Convocation details

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 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)

• Spring 2022 diplomas will be available for pick-up beginning the week of July 4.
• Diplomas are available for delivery up to one year following your convocation ceremony.
• After the year, there is a fee to request a replacement or duplicate 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.

Convocation photos

Access some of the photos taken at convocation on McMaster’s Flickr account.

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.

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

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.

1. Click McMaster University Grad sitting
2. Click McMaster University for the site
3. Click McMaster – all Faculties for the faculty
4. 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.