Graduation Day Details

Gown & Hood Pre-Order Reminder

The deadline to pre-order your gown and hood was May 23. If you missed the deadline, Canadian Caps and Gowns will be on-site the day of your ceremony to assist with rentals.

Please arrive early—lineups can be long.

You can also pre-order in person at the Toldo Lancer Centre (TLC) during the following times:

  • Monday, June 2 – 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
  • Tuesday, June 3 to Friday, June 6 – 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM

Graduation Day Instructions

Step 1: Arrival & Check-In

Arrive at least 1.5 hours before your ceremony at the St. Denis Centre entrance, Toldo Lancer Centre.

  • Pick up your diploma and call card at the check-in desk.
  • Your call card will be used to announce your name and includes a QR code for scanning on stage.
  • You do not need your diploma to cross the stage—feel free to leave it at your seat or with a guest.

Step 2: Gown & Hood Pickup

· Pick up your pre-ordered gown and hood in the Fieldhouse.

· If you are renting on the day, allow extra time for processing. Volunteers will assist with directions.

Step 3: Marshalling

  • Head to the marshalling area in the Fieldhouse.
  • Your call card has an order number—follow it.
  • Late arrivals will be seated separately and cross the stage last.

Important Details for Graduates & Guests

  • Location: 
    • Toldo Lancer Centre – 2555 College Ave., Windsor, ON
  • Doors:
    • Open 90 minutes before the ceremony
  • All guests:
    • Age 2+ require a ticket
  • Accessible Seating: 
    • Guests needing special seating should arrive 1 hour early
    • Staff will assist. 
    • Drop-off area is available, but mobility aids are not provided.
  • Dress Code: 
    • Convocation is formal. Wear appropriate attire under your gown. 
    • Safety pins may help secure your hood. No mortarboards/caps are worn.
  • Parking: 
    • Complimentary, first-come, first-served in the two lots across from the main entrance. They fill quickly.
  • Guest Tickets: 
    • Guests must scan printed or digital tickets to enter.
  • Ceremony Etiquette: 
    • Please turn off phones and minimize talking and photo-taking during the ceremony.
  • Smudging Ceremony: 
    • Optional for graduates. 
    • Involves burning sweet grass, cedar, and sage as a form of purification and positive intention.
  • Grad Images: 
    • Professional photos will be taken. 
    • Fill out the back of your call card to receive your photos afterward.
  • Graduate Procession: 
    • Begins on time. 
    • Late grads may miss walking with their class. 
    • Please return to your seat after crossing the stage and stay until the end.
  • Overflow Seating:
    • Overflow guests can watch a live stream in a separate viewing area. 
    • Once ticketed guests are seated, additional seats may open in the main auditorium.
  • Diploma Framing
    • The Alumni Association offers Canadian-made diploma frames, embossed with the University of Windsor seal.
    • Pre-order and pick up your frame at the ceremony: