Convocation FAQs

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.

Collect your gown in the JJR McLeod Auditorium in the Medical Sciences Building (MSB 2158, 1 King's College Circle). Aim to arrive 90 minutes before your ceremony starts to give yourself ample time to get ready.

Yes, you will need to show your TCard to enter the JJR McLeod Auditorium, Medical Sciences Building (MSB 2158) 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 your 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 fully 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 locations across all three campuses for those selfies, family portraits and celebratory group photos. Take a look at our campus map to discover the best place for your photos.

On St. George campus: Hart House, Philosopher’s Walk and the college quadrangles are favourite photo locations. U of T Mississauga and U of T Scarborough also offer wonderful mixes of natural space and modern architecture. 

Once you leave Convocation Hall, you can take photos around campus at Hart House, Philosopher's Walk or the college quads. There will be pop-up canopies in Alumni Plaza outside Convocation Hall for flowers, U of T teddy bears and alumni pins. Alumni Relations will have their tents outside Alumni House (21 King's College Circle) and the U of T Bookstore (214 College Street). Diploma framing services and gifts and the Alumni Photobooth will be available at the U of T Bookstore.