Graduation Information

Every candidate for a degree or diploma is responsible for submitting an application for graduation via WebAdvisor, regardless of their intention to attend the convocation ceremony.

There are three graduation periods throughout the year: early October, mid-February, and early June. Formal convocation ceremonies are only held in October and June. The last day that WebAdvisor is open for applications to graduate in the next semester’s graduation period is the 40th class day of the semester prior to the graduation period (e.g., Fall semester for Winter graduation, Winter semester for Summer graduation, and Summer semester for Fall graduation). The specific application deadline for a given graduation period can be found in the Schedule of Dates.

The dates of the upcoming convocation ceremonies are available in the Schedule of Dates. Read important details about convocation ceremonies.

Unclaimed diplomas will be held in the Office of Registrarial Services for up to two years following graduation. After that time, they will be destroyed.

Notice about QR codes on diplomas: As of October 2021 convocation, University of Guelph diplomas will no longer include a QR code.

For more information on applying to graduate or requesting confirmation of graduation/convocation, consult the appropriate section:

Undergraduate and Diploma Students

Applying to Graduate

An email is normally sent to each student registered at the University in the 4th semester of an associate diploma program, in the 6th semester of a general program, and in the 8th semester of an honours program, inviting the student to apply for the upcoming graduation period via WebAdvisor. Students who wish to apply for graduation but are not eligible to do so via WebAdvisor can download a hard copy application or email the Undergraduate Graduation and Convocation Coordinator to request one.

Review the complete graduation application instructions and download the application form or email the Undergraduate Graduation and Convocation Coordinator to request a hard copy application.

Confirmation of Graduation/Convocation

Students who have NOT convocated and require a letter confirming their upcoming graduation from the University should make this request to the appropriate Program Counselling Office.

Students who HAVE convocated and require a letter confirming graduation from the University should make this request via email to the Undergraduate Graduation and Convocation Coordinator.

Third-party degree verification: To verify the credentials of a University of Guelph graduate, third parties (e.g., prospective employers and educational institutions) can email verify@uoguelph.ca. The types of information that can be released to third parties are outlined in the Departmental Policy on the Release of Student Information.

Graduate Students

Applying to Graduate

The application must be completed in the semester in which the thesis is submitted to the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies or, where a thesis is not required, not later than the last date for thesis submission for the relevant graduation period.

After the deadline for the WebAdvisor application to graduate has passed, students may apply for late acceptance to graduate by completing a paper application and paying a late graduation fee. The paper application must be submitted to the Graduate Convocation Coordinator. Once the application has been processed, the late fee will be applied to the student's account. The last day for submission of a paper application is listed in the Schedule of Dates.

For more information, graduate students should consult the Graduate Academic Calendar and the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Confirmation of Graduation/Convocation

Students who have NOT convocated and require a letter confirming their upcoming graduation from the University should submit the request form (select Confirmation of Program Completion letter under "Type of letter requested").

Students who HAVE convocated and require a letter confirming graduation from the University should make this request via email to the Graduate Convocation Coordinator.

Third-party degree verification: To verify the credentials of a University of Guelph graduate, third parties (e.g., prospective employers and educational institutions) can email verify@uoguelph.ca. The types of information that can be released to third parties are outlined in the Departmental Policy on the Release of Student Information.

Parchment Replacement

Inquiries about the replacement of a U of G parchment (degree) should be directed to the Undergraduate Graduation and Convocation Coordinator at 519 824-4120 Ext. 56048, or email the Undergraduate Graduation and Convocation Coordinator.

Download the Degree Parchment Re-Issue Order Form.