Convocation is an important part of your university experience but this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for physical distancing, all convocation ceremonies at McMaster will need to be different. We’re currently planning an online celebration and will host an in-person ceremony on a future date—once it’s safe to do so.
On November 19 you will receive an email in your @mcmaster.ca email account. The email will contain a link that will grant you access to your online celebration and Class of 2020 celebration website.
Please note that while the celebration may look different, the timing of when you graduate and the conferral of your degree will remain the same. Those eligible to graduate will be granted their degree on time. The Senate conferral date is November 11, 2020.
Online celebration
We want to help you celebrate your convocation. In place of our normal ceremonies, an online celebration is being planned with an in-person ceremony to be scheduled at a later date.
On November 19 you will receive an email in your @mcmaster.ca email account. The email will contain a link that will grant you access to your online celebration and website.
Please continue to monitor your @mcmaster.ca email account.
Want to stay updated on convocation details? Follow us on Instagram!
Diplomas
Digital diplomas
McMaster University will offer all graduates with an option to receive a secure digital version of their diploma anchored in the bitcoin blockchain.
You will receive an email in November 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)
We have started the process of printing our spring 2020 diplomas. In order to mail your diploma, we need a current mailing address. Please confirm your address by August 30, 2020.
Following safety protocols on campus, we aim to have all spring 2020 diplomas mailed by the end of September.
In-person details
Convocation is an important part of your university experience but this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for social distancing, there will be no in-person ceremonies in 2020.
What does this mean? We will work to find alternative dates that will allow us to celebrate with you in-person during a traditional convocation ceremony. McMaster’s senior leadership is closely monitoring the recommendations made by Public Health, provincial, and federal governments as they develop, and we will share more information when it becomes available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Stay updated on convocation. Follow us on Instagram and please continue to monitor your @mcmaster.ca email account. All convocation email communications will be sent to that email account.
Graduation checklist
Follow our step-by-step guide on the actions you need to take in order to graduate.
Step 1: Check your graduation status in Mosaic
Step 2: Check your name in Mosaic
- Your digital diploma and printed diploma will be produced using the Primary Name McMaster has on record.
- Check your Primary Name in Mosaic (Student Center > Personal Information > Names > Primary Name). Please note: the name on your diploma will not include the honorific shown on Mosaic (Mr., Ms., etc.).
- If your Primary Name is incorrect on Mosaic, fill out the Name Change form. Submit both the completed form and a copy of your government-issued ID showing your correct name through our secure MacDrive link.
- The deadline to submit a Name Change request will be announced at a later date.
Step 3: Apply for a minor, concurrent certificate and/or a McMaster Mohawk affiliated certificate
Step 4: Check your student account to ensure all fees have been paid
- Visit Mosaic to check your student account (Finances > Account Inquiry)
- If you have any questions regarding your student account, contact us.
- Upon graduation, your digital diploma and/or printed parchment will not be released until all outstanding fees have been cleared.
Step 5: Get ready to graduate!
- We will update you via your @mcmaster.ca email address and this website with more information regarding the virtual celebration and in-person ceremony details.
Other details
Policies and procedures on how early conferral, deferring your ceremony and diploma replacement works.
If your Primary Name is incorrect on Mosaic, fill out the Name Change form. Submit both the completed form and a copy of your government-issued ID showing your correct name through our secure MacDrive link.
Do you know someone with great leadership and communication skills? Someone with exceptional personal achievements and community outreach? Nominate them for valedictorian.
Don’t know what to give your graduate? We’ve got you covered.
Give yourself a grad present! There are scholarships specifically for undergrads in their graduating year.
Faculty & staff
Send your messages to the fall Class of 2020 here. Please make sure your videos are filmed horizontally and submitted using lastname_faculty by Tuesday, October 27, 2020.
