Governors, Faculty & Staff
Convocation brings the entire University of Toronto community together to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates. Governors, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in Convocation as a member of the Academic Procession and by volunteering.
Please note that due to limited seating in Convocation Hall, we are unable to offer guest tickets to faculty or staff.
Academic Procession
The Academic Procession continues to be an important part of the long and dignified tradition of the Convocation ceremony at the University of Toronto. A procession that includes a strong representation from the division is a visible demonstration of the value that we place on convocation and the celebration of our students’ achievements. We hope that you and your colleagues will be able to join the Academic Procession for any or all ceremonies.
Please review the ceremony schedule to determine which ceremony you would like to participate in.
Spring 2026 Convocation ceremonies are scheduled to run from June 1-18, 2026.
From May 1 to May 14, members of the Governing Council, Faculty and Staff will be able to RSVP on-line to participate in the Academic Procession for the Spring 2026 convocation ceremonies. Information regarding regalia rental, assembly time, and meeting place is noted below. If you are experiencing difficulty with our website or wish to speak with a staff member in the Office of Convocation, please call us at (416) 978-3629.
Go to the Academic Procession RSVP. (Note: This link will be live during the RSVP period)
If you have questions or concerns, please contact us at (416) 978-3629.
Rental of Academic Regalia
Academic regalia is available, for a small fee, to all members of faculty and staff from our supplier. Please note that they can provide black gowns for members, but hoods only for those with a University of Toronto degree (they cannot provide hoods for degrees earned from other universities).
Regalia Pick-up/Drop-Off Location
North side of the Medical Sciences Building in the Macleod Auditorium (1 King’s College Circle). Follow the signs for staff and faculty gown rental. Do not join the student line-up for regalia pick-up.
Purchase of Academic Regalia
Please contact the Office of Convocation at (416) 978-3629.
Governors
Please contact the Office of the Governing Council by email to make arrangements for a Governors Gown.
Assembly begins 30 minutes before the time of the convocation ceremony. Please meet at the Council Chamber, which is located in Simcoe Hall, at 27 King’s College Circle, on the 2nd floor.
If you have questions, please contact the Office of Convocation at (416) 978-3629.
Volunteering
Spring 2026 Convocation
The sign-up form to volunteer for Spring 2026 Convocation will open in April 2026.
Convocation is a significant milestone marking the culmination of our students’ hard work, dedication and perseverance. Faculty, staff and librarians play an important role in supporting students in their academic journey and Convocation provides an excellent opportunity for our community to come together to celebrate our newest graduates. This June, approximately 16,000 students will graduate at 36 ceremonies and the Office of Convocation is looking for volunteers to provide support in a variety of roles. If you are a full-time staff, faculty or librarian and want to help celebrate our graduates at Convocation, come and join the team as a volunteer and help make our ceremonies a success.
Students looking for opportunities to support Convocation are encouraged to review postings for paid work on the Career & Co-Curricular Learning Network website.
Thank you to everyone who helps make Convocation a memorable and celebratory event!
Dates and Times
Volunteer sign-up for Spring Convocation 2026 ceremonies will open in April 2026.
Spring 2026 Convocation will run weekdays from June 1-18, 2026 with two or three ceremonies taking place each day.
Training is provided to all volunteers, and we ask that you consider volunteering for a minimum of three ceremonies.
Roles
Most roles require continual standing for the duration of the shift, however please advise if you require any accommodation to ensure your participation.
- Greet and check in graduating students as they arrive to pick up regalia (gown and hood)
- Provide general information to graduating students
- Arrival time: 2 hours prior to ceremony
- Shift duration: 2 hours
- Number of volunteers required per ceremony: 2
- Location: Medical Sciences Building – Macleod Auditorium
- Welcome and assist graduating students with getting into procession order
- Provide general information to graduating students
- Note: This role does not require volunteers to process into Convocation Hall
- Arrival time: 2 hours prior to ceremony
- Shift duration: 2 hours
- Number of volunteers required per ceremony: 3
- Location: Medical Sciences Building – David Naylor Student Commons
- Help graduating students look their best just before they cross the stage by checking and assisting with their regalia
- Provide stage protocol information to graduating students (where to go, where to stand, where to pick up their diploma after, etc.)
- Arrival time: Ceremony start time
- Shift duration: 90 minutes
- Number of volunteers required per ceremony: 2
- Location: Convocation Hall
- Greet and check in the Academic Procession as they arrive
- Make announcements
- Lead the Academic Procession into Convocation Hall at the beginning of the ceremony
- Provide general information to the Academic Procession
- Arrival time: 45 minutes prior to ceremony
- Shift duration: 1 hour
- Number of volunteers required per ceremony: 2
- Location: Simcoe Hall – Council Chamber