Your convocation questions answered
Your big day is almost here and we imagine you might have a few questions about your fall convocation. To help you, we've compiled some of the top questions and answers to guide you and your guests before, during and after your ceremony. If you don't find your answer here, head over to the additional FAQs provided by the Office of Convocation.
Top frequently asked questions
Only small purses (not exceeding 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 (not exceeding 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.
There are no in-and-out privileges, so make sure you have everything you need before you enter Convocation Hall.
You can collect your gown at the Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship at 55 St. George Street. You are advised to arrive 90 minutes before 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.
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 an integral part of the academic tradition. It signifies admission into a community of scholars, and so must be worn as part of one’s academic regalia.
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. 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 an integral part of the academic tradition. It signifies admission into a community of scholars and so 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 a lot of beautiful locations for graduation photos. With lush green spaces, historic quads and eye-catching architecture, we encourage you to check out the picturesque locations across all three campuses for those selfies, family portraits and celebratory group photos. On St. George campus, Hart House, Philosopher’s Walk and the college 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. Take a look at our campus maps to discover the best place for your graduation photos!
Once you leave Convocation Hall, you can take photos around campus at iconic locations such as Hart House, Philosopher's Walk or the college quadrangles. In addition, there will be pop-up tents right outside Convocation Hall in Alumni Plaza with flowers, U of T teddy bears and alumni pins. Diploma framing services and gifts, and the Alumni Photobooth are available at the U of T Bookstore at 214 College Street.