1. What time is my graduation? What Day is it on?
Please refer to the Ceremony Dates section on our website to view the specific date and time for your convocation ceremony.
2. Can I choose any ceremony posted in the schedule?
No, your degree is only conferred at the ceremony you have been invited to. Ceremonies are generally assigned by College, Faculty, or Division.
3. I cannot attend my ceremony. Can I attend a different ceremony?
No, your degree is only conferred at the ceremony you have been invited to. Ceremonies are generally assigned by College, Faculty, or Division.
4. If i attend my convocation ceremony, will i get my diploma there or will it be Couriered to me?
You will receive your diploma at the ceremony if you have RSVP’d and attend.
5. do i get my transcripts with my diploma?
No, transcripts do not accompany your diploma. If you require transcripts please contact University of Toronto's Transcript Services or order at: acorn.utoronto.ca .
6. do i get my photographs and class composite with my diploma?
No. If your College or Faculty has made arrangements for a class composite, please contact them. We do not arrange for composites. There will be a photographer at the ceremony who photographs every graduate present and you will be mailed a proof automatically unless you indicate otherwise at the ceremony.
Note that this proof is a sample only, and typically contains a watermark on the photo.
7. I am a graduate with a disability or special needs and will be attending my ceremony. Who should I call to make special arrangements if necessary?
If you are a graduate with accessibility needs (e.g. barrier-free access, ASL interpreters) please contact the Office of Convocation at convocation.office@utoronto.ca or by telephone at (416) 978-7070. You must also complete the RSVP and Ticket Form to confirm your attendance.
8. I have a guest who requires accessible seating or HAS ANOTHER ACCESSIBILITY NEED, who should I contact?
When you RSVP online, there will be a section in the ticket order portion to complete if your guest requires easily accessible seating. This seating is limited and is reserved for the elderly or persons with disabilities. If your guest has other accessibility needs, please contact the Office of Convocation directly at 416-978-3629 (convocation.office@utoronto.ca).
9. Do my guests need Tickets for Convocation? Even small children?
Yes, all guests will require a ticket to attend Convocation. Please note that children less than 24 months of age do not require a ticket if accompanied by an adult guest and not occupying a separate seat (please note that strollers are not permitted in the hall and children are not permitted to accompany graduates on stage). Ushers at Convocation Hall will only permit entrance to ticket holders.
There is no charge for convocation tickets and the sale of convocation tickets is strictly prohibited.
10. Can you tell me if I am eligible to graduate? I have met all requirements for graduation so have I already graduated? Can I get my diploma now?
Only your College or Faculty Registrar’s Office can provide you with information pertaining to eligibility for graduation. You are considered a graduate of a program once the degree has been conferred. Degrees, diplomas, and certificates are conferred upon graduating students in the exchange of Latin between the President and Chancellor at the beginning of the convocation ceremony. Even if you are not present at the ceremony, the degree is still conferred.
Please note that parchments/diplomas cannot be given out prior to the date and time of the convocation for that particular degree, diploma or certificate as it has not yet been conferred. If you attend your ceremony – you will get your diploma at the ceremony. If you are not attending your ceremony see the next section.
11. I am not attending convocation, how do I receive my diploma?
If you are not attending your Convocation you may obtain your diploma in one of the following ways:
- If you are not attending your ceremony, please RSVP “not attending” on ACORN during the RSVP period.
- You may collect your diploma in person at the Office of Convocation. Please see the timelines for pickup below and bring your University of Toronto TCard or valid government-issued photo identification (please note that we cannot accept an Ontario Health Card as photo identification) with you.
- You may send another individual to collect it on your behalf. That individual must provide a Fillable Diploma Pickup Letter of Authorization from you that must include the name of individual that the diploma is to be released to, your student number, degree earned and your original signature (emailed or otherwise electronically signed and/or sent copies will not be accepted). The authorized individual must also provide suitable identification (see timelines for pickup below).
- For a fee, you may have your diploma delivered to you after all ceremonies have concluded.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
The Office of Convocation will hold your diploma for one year following the date of Convocation.
- If you are graduating in March 2024, diplomas will be available for collection as of March 15.
- If you are graduating in June 2024, diplomas will be available for collection as of June 25.
- If you are graduating in November 2024, diplomas will be available for collection as of November 5.
Office Hours: We are by appointment only, but offer walk-in service immediately following the convocation ceremonies for those graduates. See details here.
If you should lose or damage your diploma please click here for information on obtaining a replacement. The current fee for replacing a diploma is $150.00 (this includes taxes and shipping).
12. Are the ceremonies webcast or photographed?
Ceremonies will be webcast and can be viewed on the Convocation Hub. The video will only be live once the ceremony has started. There is a photographer hired for convocation to take photographs of the graduates after they have received their diploma. Please click here for more information.
13. Will there be free wifi available on campus?
Yes. Stay tuned for more information.
14. I have more than two guests I would like to bring. will there be extra tickets or space to accommodate additional guests?
Extra guests without tickets cannot be accommodated and there are no stand-by options.
Please review the information about Extra Tickets as there may be availability depending on the ceremony.
Extra guests without tickets are welcome to utilize the alternate viewing venue available during all ceremonies. The venue, located directly south of Convocation Hall in the Sanford Fleming building, Room 1101, is fully accessible and will broadcast the livestream. Tickets are not required for this option.
IMPORTANT: Graduating students DO NOT require a ticket to attend their ceremony.
15. My diploma is on hold for an outstanding obligation to the University. What does this mean?
Students with outstanding University obligations may attend their convocation ceremony. However, as per the University of Toronto Policy on Academic Sanctions for Students Who Have Outstanding University Obligations your diploma is held until your account is reconciled and you have shown proof of payment to your Registrar's Office. Please note that the Office of Convocation requires a written release from your Registrar's Office before we will release your diploma.
16. I want to ensure my name is pronounced correctly at the ceremony. what options do i have?
One of the most significant moments of your convocation ceremony is having your name read aloud when you cross the stage. It is highly important that your name is pronounced accurately, and you are the best person to provide this guidance.
In advance of your ceremony: Graduating students will receive an email invitation from our partner Namecoach to voice-record your name and/or provide the phonetic pronunciation of your name. Recording your name on the Namecoach site will help ensure that it's pronounced correctly at the ceremony.
On the day of your ceremony: You will be given a presenter card with your name on it along with a pencil should you wish to make minor changes (strike out a middle name that you do not want read, add a preferred name, or add phonetic guidance). Remember, the Reader will only have a few seconds to review this card while standing at the podium, so changes at this stage should be relatively simple.
17. I go by a different name than what is in my official student record. can my preferred name be read at the ceremony?
One of the most significant moments of your convocation ceremony is having your name read aloud when you cross the stage. It is highly important that you identify with the name being read, even if it is not the name that will appear on your diploma.
On the day of your ceremony: You will be given a presenter card with your name on it along with a pencil should you wish to make minor changes (strike out the name that you do not want read, add a preferred name, and/or add phonetic guidance). Remember, the Reader will only have a few seconds to review this card while standing at the podium, so changes at this stage should be relatively simple and very clear.
Note: In this case, your student record, diploma, signature book, and program booklet will all contain your legal name. You are only changing what is being announced at the ceremony.
18. Can someone accompany me when i cross the stage?
Convocation is the culmination of this phase of your academic career and a celebration of your academic achievement. Only graduates are permitted to cross the stage. Guests – including children – must remain in the guest seating area and are not permitted to sit in the graduate seating area or cross the stage with graduates.