Graduation & Convocation
Deadlines for Convocation
Deadlines for Convocation
Spring ConvocationThe deadline is typically 4:00 pm on April 1 (or the following Monday if April 1 falls on a weekend)
Fall ConvocationThe deadline is typically 4:00 pm on October 1 (or the following Monday if October 1 is on a weekend)
Information for Course-Based StudentsAfter verifying all degree requirements have been completed and/or are pending in the current term, the graduate administrator who oversees your program will complete the Report of Completion of Course-Based Master's Degree form, which will be submitted to FGSR.
Information for Thesis-Based StudentsFGSR must receive the Thesis Approval/Program Completion form, and students must submit and have their thesis approved in Thesis Deposit by the convocation deadlines in order to convocate. It is strongly recommended that students submit their thesis a minimum of 3-5 working days before any deadline, as corrections may be required.
The final thesis must be accepted and approved by FGSR by 4 pm. If the final thesis, including any required corrections, is submitted and approved by FGSR after 4 pm, the thesis is considered submitted in the next convocation submission period. Students must submit their thesis within six months of the final examination.
The final thesis must be accepted and approved by FGSR by 4 pm. If the final thesis, including any required corrections, is submitted and approved by FGSR after 4 pm, the thesis is considered submitted in the next convocation submission period. Students must submit their thesis within six months of the final examination.
Applying to Graduate in BearTracks
Applying to Graduate in BearTracks
Apply to Graduate
All applications for convocation are subject to review and approval by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. Applying to convocate on Bear Tracks does not guarantee convocation.
Verify Your Name & Personal Information
Update Your Attendance (RSVP)
Fee PaymentParchments and other official documentation will not be released to students with outstanding accounts. You are urged to clear all outstanding accounts at least two weeks prior to Convocation to ensure that your parchment is available. You can view any financial holds in Bear Tracks under Financial Account.
- In Bear Tracks, click on the Academic Records tile.
- From the menu on the left-hand side, select Graduation and then Apply for Graduation.
- Select the program and follow the instructions to complete your application.
All applications for convocation are subject to review and approval by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. Applying to convocate on Bear Tracks does not guarantee convocation.
Verify Your Name & Personal Information
- Verify your degree program, which is displayed on the Graduation Status page in Bear Tracks, and ensure that your full name is displayed in the Parchment Name field, as this name will be printed.
- Under the Profile tile in Bear Tracks, ensure your primary name and mailing address are correct.
- Preferred names are not printed on parchments. If a name change is required, please submit a Name Change form and add "For Convocation Purposes" to the top of the form.
Update Your Attendance (RSVP)
- Go to the Graduation Status page and indicate whether or not you will attend.
- You may change your selection in the future if your plans change. If you do not attend your Convocation ceremony, you can receive your degree either by picking it up in person or mailing it.
- Due to printing deadlines, students who do not update their convocation information at least one month prior to the start of Convocation may not have corrections to their information published in the program.
Fee PaymentParchments and other official documentation will not be released to students with outstanding accounts. You are urged to clear all outstanding accounts at least two weeks prior to Convocation to ensure that your parchment is available. You can view any financial holds in Bear Tracks under Financial Account.
Convocation Ceremony
Convocation Ceremony
Ceremony Details (Dates & Times)View the Office of the Registrar's Ceremony Details page to determine your ceremony date and time.
Reserve Your ApparelReserve your academic apparel through the Apparel Reservation site. The apparel reservation site usually opens 1-2 months before convocation and closes about three weeks before the ceremonies start. If you miss this window, academic apparel may still be rented from the University Bookstore during assigned dates and times.
Guest TicketsAs a graduand, you are eligible for up to three guest tickets and your own ticket. As of Spring 2023, the University of Alberta transitioned to ticket selections through Ticketmaster. The link is provided through BearTracks, and additional information will be provided on the Registrar’s website regarding initial allocations and timelines for obtaining additional tickets (if available).
Pick-Up and Drop-OffApparel and convocation packets must be picked up from the lower level of the University Bookstore. Your pick-up time will be either the day before your ceremony (if the ceremony is in the morning) or the day of your ceremony (if the ceremony is in the afternoon).
Your convocation packet includes your parchment, name card, and procedures brochure. Photo ID (U of A ONEcard, driver’s license, or passport) must be presented when you pick up your packet. If you cannot pick up the packet yourself, it will only be released to an individual who presents a signed and printed Letter of Authorization
Your academic apparel consists of a gown, hood, and mortarboard/graduation hat (yours to keep). Following the convocation ceremony, the gown and hood must be returned to the University Bookstore during designated times for your Faculty.
Reserve Your ApparelReserve your academic apparel through the Apparel Reservation site. The apparel reservation site usually opens 1-2 months before convocation and closes about three weeks before the ceremonies start. If you miss this window, academic apparel may still be rented from the University Bookstore during assigned dates and times.
Guest TicketsAs a graduand, you are eligible for up to three guest tickets and your own ticket. As of Spring 2023, the University of Alberta transitioned to ticket selections through Ticketmaster. The link is provided through BearTracks, and additional information will be provided on the Registrar’s website regarding initial allocations and timelines for obtaining additional tickets (if available).
Pick-Up and Drop-OffApparel and convocation packets must be picked up from the lower level of the University Bookstore. Your pick-up time will be either the day before your ceremony (if the ceremony is in the morning) or the day of your ceremony (if the ceremony is in the afternoon).
Your convocation packet includes your parchment, name card, and procedures brochure. Photo ID (U of A ONEcard, driver’s license, or passport) must be presented when you pick up your packet. If you cannot pick up the packet yourself, it will only be released to an individual who presents a signed and printed Letter of Authorization
Your academic apparel consists of a gown, hood, and mortarboard/graduation hat (yours to keep). Following the convocation ceremony, the gown and hood must be returned to the University Bookstore during designated times for your Faculty.