Fall 2020 Convocation

On February 10, 2020, the university announced that the fall 2020 convocation ceremonies at the Waterloo campus will be held on October 15 and October 16. This decision mitigates impact to students and faculty during the normal teaching schedule and enhances services to guests through the availability of parking and facility access.

This shift results in some changes in deadlines related to clearing students who are eligible to graduate in the fall. While the pandemic may require a further change in convocation date, the following deadlines will continue to hold, pending updated information from senior administration.

If you expect to be eligible to graduate this fall, note the due dates and activities (these dates are firm):

August 1, 2020: applications to graduate (on LORIS) due without late fee (we strongly encourage you to apply to graduate before August 1 – you do not have to have completed all degree requirements in order to apply to graduate)

August 5, 2020: last day of classes for 13-week spring term (make-up day for Canada Day, Wednesday July 1); see Graduate Academic Calendar for Completion of Coursework

August 17, 2020: last day of classes for 6-week summer session term (make-up day for Civic Holiday, Monday August 3); see Graduate Academic Calendar for Completion of Coursework

September 1, 2020: last day to submit an application to graduate (on LORIS); late fee applies; apply by August 1 to avoid the late application fee (no exceptions)

September 2, 2020: deadline for completion of all program requirements (including coursework, capstone/MRP/thesis/dissertation) to be eligible for the medal competition (no exceptions)

September 23, 2020: final deadline for submission of work to your instructor for which an extension was approved (not eligible for medal competition)

September 30, 2020: last day to submit MRP/thesis/dissertation for full refund and eligible to graduate (not eligible for medal competition) (no exceptions)

October 15, 16, 2020: celebrate your success!

This information has been communicated to all program coordinators, instructors, supervisors, and support staff.

Can I apply to graduate before I have finished my degree?

Yes; if you are nearing the end of your degree requirements, you should apply to graduate (available on LORIS as of June 30) before August 1 to avoid the late application fee; late application fee applies to all applications submitted between August 2 and September 1, 2020.

What happens if I apply to graduate, but I don’t complete all the requirements by the deadline? (see Academic Dates in the Graduate Calendar)

Your application will be postponed until the next convocation cycle (June 2021). You do not need to re-apply to graduate in the next cycle.

I’m not interested in being considered for the medal competition, so what is the latest that I can finish all degree requirements (including any approved extension to complete coursework) and still graduate this fall?

All degree requirements must be completed (including receipt in the FGPS of final grades, and post-defense paperwork) by September 30, 2020. If you complete your degree requirements after September 30, 2020, you will be eligible to graduate in spring 2021.

How do I apply to graduate?

You apply to graduate on LORIS. You can find more information here.

I have applied to graduate but need to request an extension to complete coursework. How do I do that?

The Request for an Extension to Complete Coursework located here.

I am graduating this fall and took a course at another university; will my grade arrive in time to meet Laurier’s deadline?

 We are not able to guarantee receipt of grades expected from other institutions. You are encouraged to connect with your instructor(s) at your host institution to advise them that you are expecting to graduate, pending successful completion of the course(s). You may also need to arrange for the submission to the FGPS of an official transcript (joint program students exempted). 

I want to be considered for the medal competition – what do I need to do?

Only students who have met all the degree requirements by September 2 are eligible for consideration. It is the responsibility of your graduate program coordinator or your advisor to nominate you, and to complete the nomination package. They may ask for a copy of a current CV. If nominated, you will be notified of the decision of the selection committee in advance of convocation.

 My graduate program is in Brantford, and my convocation date isn’t until November. Do these dates apply to me?

Yes, they apply to all graduate students who are expecting to graduate this fall.