Graduation and convocation are notable events in a student's academic journey. To ensure your graduation and convocation goes smoothly, visit the following links to find out what is required of you prior to convocation:
Note to International Students: If you are inviting a family member to attend your convocation, you can request an "eligible to graduate" letter from our Request a Letter website. Please visit the Government of Canada's Citizenship and Immigration website for full visa requirements.
FAQs
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.
Graduand is the term used to address a student who is about to graduate or receive a degree. A graduate is a student who has received a degree or diploma.
All students must apply to graduate. For information on applying, deadlines, graduation eligibility and status, visit the Preparing for Convocation section of this website. You will find specific information on how to apply, including deadlines, by selecting Apply to Graduate.
Your eligibility status for the upcoming convocation will be noted on your most recent grade report (e.g. for June 2019 convocation, it would be noted on your Fall/Winter 2018-2019 grade report, for October 2019 convocation, it would be noted on your Summer 2019 grade report ). Your grade reports are available online at the Current Students website. In addition, once you have applied you can check your status online.
Once you apply to graduate, the Degree Audit Office will evaluate your graduation eligibility. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have met your program and degree requirements. You can check with your Faculty or program advising office to find out if you have met your program and degree requirements prior to applying or while you wait for a decision from the Degree Audit Office.
A second degree audit is completed after the submission of final grades. As such, if you have received an invitation, it does not guarantee that you are graduating. Once the final grade reports are released, your academic decision will tell you if you are eligible to graduate. Graduate students should contact your Graduate Program Office for any questions about your status.
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 the convocation program and your transcript.
Your full legal name, as shown on the Student Information System, is what is used on official University documents, such as transcripts and diplomas.
To make any changes to your official name, you must submit a Name Change Form to the Registrar's Office along with the appropriate supporting documentation as outlined on the form.
For your correct name to appear on your diploma and in the convocation program, the Name Change Form must be submitted to the Registrar's Office by May 1 for the June convocation, and September 15 for the October convocation. If you submit the form after the deadline date, you will have to order and pay for a replacement diploma.
Framing services are provided by York Alumni. For more information, including a downloadable price list and order form, click here.
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.
- Contact York Telecom for outstanding telecommunication charges: telecomm@yorku.ca
Please note: if you pay your debt two weeks or less prior to your convocation date, you will have to provide proof of payment when you pick up your diploma on convocation day.
Please e-mail convo@yorku.ca or call the University Events and Ceremonies team at 416-736-5325.