Here you will find answers to common questions regarding your Graduation Celebration. Click on a question to get the answer.
FAQs
If you are potentially eligible to graduate, then you will receive an electronic invitation to Convocation with instructions regarding how to register. Click here for more information.
If you are a past graduate and would like to request a walkthrough at a future ceremony, please visit the Walkthrough Info page.
Those graduating in February are graduating in absentia, meaning those eligible to graduate will graduate and receive their diplomas. However, Convocation (the graduation ceremony) is not hosted in February and all February graduates are automatically invited to the following convocation ceremonies that take place in the spring.
Click here to view the 2023 Spring Convocation Ceremony Schedule.
Other future Convocation dates can be found on the Long Range Dates page.
Students who are graduating with a double major will be invited to the ceremony of their first major. Please check the top of your most recent grade report to see which of your majors is first.
All guests require a valid ticket to enter the Sobeys Stadium (formerly Aviva Centre) for a convocation ceremony. Each graduate will be allotted at least 3-4 guest tickets. The number of guest tickets allotted to each graduand varies depending on the convocation ceremony and location.
Children under the age of three (3) do not require a guest ticket, provided they are accompanied by an adult and will share that person's seat, i.e. sit on their lap. Each ticket is unique and will only admit one.
Please note: the graduand does not require a guest ticket to attend their convocation. The robe rental confirmation page acts as a student ticket to convocation.
Due to limited capacity and high demand, extra tickets are very limited.
If tickets become available because graduating students are not attending their Convocation ceremony, they will be released to those who have replied via the online form, which will be made available beginning in May.
Students will have the opportunity to request 1 or 2 extra ticket when completing their RSVP in May. Making a request for extra tickets does not guarantee you will receive them. Please plan to only bring guests to the ceremony that you have tickets for.
The convocation office does not provide international students with Visa letters. Students who require a letter to invite their family or friends from overseas to attend their ceremony will need to request a special, customized confirmation letter from the Registrar’s Office. Please email yuverify@yorku.ca to submit a request.
Students may also write their own letter of invitation by following the requirements stated on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.
Most convocation ceremonies are Webcast live and a link to the live feed will be available on the Convocation website. Please note that copies of the webcast will not be available after the ceremony is over.
Please note: in some instances (eg. places of business) you may not be able to obtain the live feed due to firewall or security restrictions. Please check in advance with your technical support.
Provided that your eligibility is received prior to the printing production deadline for convocation, you will receive the diploma/certificate you are entitled to on the day of your ceremony.
Those unable to attend the convocation ceremonies should refer to the Registrar's Office website to learn more about pick-up dates and location.
To inquire about having your diploma/certificate mailed, please contact diplomas@yorku.ca.
Please complete the Robe Rental Refund form to request a gown rental refund. Please note that not all robe rental refund requests are approved. All refund requests will be reviewed two weeks after the last convocation ceremony, and we will contact you via email once a decision has been made.
Those unable to attend the convocation ceremonies should refer to the Registrar's Office website to learn more about diploma pick-up dates and location.
At each ceremony a professional photographer will photograph each graduate as they greet the Chancellor. Each graduate will also be photographed as they approach and exit the stage.
Complimentary photograph proofs will be e-mailed to each graduate within one week of convocation ceremonies. There is no obligation to purchase.
If you have not received an email from Grad Images regarding your ceremony photos, please visit their website to find your photos or contact them using the information below.
Grad Images
1-800-372-3686
ecc.giservice@gradimages.net
www.gradimages.com
Once you have applied to graduate with an undergraduate degree you can verify your graduation status online. The system will indicate if your application to graduate has been received, if your file has been audited and if you are eligible to graduate. For more information and to check your status, please visit the Graduation Eligibility and Status webpage.
Graduation is the term used to acknowledge that you have met your degree requirements and you have been approved by Senate to graduate from the program. Convocation refers to the ceremony where the Chancellor confers the degree.
If you are in the last term of your program and expect to graduate, you must apply to graduate. For information on applying, deadlines, graduation eligibility and status, visit the Registrar's Office page on preparing to graduate. You will find specific information on how to apply, including deadlines, by selecting Apply to Graduate.
York's policy is to print the name of your degree on your diploma (e.g. Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Arts with Honours). Other academic information including "Specialized Honours" and your major will appear on your transcript.
For a list of academic honours that each Faculty awards to its graduating students, click here. Please note that not all academic honours are printed on the diploma (such as Member of the Dean's Honour Roll), however they will be reflected on your transcript.
If you owe money to the the University, your diploma will be held back until your debts are paid. To ensure you do not owe the University any money, please do the following:
- Check Your Student Account to view your balance and make payments.
- Check your Library Account for outstanding fines.
- Contact Parking Services for outstanding parking violations.
Please e-mail convo@yorku.ca or call the Convocation Office at 416-736-5325 to leave a voicemail.