Congratulations Class of 2020! 

For students who plan to graduate in spring 2020: 

Here's what you need to know:

Will Spring Convocation 2020 go ahead as scheduled in May?

No. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Memorial University has postponed Spring 2020 convocation scheduled for Corner Brook (May 14) and St. John’s (May 26-29). Plans will be made to hold these ceremonies in the Fall 2020. However, the university will conduct an in-absentia convocation to ensure that graduating students are awarded their degrees, diplomas and certificates in a timely matter following completion of their program requirements.

What does in-absentia convocation mean?

An in-absentia convocation allows for your degree to be awarded without a formal ceremony taking place. Diploma and certificate credentials are also awarded.

When will the in-absentia convocation take place?

The credential approval process of the in-absentia convocation will take place during a Senate meeting on May 28, 2020. 

Will I still be able to attend a convocation ceremony?

Spring 2020 convocation ceremonies in St. John’s and Corner Brook have been postponed until the Fall 2020. Graduates will be given an opportunity to attend a convocation ceremony at that time. More details will be communicated as they become available and posted to the Convocation web page at www.mun.ca/convocation.

When will my parchment be available and how will I receive it?

After the May 28 in-absentia graduation, the Office of the Registrar will begin preparation of all graduation parchments to be mailed. Since offices remain closed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there will not be an option to pick up parchments.

To ensure the safe and secure delivery of parchments, it is imperative that all students check their Personal Information in Memorial Self-Service to ensure that both Permanent address and phone number are active and valid. International addresses require a clear and complete physical address and contact phone number.

Note: In Self-Service there is an option for entering a ‘Convocation’ address if graduates wish to have their parchment mailed to an address that is different from the permanent one. If you opt to use the ‘Convocation’ address type, please ensure that it is also up-to-date and complete.

Every effort will be made to complete this process in a timely manner. However, given the large volume of graduation parchments to be mailed, the process make take the month of June to complete. Therefore, your patience will be greatly appreciated. 

Will my transcript be updated with the credential(s) I expect to receive?

Official transcripts will be updated shortly after the in absentia convocation to include credentials awarded.

Will I receive a refund for the rental of my cap, hood and gown?

If you already registered to attend Spring Convocation and paid for your academic dress rental via Self Service, you will receive a refund from the rental vendor. Because this is a manual process, your patience is appreciated. This vendor serves many universities that have cancelled or postponed their ceremonies so it will take time for them to process all refunds.