The autumn leaves are putting on a colourful show across the University of Toronto’s three campuses, creating a vibrant backdrop for graduating students preparing to celebrate their accomplishments during fall convocation.
Eleven ceremonies will take place at Convocation Hall on the St. George campus between Oct. 27 and Oct. 30. During the week, as many as 4,300 graduands from 86 countries — ranging in age from 18 to 66 — are expected to cross the stage to receive their degrees.
Each ceremony will feature several longstanding U of T traditions, including colourful hoods and flowing gowns, a bedel carrying a gold-plated mace, a 51-bell carillon ringing out from atop Soldiers’ Tower and the chancellor’s procession led by an Eagle Feather Bearer carrying a ceremonial Eagle Feather. Introduced in spring 2022, the Eagle Feather symbolizes the university’s deep respect for Indigenous Peoples.
“I’m thrilled to share this moment with the Class of 2025, their families and friends,” says U of T President Melanie Woodin, who will be participating in her first convocation as the university’s most senior administrator.
“As a former U of T student, I know just how much dedication and effort our graduating students have invested in reaching this milestone. So, on behalf of the entire University of Toronto, let me be the first to congratulate our impressive grads on everything they have achieved.”
Graduating students and their families can find everything they need to prepare for convocation at the U of T Fall 2025 Convocation Hub. It includes a schedule of ceremonies and important details on how to rent academic regalia, obtain guest tickets (maximum of two per graduand) and record name pronunciations to help convocation readers ensure everything goes smoothly on the big day.
Those unable to attend convocation in person — including friends, family and other supporters — can watch each ceremony via livestream on U of T’s YouTube channel, where the videos will be archived. The recordings will also be available on MyMedia.
Before arriving at Convocation Hall, graduating students and their guests can refer to the interactive map of the St. George campus to familiarize themselves with key convocation-related locations. For example, the map shows graduands how to find the Medical Sciences Building, which is where they will collect their gowns and hoods in the J.J.R. MacLeod Auditorium 90 minutes before their ceremonies begin.
The map also includes information on parking and potential traffic disruptions on College Street due to streetcar track replacement work undertaken by the City of Toronto and Toronto Transit Commission.
Outside of Convocation Hall, the U of T Bookstore’s Teddy Bear Canopy will sell plush graduation bears while the main bookstore location will be open and offering diploma framing. A canopy will also be available for those who want to purchase flowers, or to pick up orders they placed in advance.
This year’s fall convocation will see the return of two 1.5-metre-tall “U of T” letter installations around King’s College Circle, offering ideal photo backdrops alongside the fall foliage. Other potential photo spots include Philosopher’s Walk and the grounds outside Hart House.
All graduates and their guests are invited to share memories and photos on social media using the #UofTGrad25 hashtag.
U of T Chancellor Wes Hall, who will confer degrees on graduating students inside Convocation Hall, says he’s looking forward to welcoming members of the Class of 2025, to the university’s large, global alumni network.
“Earning a degree from the University of Toronto is a tremendous accomplishment — one that prepares our graduates for a lifetime of success, and to help make the world a better place,” he says.
“I look forward to seeing how the members of the Class of 2025 will make their mark in the years to come.”