A virtual convocation that will go down in history

Graduation
Graduating students in graduation gowns walk across the stage at convocation.
This year’s historic convocation ceremony will be different from any that uOttawa has held before. For the first time ever, uOttawa’s Convocation ceremonies will be entirely virtual. 
Two women wearing the graduation gown hug each other at graduation.
A graduating student crosses the stage at convocation, with the President in the background.
A father and his two daughters take a selfie at graduation.

For the Class of 2020, Convocation will take place at a time that is anything but normal. After an end-of-term upended by the pandemic, forcing a quick switch to online classes, graduates will now receive their diplomas in a novel fashion, which will certainly mark their memories, but also the University of Ottawa’s history. For the first time ever, uOttawa will host a virtual convocation ceremony. 

Simply postponing or cancelling convocation was not an option for uOttawa. COVID-19 will not stop us from celebrating and honoring our hardworking, ambitious and talented graduates.

One benefit of the virtual ceremony is that everyone can attend. uOttawa staff, professors and students, as well as family members and friends, are all invited to view the ceremonies online beginning June 15. 

The schedule is now available, indicating the time at which the virtual ceremony will be broadcasted online. The ceremonies will remain viewable after the launch.

Let’s celebrate this moment together 

Despite the distance that separates us, we will gather virtually to celebrate this important milestone with members of the University community and their loved ones. We’ve created resources to immerse you in the festive atmosphere that is normally felt at this time of year!  

Family, friends and students of the Class of 2020 are invited to use the hashtags #uOgrad and #GGnation to show their support and pride on social media and spark conversation. Share your pictures and messages with the whole community.

Drop in (virtually) on campus, to recapture the many memories and key moments from your time at university. Download your choice of background and install it on your favourite videoconferencing app or TikTok. 

Show your colours on Facebook. Add the University of Ottawa Class of 2020 frame to your profile picture.

Celebrate your accomplishments with our animated Instagram or TikTok GIFs. Search for “uOttawa” in the GIF search box or check out our GIPHY page

Congratulations to everyone receiving their diploma this spring! The resilience and adaptability you have shown in the last few months will serve you well in the future.  We know that you have a brilliant, promising future ahead of you. You deserve this celebration. You have earned it!

Follow our social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn) in the coming weeks to meet the new University of Ottawa graduates!