Congratulations, class of 2024!
Welcome to your destination for all things graduation, convocation and celebrating your McMaster student journey. Learn more about what is required of you to graduate and what to expect at your convocation ceremony below.
Fall 2024 Ceremony Dates
Wednesday, November 20, 2:30pm – Arts & Science, Business, Humanities, Social Sciences
Thursday, November 21, 9:30am – Health Sciences
Thursday, November 21, 2:30pm – Engineering and Science
Graduation Preparation Guide
Congratulations on reaching this exciting milestone! As you get ready to celebrate your achievements at convocation, please follow these essential steps in advance to make sure that everything is set for your big day. These steps must be completed even if you are planning to not attend your convocation ceremony. This guide will help you to confirm your eligibility, verify your name for your diploma, resolve any outstanding balances, RSVP for your ceremony and claim your guest tickets.
First things first – make sure you’re approved to graduate! You must be approved to graduate even if you do not plan to attend the scheduled ceremony. Check your Graduation Status in Mosaic:
- How to verify your Graduation Status in Mosaic: Mosaic > Student Centre > My Academics > View my graduation status.
- Review your Advisement Report: Mosaic > Student Centre > My Academics > View my Advisement Report.
Undergraduate Students: If you’re missing any requirements, schedule an appointment with an academic advisor.
Graduate Students: Reach out to your Graduate Administrator to confirm that no further actions are needed.
Your diploma will feature your primary name listed in Mosaic, so it’s crucial to ensure that it is correct.
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.
- To check your primary name in Mosaic: Mosaic > Student Centre > Personal Information > Names > Primary Name.
Need to update it? Submit a name change form via Mosaic Service Request by October 25, 2024, to avoid any replacement fees. Requests received after the October 25 deadline will be subject to a diploma replacement fee.
Prefer a different name to be announced at your ceremony? You can specify that when you RSVP in MarchingOrder (Step 4).
Ensure there are no outstanding balances on your student account in Mosaic. You cannot receive your diploma until all outstanding balances are paid.
You must RSVP for your ceremony even if you are not planning to attend. Monitor your McMaster email for an email invitation to access MarchingOrder. Once you receive the invitation:
- Follow the instructions to log into MarchingOrder and complete all required fields in the RSVP form.
- This form allows you to specify if you want your name included in the program, provide your preferred name for the ceremony announcement, share the correct pronunciation of your name and request guest tickets. Please read all prompts carefully.
- If you are attending, indicate ‘Yes’ on the form under ‘Attendance’ and you will pick up your diploma the day of the ceremony.
- If you won’t be attending, indicate ‘No’ on the form under ‘Attendance’ and follow the instructions for diploma delivery.
To remain an equitable experience for all, each graduand is guaranteed two guest tickets. Monitor your McMaster email for the instructions to claim them once they are released via MarchingOrder. They are typically released two weeks before your ceremony date.
Please note that tickets are valid until 30 minutes before the ceremony starts. After that, any remaining seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Standby admission is not guaranteed. The venue capacity for FirstOntario Concert Hall is 2,181 which includes seating for graduands and designated guest tickets.
Now that you’re all set with the graduation process, be sure to review the important dates, check if you’re eligible for any awards and book your graduation portrait. These are great ways to stay prepared and celebrate your hard work!
Date |
Faculties and degrees |
Programs
|
---|---|---|
Wednesday, November 20, 2024,
|
Business, Humanities and Social Sciences
|
|
Thursday, November 21, 2024, 9:30am |
Faculty of Health Sciences
|
|
Thursday, November 21, 2024, 9:30am |
Faculties of Engineering and Science
|
|
Here are all the convocation dates and deadlines to make sure you’re on track to graduate for Fall 2024. For a full list of all McMaster dates & deadlines visit this page.
Date (2024) | Item | Information |
---|---|---|
August 13 | Undergraduate Minor, Concurrent Certificate, & Mohawk Social Sciences Certificate tile opens. | Complete the Minor & Certificate tile on Mosaic. |
September 10 | Convocation RSVP form opens in MarchingOrder | Complete the RSVP form on MarchingOrder to register for your convocation ceremony. |
October 17 | Deadline to apply for Undergraduate Minor and Concurrent Certificate | Complete the Minor & Certificate tile on Mosaic. |
October 25 | Primary name change deadline for convocation | If you need to change your primary (legal) name that will appear on your diploma, you will need to fill out the name change form and submit a Mosaic Service Request.
Go to Mosaic > Student Centre > Personal Information > Names > Primary Name. Your primary name (first, middle, last) – exactly as it appears in Mosaic – is the name that will be printed on your diploma. Name changes requested after the October 25 deadline will be subject to a diploma replacement fee. When RSVP’ing for convocation, students can submit their Preferred Name, which will be displayed and announced during the convocation ceremony. |
October 30 | Deadline to mark attending on the convocation RSVP form | Complete the RSVP form on MarchingOrder to register for your convocation ceremony. |
November 21 & 22 | Degree awarded status updated in Mosaic | Proof of graduation available for Nursing and Health Sciences graduates via a transcript, or degree awarded letter. |
November 21 | Convocation RSVP form closes | Complete the RSVP form on MarchingOrder to register for your convocation ceremony. |
December 2 | Fall 2024 diploma mailing and express pickup | Graduates who have chosen to have their diploma mailed to them will have their diplomas mailed out beginning December 2.
Fall 2024 diplomas will be available for express pick-up (time and location TBA). |
Valedictorian
Graduates are invited to apply or nominate a peer for the role of valedictorian. This position recognizes outstanding leadership and communication skills. Valedictorians will present a speech at convocation to fellow graduates, faculty, honoured guests, family and friends attending the convocation ceremony. Apply now to represent the graduating class!
AwardSpring
Apply and learn more about more awards available to you in AwardSpring.
Need help? Find more information and step-by-step instructions on how to apply here.
If you are applying after your graduation has passed and can’t access awards in AwardSpring, you can find award requirements and criteria in the Funds Finder.
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.
Is there something we haven’t covered here? Please check our FAQ tab above or connect with a Student Services Professional via our online chat.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Convocation Day Essentials
The big day is almost here! If you’ve followed all the steps in our Graduation Preparation Guide we should have everything we need from you. Now it’s time to prepare for your ceremony.
All ceremonies take place at FirstOntario Concert Hall, 1 Summers Lane, Hamilton ON, L8P 4Y2 (formerly Hamilton Place). Doors open 1.5 hours before the start of the ceremony, and ceremonies are approximately two hours. For Spring ceremonies, they are generally held the week of Victoria Day in May and the second week of June. For Fall ceremonies, they are generally held the third week of November.
- Graduands – Arrive no later than one hour before your ceremony. You will need this time to complete the check-in process and get ready for your big moment!
- Guests – Please note that guest tickets are valid until 30 minutes before the ceremony starts. After that, any remaining seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that standby admission is not guaranteed. The venue capacity for FirstOntario Concert Hall is 2,181 which includes seating for graduands and designated guest tickets.
Can’t attend? A live stream of each ceremony will be available if you or your guests cannot attend in-person.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of your ceremony, including important reminders and helpful tips:
- 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 MarchingOrder.
- 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. Find more information about accessibility 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 be hooded onstage, and you’ll cross as your name is announced. Handshakes with the Chancellor’s Party are optional; if you prefer, simply place your hand on your chest. Check out this diagram illustrating a graduand’s path across stage, and the location where you are hooded 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.
Experience convocation from a graduand POV in this video:
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.
After the ceremony ends you will be able to download your verifiable McMaster University e-Diploma in order to download and share your credentials easily with future employers or institutions. Learn how to download and share your verifiable McMaster University e-Diploma here.
Is there something we haven’t covered here? Please check our FAQ tab above or connect with a Student Services Professional via our online chat.
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 follow McMaster University policies & protocols and Core Entertainment policies.
How to Get to the Venue
Plan your celebrations with ease using our parking and travel details. We’ve got everything you need to ensure a smooth journey so you can focus on celebrating your special day.
FirstOntario Concert Hall (1 Summers Lane, Hamilton ON, L8P 4Y2) (formerly Hamilton Place), is located in the heart of downtown Hamilton, directly across the street from Hamilton City Hall.
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
Paid underground parking is available at FirstOntario Concert Hall, accessible by Summers Lane or King Street. The City of Hamilton operates this lot and sets parking rates. Please see the Hamilton Municipal Parking System Office for rates.
McMaster-operated parking is also available at 100 Main St. W, behind the David Braley Health Sciences Centre (DBHSC). View DBHSC rates.
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. Alternatively, visit the HSR Online Trip Planner 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.
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!
Is there something we haven’t covered here? Please check our FAQ tab above or connect with a Student Services Professional via our online chat.
Accessibility
Accessibility requests for grads and guests are accommodated upon arrival at your scheduled ceremony. If you require any of the following accommodations, we can accommodate the following the day of the ceremony and you do not need to make any arrangements with our office in advance.
- Wheelchair users
- Limited mobility
- Visual impairments
- Hearing impairments
- Designated rooms for prayer, nursing, and quiet space.
Attendant propelled wheelchairs and infra-red hearing devices are available for loan at FirstOntario Concert Hall.
Photos of the processional route travelled by graduands on the day of the ceremony (including photos of stairs, railings, etc.) are available as a PDF document.
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.
Please view this map for an indication of the accessible guest seating available in the Great Hall.
FirstOntario Concert Hall has several attendant propelled wheelchairs that can be loaned to guests during the ceremony at no charge. Ask your guests to inquire at the information desk in the main lobby.
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.
Have questions? Need additional accessibility accommodations from what is listed? Please contact us at convo.accessibility@mcmaster.ca.
Media at Convocation
Convocation is an event celebrating your academic achievement, and there is a long history of capturing images of this event to add to the historical record of McMaster University. This has grown to include livestream capture, in addition to photography during the event. By registering to attend, you consent to such recording media and its release, publication, exhibition or reproduction.
Relive Your Big Day
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.
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 MarchingOrder 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 MarchingOrder 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.
Is there something we haven’t covered here? Please check our FAQ tab above or connect with a Student Services Professional via our online chat.
Keep Celebrating
Make sure to check out these convocation adjacent events to keep the celebration going!
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!
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.
2025 Date TBD
The McMaster Black Student Success Centre (BSSC) hosts a Black Excellence Graduation Celebration in the spring to commemorate the remarkable achievements of our departing Black graduates. Learn more about the Black Excellence Graduation Celebration or contact Kobina Baiden (baidengk@mcmaster.ca) for assistance.
The first 100 students to register will be gifted a Kente stole courtesy of BSSC.
Please note: Black Graduation is not the same as your McMaster convocation ceremony.
How to RSVP
More details on how to RSVP will be shared closer to the date.
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 5 p.m. at L.R. Wilson (LRW) Hall on the McMaster University Main Campus.
The event celebrates Indigenous Graduates who self-identify as First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit, from all programs, and all Indigenous and non-indigenous graduates of the Indigenous Studies Program (Honours BA, Combined Honours BA, Combined BA program, and Minor in Indigenous Studies). Learn more about the Indigenous Graduation Celebration or contact indigssa@mcmaster.ca for assistance.
Please note: Indigenous Graduation is not the same as your McMaster convocation ceremony.
How to RSVP
More details on how to RSVP will be shared closer to the date.
Explore past ceremonies, including event programs, photos and live streams, on their dedicated celebration site!
Is there something we haven’t covered here? Please check our FAQ tab above or connect with a Student Services Professional via our online chat.
Frequently asked questions
We hope that our guides have provided all the information you need to make your celebration perfect! But if you still have some questions, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Check out our FAQs below for more details.
If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, find out how to connect with one of our Student Services Professionals for further assistance.
Graduands
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:
- Complete the Request to Defer Attendance at Convocation form
- Gather your supporting documentation. This must show evidence of the circumstances beyond your control impacting your attendance (e.g. employment letter, medical documentation).
- 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.
All graduands are entitled to two guest tickets.
Guest tickets are valid until 30 minutes before the ceremony starts. After that, any remaining seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The venue capacity for FirstOntario Concert Hall is 2,181 which includes seating for graduands and designated guest tickets.
As such, if you have more guests who would like to attend your ceremony, they are welcome to wait at the door until first come first served seating begins (30 minutes before the scheduled ceremony start time). Non-ticketed guests will only be admitted based on guest capacity at that time and are not guaranteed admission.
McMaster University has carefully considered insights from best practices and graduate feedback in establishing our current first come first served policy, which is what we believe to be the most equitable process for managing extra guests.
At the 30-minute mark before the scheduled start time, all extra guests are immediately seated until the venue reaches capacity. The venue capacity for FirstOntario Concert Hall is 2,181 which includes seating for graduands and designated guest tickets.
Please note: Extra guest capacity fluctuates by ceremony. Non-ticketed guests will only be admitted based on capacity at that time and are not guaranteed admission.
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.
If your guests require a visitor’s visa to travel to Canada for the ceremony, please see How to Request a Letter of Invitation.
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.
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:
- Before submitting a request, check your graduation status in Mosaic.
- Once your Mosaic Student Centre is updated to ‘approved to graduate’ by your Faculty Office you can request a verification letter.
- Download your letter or submit a Service Request to order your credential.
- 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.
Have follow up questions? You can connect with Student Services via our online chat.
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 Marching Order.
- Submitted changes to your convocation registration after October 30, 2024
- Received “Approved to graduate” status after October 30, 2024
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.
Regalia
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.
If you would like to purchase your own regalia to keep, please visit the Campus Store website.
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.
What to wear with your regalia
Many students choose to dress up for the special occasion. Dress like your best self, but most importantly, be comfortable as ceremonies are approximately two hours.
There is a staffed coat check for graduands. It is at your discretion to keep your valuables with you, with your guests or with our coat check.
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.
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).
Pick-up: Diplomas will be available for express pick-up on December 2, 2024 at McMaster University (time and location TBA).
Courier: Diplomas will be mailed between December 2–6, 2024. Please ensure your mailing address is up-to-date in Mosaic (including your phone number as it is a mailing requirement). If the address is incorrect, the diploma will be returned to McMaster University. Learn how to update your mailing address in Mosaic here.
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.
The name change deadline for Fall 2024 is October 25, 2024. Name changes requested after the October 25 deadline will be subject to a diploma replacement fee.
If you are not attending convocation, you must indicate ‘No’ on the RSVP form via MarchingOrder and complete your diploma delivery information. The RSVP form is open until November 21, 2024.
If you did not complete the RSVP form before November 21, 2024, 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 will be contacted by phone for your payment. Please allow 2-3 weeks for processing.
In extenuating circumstances, there may be times when you need your degree conferred ahead of your scheduled ceremony. There is a process where you may request an early release of your diploma.
What steps do I need to take to seek approval for early conferral?
Please note: this process is currently only for undergraduate students. Graduate students must reach out directly to Grad Studies.
- Review the Issuing Diplomas in Advance of Convocation policy.
- Confirm that you are eligible to graduate with an Academic Advisor.
- Make sure you are not currently enrolled in courses and that all of your grades are posted on Mosaic.
- Gather all the required documentation to support your request. Outline the specific reasons why the diploma is required in advance.
- Complete the Early Conferral Request form.
- Submit a Mosaic Service Request and attach your Early Conferral form as well as all supporting documentation.
- Return to ‘My Service Requests’ to view the status of your request.
When can I apply for an early conferral?
You can only apply for an early conferral in a term you are not enrolled in. For example, if you finished your last courses required for your degree in December, you can apply for an early conferral as early as January.
If you finish your final courses in April, you can only receive an early conferral if you have an opportunity that outlines in writing that your diploma is required before your Spring convocation ceremony. Your final grades must be posted to Mosaic before you can be considered.
If you have completed your classes in April and need documentation showing you have completed your degree requirements for employment, graduate school applications, etc., you will need to download an “approved to graduate” letter from your Mosaic Student Centre when it becomes available in late May. Please be aware this letter will only become available once your faculty has finished its review of all students. This process begins in early May and is completed by late May.
How early can I receive my diploma?
The earliest you can pick up your diploma is at your convocation ceremony.
Application deadline
Applications are accepted throughout the year. The only deadlines are prior to the Spring convocation ceremony.
Please submit an order via Parchment to request the re-issue of your diploma for pick-up or courier.
The new verifiable McMaster University e-Diploma is here! Learn how to download and share your verifiable McMaster University e-Diploma
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.
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.
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.
Guests
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 preordering in advance and enjoy the convenience of our professional framing service!
Flowers can be pre-ordered or purchased on-site.
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. 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
To remain an equitable experience for all, each graduand is guaranteed two guest tickets. Additional guests can wait at the door for first-come, first-served seating, starting 30 minutes before the ceremony. Extra guest capacity fluctuates by ceremony. Non-ticketed guests will only be admitted based on capacity at that time and are not guaranteed admission.
We encourage those without tickets to watch the available live stream of each ceremony as we often reach full capacity within FirstOntario Concert Hall. The venue capacity for FirstOntario Concert Hall is 2,181 which includes seating for graduands and designated guest tickets.
Faculty & Staff
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
If you plan to join the Academic or Chancellor’s Procession for fall convocations, please register by Wednesday, November 6, 2024.
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.
Borrowing regalia (hoods, gowns, caps)
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 by Friday, October 25, 2024.
Checked all the FAQ’s, spoke with a Student Service Professional and you still can’t find the answer that you are looking for? Please contact convo.accessibility@mcmaster.ca.