-time or part-time studies.

You will receive a notice from the government to start repaying your loans 6 months after your last day of full-time studies. Learn more about repaying your OSAP.

The one-time Convocation Services fee, which is integrated into tuition fees, helps support the planning and delivery of convocation elements. This includes costs related to the production and delivery of diplomas, ceremony logistics and other services that make McMaster convocation celebrations possible.

Academic Procession

We invite all eligible members of the McMaster community to join the Academic Procession. Members must register in advance and also declare their intention to hood a graduate.

The Academic Procession will process into the Great Hall directly following the graduand procession. They are seated behind the Chancellor’s Procession. For marshalling and organization purposes, please report to Meeting Room 1 (first floor, past the Studio) approximately 45 minutes before the start of the ceremony. Faculty may leave their personal belongings in Meeting Room 1 as it will remain locked during the ceremony.

Borrowed hoods and gowns will be available upon arrival.

The following people are eligible to participate in the Academic Procession:

• McMaster University Faculty (including Chairs and Academic Directors of Departments and Schools)
• Mohawk College Faculty (including Chairs and Academic Directors of Departments and Schools)
• Conestoga College Faculty (including Chairs and Academic Directors of Departments and Schools)
• McMaster University Officers
• Members of McMaster University Senate
• Members of McMaster University Board of Governors
• McMaster University Professors Emeriti
• Trustees of McMaster University Divinity College
• Academic Visitors

Chancellor’s Procession

The Chancellor’s Procession is the last group to process into the Great Hall. They are seated on stage, in front of the Academic Procession. For marshalling and organization purposes, please report to Meeting Room 2 (first floor, past the Studio) approximately 45 minutes before the start of the ceremony. Faculty may leave their personal belongings in Meeting Room 2 as it will remain locked during the ceremony.

Borrowed hoods and gowns will be available upon arrival.

The following people are eligible to participate in the Chancellor’s Procession:

• McMaster University Chancellor
• McMaster University Bedel
• McMaster University President & Vice-Chancellor
• McMaster University Honorary Degree Recipients
• McMaster University Honorary Doctors
• Members of McMaster University Alumni Association Executive
• Representatives from McMaster University Student Governments Executive
• McMaster University Faculty Award Winners
• McMaster University Provost, Vice-Presidents, Associate Vice-Presidents and Assistant Vice-Presidents
• McMaster University Deans, Associate Deans, Assistant Deans and Administrative Directors of Faculties and Schools
• McMaster University Chancellors and Presidents Emeriti
• McMaster University Alumni Association President
• McMaster University Board of Governors Chair
• McMaster University Secretary
• McMaster University Graduate Registrar
• McMaster University Registrar
• Mohawk College President, Vice-Presidents, Associate Vice-Presidents, Deans, Associate Deans, Administrative Directors, and Board of Governors Chair
• Conestoga College President,  Vice-Presidents, Associate Vice-Presidents, Deans, Associate Deans, Administrative Directors, and Board of Governors Chair
• Civic Officials

McMaster faculty members planning to join the Academic or Chancellor’s processions for Fall convocations, please register using this form by Wednesday, November 11, 2026.

The hooding of Doctoral and Masters graduands by their supervisors and advisors is an established practice at convocation. This practice affirms the unique character of graduate education: the close association of mentor and student. Hooding by supervisors is a fairly simple exercise and one our students tell us that they appreciate.

Please review our Hooding at Convocation policy.

You must be part of the Academic or Chancellor’s Procession to hood a graduand. If your student(s) have requested you to hood them, please provide their name and degree being conferred when you register to join the Procession.

A diagram is available illustrating a graduand’s path across stage, and the location where they are hooded.

Academic dress must be worn by members of the Academic Procession or Chancellor’s Procession. Those who are unable to provide their own academic dress may borrow a black gown, hood and cap.

If you plan to borrow a gown and/or cap please arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the assembly time for each ceremony. You do not need to rent regalia or arrange this in advance; gowns, hoods and caps will be available for all ceremonies.

Where to pick up borrowed regalia:

• Academic Procession: Meeting Room 1
• Chancellor’s Procession: Meeting Room 2

We invite all McMaster staff interested in volunteering at the convocation ceremonies to participate.

More details on how to register as a volunteer for Fall ceremonies will be shared shortly.