Preparing to Graduate

When: 

If you are in your final term(s) to complete your degree requirements for Spring 2025 Convocation, listed below are the no-fee and late application deadlines.  If you apply during the late application period, a non-refundable, non-transferable fee will be charged (See Registrarial Service Fees for Applying After the Deadline Late fee).  No applications to graduate will be accepted after the late application deadline.

How: 

The application to graduate process is completed in UWinsite Student. For complete instructions, please read this ask.UWindsor article

Note on Expected Graduation Term:  You will choose the term in which you will complete your degree requirements, as follows:

• “FALL 2024” if you will be completing your degree requirements by December 2024

OR

• “WINTER 2025” if you will be completing your degree requirements by May 2025

After you have applied to graduate, it is recommended that you Monitor your Graduation Eligibility Status in UWinsite Student regularly, as applications are being evaluated on an ongoing basis. 

Why: 

You must apply to graduate to be assessed to receive your degree, regardless of whether you plan to attend Convocation or whether you think you are eligible.  You do not have to wait until your final grades are posted to apply. If you are denied eligibility, your file will be updated so you can reapply when you are ready.

When: 

Your name will be displayed on your diploma/certificate and in the convocation program, as it appears under your "Primary" name on your Uwinsite student profile.  To make changes to your primary name please email convocation@uwindsor.ca by:

• May 1 for Spring Convocation
• September 1 for Fall Convocation

Include a scanned copy of your legal identification as supporting documentation.

How: 

To make changes to your official name, you must request the change by emailing the Convocation Coordinator at convocation@uwindsor.ca along with a scanned copy of your legal identification as supporting documentation (ie. birth certificate, passport). 

Why: 

If you send your request after the deadline date, you will have to order and pay for a replacement diploma. 

When:

For those who have selected to have their diploma/certificate mailed to them, mailing will begin the Tuesday following the conclusion of Convocation.  Please ensure your mailing address is updated on your Uwinsite Student profile by the Update Mailing Address deadline, generally ten days before convocation ceremonies.

How:

To update your address in UWinsite Student, follow the steps below:

1. On the Student Homepage, click the Profile tile. 

2. In the left navigation menu, click Addresses. 

3. Change your Home Address (permanent address) and/or your Mailing Address (address while attending UWindsor).  

• NOTE: If you are living in Residence at UWindsor, your Residence address will be pre-populated and cannot be updated by you in UWinsite Student. Information on Residence mailing addresses can be found here.  

Please note: You will need to update your mailing address in UWinsite Student to ensure that, if requested, your diploma is sent to your permanent address. 

For steps on how to set up your student profile, please visit this article. 

Why:

For mailing of any official graduation documents, it is important that your address is current and complete.

Please ensure your address is accurate, complete and follows these guidelines:

• Address: does not include a P.O. Box; includes a Buzzer code for your building (if required); includes a telephone number local to the delivery address
• Deliveries are made during regular business hours. Please check that the address selected meets this requirement

Graduating students wear an academic gown and the hood appropriate to their discipline. Adornments (e.g. cord or medallion) awarded to the graduating student in recognition of outstanding achievement by a professional society, the University of Windsor or their home Faculty may also be worn. Exceptions to this practice are Indigenous students, active military or law enforcement personnel, and clergy or members of religious orders, who may choose to wear their unique apparel.

It is highly recommended that you pre-order your gown and hood during the deadline dates listed under Important Dates.

Please note that Canadian Caps and Gowns will be onsite at the Toldo Lancer Centre in the Fieldhouse near the check-in area, the day of your ceremony.  Please pick up your gown and hood immediately after checking in.  Last minute gown and hood rental will be available but will take longer to process.

Gown/Hood Pick-up Times

• Morning ceremony: 
  • 4:00pm to 7:00pm on the day before the graduation ceremony, OR
  • 7:30am to 9:00am on the morning of the graduation ceremony
• Afternoon ceremony:
  • 9:00am to 11:00am on the day of the graduation ceremony
• Evening ceremony:
  • 2:00pm to 4:00pm on the day of the graduation ceremony

(Disclaimer: Every graduand will be accommodated for the gown/hood rentals, with priority given to the graduands for next upcoming session)

Gowns and hood must be returned immediately following the ceremony

For International Graduates, please visit the International Student Centre site for information on work permits and visitation letters.