Fall 2021 Convocation

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

Aug. 1, 2021: Applications to graduate (on LORIS) due without late fee.

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

Aug. 10, 2021: Last day of classes for 13-week spring term (make-up classes for Civic Holiday (Aug. 2); see Graduate Academic Calendar for Completion of Coursework.

Aug. 16, 2021: Last day of classes for second six-week winter term; make-up classes for Civic Holiday (Aug. 2); see Graduate Academic Calendar for Completion of Coursework.

Aug. 23-31: Credit (CR) grade option open.

Sept. 8, 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 spring (13 and 6-week) term courses, winter 2021 courses and GSAC-approved extensions from fall 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.

Sept. 30, 2021: Last day to submit MRP/thesis/dissertation for full refund; will be eligible to graduate in fall 2021 (no exceptions).

Oct./Nov. 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 Aug. 1 to avoid the late application fee; late application fee applies to all applications submitted between Aug. 2 and Sept. 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 graduation application will be postponed until the next convocation cycle (spring 2022). 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 Sept. 30, 2021. If you complete your degree requirements after Sept. 30, 2021, you will be ineligible to graduate in fall 2021. 

How do I apply to graduate?

You apply to graduate on LORIS.

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

Complete a Request for an Extension to Complete Coursework.

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 8, 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, these dates apply to all graduate students who are expecting to graduate this spring.