Spring 2021 Convocation

The extension of the holidays between fall and winter semester results in some changes in deadlines related to clearing students who are eligible to graduate in the spring, 2021. The following deadlines apply.

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

January 15, 2021: applications to graduate (on LORIS) due without late fee

April 1, 2021: last day to submit an application to graduate (on LORIS); late fee applies (no exceptions)

April 12, 2021: last day of classes for second 6-week winter term; make-up classes for Good Friday (April 2); see Graduate Academic Calendar for Completion of Coursework

April 19, 2021: last day of classes for 13-week spring term (make-up classes for Good Friday (April 2); see Graduate Academic Calendar for Completion of Coursework

May 14, 2021: final deadline (no exceptions) for students who have applied to graduate to be eligible for the gold medal competition and

for submission of work to your instructor where an approved extension to complete coursework was granted (with documentation submitted to FGPS) for winter term courses, fall 2020 courses and GSAC-approved extensions from spring 2020),
for completion of all coursework including submission of final (post-defence) copy of dissertation/thesis/MRP (if applicable) to Scholars Commons, and receipt in FGPS of signed program/defence documentation

May 31, 2021: last day to submit MRP/thesis/dissertation for full refund; will be eligible to graduate to graduate (and eligible for medal competition) in fall 2021 (no exceptions)

June 2021: celebrate your success! This information has been communicated to all program coordinators, instructors, supervisors, and support staff.

FAQs

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 (through LORIS) before January 15 to avoid the late application fee; late application fee applies to all applications submitted between January 16 and April 1, 2021.

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 (Fall 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 SPRING?

All degree requirements must be completed (including receipt in the FGPS of final grades, and post-defense paperwork) by May 14, 2021. If you complete your degree requirements after May 14, 2021, you will be ineligible 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 SPRING 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 April 30, 2021 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 DATES ARE DIFFERENT FROM WATERLOO CAMPUS PROGRAMS. DO THESE DATES APPLY TO ME?

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