Since 1950, when Memorial held its first convocation, thousands of students and more than 500 honorary graduates have crossed the stage to receive their degrees. Our convocation — defined as a gathering of the university community — has grown from the practices and traditions of older universities, such as the University of Oxford. Today's convocations are a distinctly Memorial University experience for all who attend, be they distinguished guests, faculty, honorary graduates or our graduating students who are, as they should be, the focus of the events.

Important Update on Fall Convocation 2020

Given the current COVID-19 public health restrictions in this province limiting organized events to a maximum of 50 people, it is expected that Memorial University will be unable to hold in-person Fall convocation ceremonies on Oct. 22, 2020.

However, the university expects to award degrees, certificates and diplomas in absentia on that date. This means that students who have applied to graduate this fall and have met all the university’s requirements will be awarded their credentials without formal in-person ceremonies taking place. As well, options to virtually celebrate graduating students’ achievements are now being considered. Detailed information on Fall convocation virtual arrangements will be announced in September, 2020, and posted to www.mun.ca/convocation.

Spring Convocation 2020 

Given the extraordinary circumstances related to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Memorial University postponed Spring Convocation 2020 ceremonies that were scheduled for May 14 in Corner Brook and May 26-29 in St. John’s.

Since an opportunity to walk across the stage and accept a hard-earned degree is the culmination of years of hard work for many students, the Spring Convocation ceremonies will be rescheduled to a later date when public health requirements permit for those graduates who wish to participate. New dates will be determined based on venue availability in St. John’s and Corner Brook; details will be released when they are available.

Additionally, in May 2020 the university conducted an in-absentia graduation to ensure that graduating students were awarded their degree, diplomas and certificates in a timely manner. Memorial held its first in-absentia graduation in February. Read more about the in-absentia convocation process or find answers to your convocation questions on Memorial's COVID-19 website.

FUTURE CONVOCATION DATES

The following convocation dates have been scheduled for Memorial University.