University of Windsor Chancellor Mary Jo Haddad has announced that Spring 2020 convocation ceremonies will be postponed in order to deal with the spread of COVID-19 and the need to support social distancing strategies.

“Convocation is a very special time for the entire university community,” said Chancellor Haddad. “Though we are all disappointed we can’t celebrate our students’ achievements in the usual way, please know that your health and safety is our primary decision-making driver during these unprecedented times.”

Spring degrees will be awarded in absentia for those eligible students who have applied to graduate. Senate is expected to approve eligible candidates at its May 22, 2020 meeting. The Office of the Registrar will then begin to courier diplomas to graduates. Those wishing to purchase a diploma frame should connect with the Alumni Association at alumni@uwindsor.ca.

In the coming months, once plans for the Fall convocation ceremonies are finalized, the Office of the Registrar will reach out to invite Spring graduands and their families to participate in the Fall ceremonies. All graduating students will have an opportunity to celebrate and be recognized as part of these ceremonies.

Students who successfully completed degree requirements in the Fall 2019 term are eligible to apply for an early release of their degree which can be accessed by following these steps:

The names of all early diploma recipients will be submitted to the University of Windsor Senate for information at the next regularly scheduled meeting, at which time the list of candidates for degrees will be considered for approval.

1. Students must specifically request the diploma by submitting a formal request to the University Registrar through the convocation co-ordinator at shari@uwindsor.ca. The request may be delivered electronically or by post.
2. The requirement to provide supporting documentation (such as a copy of an Offer of Employment) in order for early release of diplomas will be waived by the University of Windsor Registrar for this year only.
3. Students must have applied online to graduate, by the deadline date, in the usual manner indicating the degree, diploma, or certificate sought.
4. The Office of the Registrar will confirm eligibility and consult with the dean of the faculty (or designate) regarding each request.