• Bring your Photo ID, as it’s required to pick up your diploma after the ceremony.
• Make sure your guests have their tickets, which can be printed, sent, or downloaded via Tassel. Individuals without tickets will not be permitted under any circumstance.
• Plan ahead for getting to the venue. Limited parking is available at FirstOntario Concert Hall, with additional lots nearby. Arrive early to secure a spot and navigate to the venue.
• Dress comfortably! While many students choose to dress up for this special occasion, remember that ceremonies last about two hours, so comfort is key. A staffed coat check is available for your valuables, or you can keep them with your guests. Graduation gowns don’t have pockets, so plan accordingly!
• 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.
• If you require accessibility accommodations, arrangements can be made upon arrival at FirstOntario Concert Hall. Learn more information about accessibility at convocation here.

Students should look for signage and enter the building through The Studio entrance on Summers Lane. Once inside you will be greeted by staff and/or signage which will direct you to check-in. If you have accessibility requirements, please let staff know at the name card pickup table.

Guests will enter through the Main Entrance to the FirstOntario Concert Hall on Summer’s Lane. If guests have accessibility requirements, please let staff know at the information desk directly inside the Main Entrance.

Inside the FirstOntario Concert Hall staff will assist you to receive your name card, and pick up your regalia (gown, hood, and cap). At convocation, all McMaster graduands (undergraduate, Master’s and PhD) will be provided with the appropriate regalia (gowns, hoods, graduate caps). These are to be returned after the ceremony. Gowns do not have pockets, so plan accordingly for personal items like your phone, camera, etc.

Once you’ve picked up your regalia, you will be directed by staff to the Wentworth Room to line up according to your name card. From there, graduates will be ushered by staff into the Great Hall in a procession 20 minutes before the ceremony begins.

The ceremony begins with speeches from senior leaders and Honorary Doctorates, so make sure you’ve turned all your devices to silent mode. When it’s your program’s time to cross the stage, ushers will escort you backstage. Staff will scan your name card, direct you to the stage, and you’ll cross as your name is announced. Graduates at the Bachelor’s levels will  cross the stage already wearing their academic hoods, while Doctorate and Master’s graduands will be hooded onstage.

Handshakes with the Chancellor’s Party are optional; if you prefer, simply place your hand on your chest. Explore this diagram illustrating a graduand’s path across stage to get a better idea of your route.

PhD and Master’s Graduates: After crossing the stage, you may don your cap.

The event wraps up with speeches from the valedictorian, the President and the Chancellor. Indigenous drummers will lead the graduate procession out of the Great Hall.

Return your regalia no later than one hour past the end of the ceremony to collect your diploma. Look out for signage showing the way, or staff can direct you back to the Wentworth Room to complete this process. If you ordered a pre-framed diploma, look for signage indicating its specific pickup area, separate from non-framed diplomas.

Please note, you will not be able to take a photo in your regalia with your diploma due to the regalia return policy. If you want great photos in your regalia, take them before returning it. There’s a patio accessible from the mezzanine level perfect for outdoor photos before you pick up your diploma.

Immediately following your convocation ceremony you are invited to visit Wentworth Room C for light refreshments and photo opportunities for you and your loved ones. This event will offer a relaxed atmosphere for you to mingle, share memories, and bask in the joy of your accomplishments while enjoying some coffee and sweet treats. Let’s make your special day even sweeter together!

Looking for the best route to join us? Click “Directions” on the map below for driving directions from your location.

Find driving directions from popular areas in the GTHA below:

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

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR JUNE 2025 CEREMONIES: Please be aware that the City of Hamilton, not McMaster University, is implementing temporary access changes in the downtown area from June 16 to 20, 2025. These measures are in place to manage increased pedestrian traffic and reduce congestion during concurrent events.

As part of this change, Summers Lane will be closed to vehicle traffic. To avoid delays, we encourage you and your guests to leave early and to use university-designated parking lots:

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

Paid underground parking is available at FirstOntario Concert Hall, accessible by King Street. The City of Hamilton operates this lot and sets parking rates. Please see the Hamilton Municipal Parking System Office for rates.

You can explore a map, including pricing and accessibility options, of other available parking lots in the surrounding area here.

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 here.

Guests of GO Transit buses can request to stop directly outside of FirstOntario Concert Hall at the Summers Lane stop. You can 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. Check out their recommendations to find the perfect accommodation for your visit!

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.

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.

Printed Ceremony Program

For each and every convocation ceremony, the University prints 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. Also, 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 here. 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 printed 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 Wentworth Room C  for light refreshments and photo opportunities for you and your loved ones hosted by McMaster Alumni. This event will offer a relaxed atmosphere for you to mingle, share memories, and bask in the joy of your accomplishments while enjoying some coffee and sweet treats. Let’s make your special day even sweeter together!

Please note: You must return your regalia before visiting us at the Alumni Welcome Event. There will be a limited number of gowns within the event to borrow for photo opportunities, but please note availability varies based on attendance.

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. at The Loft (4th Floor of the Hub)

The McMaster Black Student Success Centre (BSSC) hosts a Black Excellence Graduate Celebration in the spring to commemorate the remarkable achievements of our departing Black graduates. This special event honours the resilience, excellence, and accomplishments of Black graduating students as part of the Class of 2025. 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.  

This year, we are excited to offer a cultural culinary experience, featuring a curated selection of African and Caribbean-inspired fusion treats from Afrolicious. Get ready for delicious flavors, joyful moments, and an unforgettable celebration!

Come for the celebration, stay for the culture, connection, and community!

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

How to RSVP

You will be able to register for Black Excellence Graduation Celebration as part of the RSVP process for your convocation ceremony in Tassel or register for Black Excellence Graduate Celebration by using this form.

Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. at L.R. Wilson (LRW) Hall on the McMaster University Main Campus.

The event celebrates 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.

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

How to RSVP

You will be able to register for Indigenous Graduation Celebration as part of the RSVP process for your convocation ceremony in Tassel. The deadline to RSVP is Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.

After the excitement has settled, you can relive the day through some amazing photos. Photos of your ceremony will be uploaded to the McMaster’s Flickr account a few weeks after, so keep checking back!

For the portrait that was taken after you crossed the stage, GradImages has you covered. Within two weeks of your ceremony, they’ll send you an email with details on how to access your portrait. Didn’t get the email? Head over to the GradImages website to find your photos using their search function.

A few weeks after your ceremony, you’ll also be able to find the recorded live stream of the entire event on the McMaster Alumni YouTube channel. This is your chance to watch the ceremony all over again, or share it with any friends and family who couldn’t be there that day.

Feeling nostalgic or just curious about previous graduations? Dive into McMaster’s dedicated celebration achives. Here, 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 full second 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 here. 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 for their ceremony and is responsible for sharing them with their guests. Tickets are required for entry—no exceptions will be made for individuals without a ticket.

Due to venue capacity limits, we are unable to accommodate individual requests for additional tickets. If extra tickets become available, all graduands who wished to be notified will be emailed 1–2 weeks before the ceremony and tickets will be equally distributed. Extra ticket availability is based on final RSVP numbers and expected attendance varies by ceremony.

Doors open 1.5 hours before the ceremony. Seating in the Great Hall is first come, first served and saving seats is not permitted. Once the Great Hall is full, ticketed guests will be directed to a live stream viewing area.

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

In response to growing attendance and feedback from graduands, 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 emailed directly to graduands in advance of their ceremony.

This change helps ensure a safe, comfortable, and equitable experience for all attendees by providing greater clarity and fairness around seating access.

McMaster University has carefully considered best practices and graduate feedback in establishing our ticket policy, designed to be as equitable as possible for all ceremonies.

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

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

While we are unable to accommodate individual requests for additional tickets. If extra tickets become available, all graduands who wished to be notified will be emailed 1–2 weeks before the ceremony and tickets will be equally distributed. Extra ticket availability is based on final RSVP numbers and expected attendance varies by ceremony.

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.

Only Master’s and PhD’s graduate receive a cap as part of their convocation regalia.

These are to be returned after the ceremony.

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

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.

To remain an equitable experience for all, each graduand is guaranteed two guest tickets and is responsible for forwarding tickets to their guests.

Guest tickets are required for all ceremonies. Individuals without tickets will not be permitted entry under any circumstance.

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 1.5 hours before the start of the ceremony. If guests have accessibility requirements, please let staff know at the information desk directly inside the Main Entrance. Find more out about accessibility at convocation here.

Please take a look at our How to Get to the Venue page for more information about travel, parking, and accommodation recommendations in Hamilton

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.

If you are attending convocation, diplomas will be available for pick-up on-site at FirstOntario Concert Hall after your ceremony is complete. Return your regalia no later than one hour past the end of the ceremony to collect your diploma. Look out for signage showing the way, or staff can direct you to the Wentworth Room to complete this process. If you ordered a pre-framed diploma, look for signage indicating its specific pickup area, separate from non-framed diplomas.

If you are not attending convocation, your diploma will be delivered as you indicated via the RSVP form (pick-up or courier). You can find detailed information about diploma pickup and mailing timelines on our diploma requests page.

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.

If you need to change your legal name, you will need to fill out the name change form and submit a Mosaic Service Request. 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. The RSVP form is open until June 20, 2025.

If you did not complete the RSVP form before June 20, 2025, 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.

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. 

All McMaster graduands (undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD) will be provided with the appropriate regalia, including gowns, hoods, and graduate caps. Regalia must be returned within one hour after the ceremony to receive your diploma.

Gowns do not have pockets, so plan ahead for personal items like your phone or camera. You will not see your guests after signing in, but staffed coat check is available for graduands. You may choose to keep valuables with you, leave them with your guests beforehand, or use the coat check. Keep in mind that you will carry anything you bring as you cross the stage.

If you would like to purchase regalia as a keepsake, please visit the Campus Store website.

McMaster is committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment that celebrates the rich diversity of our campus community. We fully support and encourage the inclusion of culturally specific apparel in convocation celebrations.

Many students choose to dress up for this special occasion. Wear what makes you feel your best, but most importantly, be comfortable as ceremonies are approximately two hours long.

Only Master’s and PhD’s graduate receive a cap as part of their convocation regalia.

These 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.

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

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. 

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.

To book your appointment:

• Navigate to the New Paramount website
• Select “Book”
• Register as a New User
• Re-enter and select “University/College” – McMaster Commerce
• Choose the time that conveniences you

Once registered, you will receive an email from the studio outlining their safety protocols and other terms.

Some of the photos of the overall event taken at convocation will be available on McMaster’s Flickr account a few weeks following your ceremony.

For your specific portrait taken after you crossed the stage, GradImages sends an email within two weeks of your graduation date. If you didn’t receive this email, please visit the Grad Images website.

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 April 30, 2025
• Received “Approved to graduate” status after April 30, 2025

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

Still have questions?

Undergraduate students: Make an appointment to speak with an academic advisor.

Graduate students: 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 of the Convention Centre, 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 may be picked up from the Studio upon arrival.

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

• McMaster University Faculty (including Chairs of Departments and Schools)
• Mohawk College Faculty (including Chairs of Departments and Schools)
• Conestoga College Faculty (including Chairs 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 of the Convention Centre, 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 in Meeting Room 2 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 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, Directors, and Board of Governors Chair
• Conestoga College President,  Vice-Presidents, Associate Vice-Presidents, Deans, Associate Deans, Directors, and Board of Governors Chair
• Civic Officials

McMaster faculty members planning to join the Academic or Chancellor’s processions for Spring convocations, please register using this form by Wednesday, May 14, 2025 for May ceremonies and Wednesday June 11, 2025 for June ceremonies.

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: The Studio
• Chancellor’s Procession: Meeting Room 2

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

Please sign up to join us using this form by Friday, May 2, 2025 for May ceremonies and Friday, May 23, 2025 for June ceremonies.