All You Need to Know About In Absentia Convocation

All You Need to Know About In Absentia Convocation

Apply to Graduate 

The deadline to apply for In Absentia Convocation is January 22, 2025. To apply, log in to Student Center with your Western ID and from the Academics tile, select Graduation > Apply for Graduation and follow the on-screen instructions. You must also ensure that you verify your name on the system.

Getting Your Diploma

If you are successful and you want to receive your degree before the June Convocation, you can pick up your degree in person at Student Central 3 business days following the conferral date, provided you do not have an outstanding hold on your account.

Alternatively, you can request to have your degree mailed after February 28 to you via Student Center > Diploma Mailing by following the steps listed below:

  1. Log in to your Student Center with your Western credentials
  2. Click on Academics > Graduation > Diploma Mailing
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen

Diploma Mailing for February graduates will open February 17 and mailing will begin the week of February 24. Diplomas not picked up or mailed will be retained in the Office of the Registrar for two years following convocation, after which time they are destroyed, and you will be required to order a Diploma Replacement. More information about degrees and diplomas can be found here.

Ceremony 

The 2025 February In Absentia Convocation is February 28, 2025. No in-person ceremonies are held for the February Convocation.  

All successful graduates are invited to participate in the June Convocation ceremonies. In May 2025, successful graduates will receive further information regarding the Spring 2025 Convocation ceremonies in which you may participate. 

Come May, you will be able to see your program status and the ceremony you will be participating in in your Student Center under Academics > Graduation. 

International Students 

For International students who graduated in the In Absentia convocation, you can download this statement to use with any VISA applications to attend the ceremony. You can also follow the steps below: 

  1. Order your Official Western Letter after February 28 on Student Center by choosing Convocation, Degree and Graduation > Degree and year awarded
  2. Download the statement from Western for In Absentia Graduates
  3. Provide a copy of your study permit

For more details on inviting your friends and family to your Convocation ceremony, visit the Western International website.