Things to Know for the Spring Convocation | June 19

Congratulations on reaching this milestone! To ensure your degree is officially conferred and your diploma is processed correctly, you must complete the steps below even if you do not plan to attend your ceremony.

Important details: 

• Date: Friday, June 19
• Times: 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
  • Doors open: One hour before your ceremony (Graduands: check your email for your exact check-in time)
  • Duration: About two hours
• Location: FirstOntario Concert Hall is located in the heart of downtown Hamilton at 1 Summers Lane, directly across the street from Hamilton City Hall.
• Click here for more information

Graduation preparation guide: 

• Confirm you’re approved to graduate
• Verify your name for your diploma
• Check your student account
• RSVP
• Claim your guest tickets

Convocation day essentials: 

• Before you arrive
  • Bring your Photo ID, you’ll need it for diploma pick-up after the ceremony.
  • Make sure you’ve forwarded your guests their tickets, which can be printed or emailed via Tassel.
  • Ensure that you have accessed your Stage Pass via Tassel.
  • Plan ahead for getting to the venue. Limited parking is available at FirstOntario Concert Hall, with additional lots nearby.
  • Make sure that your device is charged so that you can access your Stage Pass during multiple points throughout the ceremony.
  • Dress comfortably. Gowns have no pockets; use the coat check or keep valuables with your guests.
  • McMaster University fully supports and encourages the inclusion and addition of culturally specific apparel during celebrations.
• When you arrive
  • Graduands:
    • Verify your check-in time sent to you via email and arrive promptly.
    • Enter via the Hamilton Convention Centre entrance on Summers Lane.
    • Staff/signage will guide you to check-in. Notify staff if you require accessibility support.
  • Guests:
    • Doors open one hour before ceremony start time.
    • Enter via the Main Entrance to FirstOntario Concert Hall on Summers Lane.
    • Present your tickets to staff.
    • Notify staff if you require accessibility support.
    • Seating is first-come, first-served in the Great Hall; once full, guests will be directed to a live stream viewing area.
• Check-in process and regalia
  • Check-in:
    • Show your Stage Pass on your device to staff.
    • You will then be fitted into your regalia:
    • Bachelor’s: Gown and hood only.
    • Master’s & PhD: Gown, hood and cap.
    • Staff will guide you to line up as for the Graduand Procession. Your Across the Stage Number on the Stage Pass determines the order – please stay in sequence.
  • Regalia notes:
    • All regalia must be returned one hour after the ceremony.
    • Your regalia will be returned in exchange for your diploma.
    • Graduation gowns do not have pockets – plan where to keep phones or personal items.
    • Bachelor level graduands will be pre-hooded in The Studio, Masters and PhD graduands will be hooded on stage.
• During the ceremony
  • Marshals will usher the Graduand Procession into the Great Hall approximately 20 minutes before the ceremony.
  • Please turn all devices to silent. The ceremony begins with speeches from senior leaders and Honorary Doctorate recipients.
  • Marshals will guide you backstage to prepare for when your name is called.
  • Once backstage, open your Stage Pass. Staff will scan your phone to cue your name display and announcement.
  • You will be directed on stage where your name will be announced and you can pause on the mark for your big moment!
  • Follow the red carpet to exit the stage. Explore this diagram illustrating a graduand’s path across stage to get a better idea of your route.
  • Handshakes with the Chancellor’s Procession are optional. If you prefer, simply place your hand on your chest.
  • PhD and Master’s Graduates: After crossing the stage, you may don your cap.
  • Ceremony ends with speeches from the valedictorian and President and you will be led by Indigenous drummers and Marshals out of the Great Hall.
• After the ceremony and diploma pickup
  • Return your regalia within one hour to pick up your diploma.
    • Pre-framed diplomas have a separate pick-up area within the same room. Make sure to read all directional signage.
  • If you’d like photos of you in your regalia take them before heading to the diploma pickup area. The patio off the mezzanine level is great for pictures.