Frequently asked questions
We've compiled some of the questions that you might have about your convocation this spring. For more details about convocation, please check the FAQs provided by The Office of Convocation.
Only small purses (must not exceed 6” x 9”), water bottles and flowers can be brought into Convocation Hall. You or your guests may bring in transparent plastic bags for personal effects (must not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”). Please avoid bringing any other items to Convocation Hall including camera bags, backpacks and rolling bags.
A baggage check area will be provided for you or your guests with large personal items.
No, there are no in-and-out privileges.
You can collect your gown at the Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship, 55 St. George Street. You are advised to arrive 90 minutes in advance of your ceremony start time.
Yes. You will need to show your TCard to enter the Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship to collect your gown. If you don’t have a TCard, you can use a government-issued photo ID.
No. Graduating students may not modify their gowns by wearing a stole or adding jewelry or badges. While stoles are sometimes worn as an expression of one’s culture or heritage, they are not part of the university’s approved academic regalia and may not be worn during the convocation ceremony. They may, however, be worn under the gown and hood during the ceremony and made visible outside Convocation Hall after the ceremony while celebrating with friends and family.
Yes. The academic hood – the colour and style of which corresponds to the academic degree earned – must be worn. The hood is the recognition of your academic success and a critical part of the academic tradition. It signifies admission into a community of scholars, and as such must be worn as part of one’s academic regalia.
Yes. U of T normally requires all graduands to wear an academic gown and hood when crossing the stage at graduation. However, if you wish to wear your traditional Indigenous regalia in place of the academic gown, you are welcome to do so. The academic hood – the colour and style of which corresponds to the academic degree earned – must be worn. The hood is the recognition of your academic success and a critical part of the academic tradition. It signifies admission into a community of scholars, and as such must be worn with your traditional Indigenous regalia.
Yes! We encourage you and your guests to clap, cheer and create a positive experience for everyone who crosses the stage.
U of T has many beautiful locations for graduation photos. From lush green spaces to quirky quads and eye-catching architecture, there are many picturesque locations across all three U of T campuses to take selfies, family portraits and celebratory group photos. On St. George, Hart House, Philosopher’s Walk, and the colleges and quadrangles are favourite photo locations. Graduates can also take photos at U of T Mississauga and U of T Scarborough which offer a wonderful mix of natural and modern architectural settings for grad photos. Check out our campus maps.
Once you leave Convocation Hall, you can take photos around campus at iconic locations such as Hart House, Philosopher’s Walk or college quadrangles. In addition, there will be pop-up tents along Galbraith Road outside Convocation Hall with flowers, U of T teddy bears and beverages. Diploma framing services and gifts are available at the U of T Bookstore, 214 College Street.