Congratulations Class of 2025! U of T sets the stage for spring convocation

Excitement and energy are filling the air across the University of Toronto’s three campuses as graduating students prepare to mark the completion of their degrees during spring convocation.

As family and friends cheer them on, more than 14,500 graduating students will cross the stage at Convocation Hall on the St. George campus during 34 ceremonies held between June 3 and 20. In total, more than 22,000 students will graduate from U of T in 2025, including 17,000 this spring.

The graduands – many of whom began their studies as the world was still struggling to move on from the COVID-19 pandemic – represent 117 countries, including Canada, and span the ages of 18 to 83. 

“On behalf of the University of Toronto, I extend hearty congratulations to the Class of 2025,” said U of T President Meric Gertler, who is presiding over his final convocation season this spring. “I’m confident that our newest graduates will excel in their chosen fields and play a critical role in helping Canada – and the world – address a host of pressing new challenges.”

Spring convocation season kicks off on June 3 with ceremonies for U of T Scarborough business administration and arts students and wraps up on June 20 for Rotman Commerce accounting, finance and economics graduands. But work behind the scenes – from preparing the parchment diplomas to training the volunteers who read aloud the names of graduating students – begins weeks earlier.

At each ceremony, graduating students will take part in proceedings that are steeped in tradition and significance. These include colourful hoods and flowing gowns, degrees conferred in Latin, a bedel carrying U of T’s gold-plated mace, a 51-bell carillon ringing from Soldiers’ Tower, inspiring speakers and the chancellor’s procession led by an Eagle Feather Bearer carrying a ceremonial Eagle Feather – an element introduced three years ago as a symbol of the university’s enduring partnership with Indigenous Peoples.

The spring ceremonies will also see honorary degrees bestowed on six esteemed recipients hailing from academia, law, the arts, business and science, who will share their insights and wisdom with graduating students.

Graduating students may to bring up to two guests to the proceedings. For those who cannot attend in person, each ceremony will be livestreamed on the U of T Spring Convocation 2025 Hub. As well, videos of all the ceremonies will be uploaded to the university’s YouTube channel and the MyMedia video archive, for later viewing and sharing.

In advance of convocation, students may wish to consult U of T’s interactive map highlighting key locations on campus. This includes the Medical Sciences Building, where graduands collect their regalia – gowns and hoods – 1.5 hours before their ceremonies, in the building’s JJR MacLeod Auditorium. 

They then proceed to Naylor Commons to assemble for the procession to Convocation Hall.

The map can also help locate parking, flower pick-up and where to buy a graduation plush teddy bear – U of T Bookstore’s Teddy Bear Canopy is located just outside Convocation Hall while the main bookstore location will be open and will offer diploma framing services.

The St. George campus also has several stunning photo spots, including Philosopher’s Walk and the grounds in front of Hart House. Two locations on campus – outside Convocation Hall and in front of University College – will be outfitted with 1.5-metre-tall “U of T” letters to give graduates an extra-special photo backdrop.

All graduates and their guests are invited to share memories and snaps on social media with the #UofTGrad25 hashtag.

Further information about the long-standing tradition of convocation at U of T can be found on the Convocation FAQ page. That includes a reminder that graduating students and their guests may bring small purses, water bottles and flowers inside Convocation Hall while all other personal effects must be in transparent plastic bags. Larger items, meanwhile, should be stored in the baggage check area.

Chancellor Wes Hall expressed his admiration for all the graduating students marking the successful completion of their U of T degrees this spring.

“I truly look forward to conferring degrees and sharing this special moment with our talented grads,” he said. “On behalf of the university, I want to congratulate the entire Class of 2025 for their achievements. It’s been an honour to have you as part of the university community and I have no doubt you will do us all proud as U of T graduates.”