Convocation: A guide to McMaster University traditions

Universities are steeped in tradition, and convocation is arguably the time when those traditions are most on display.

Since its founding in 1887, thousands of McMaster University students have celebrated and been celebrated at convocation ceremonies. Many official, and unofficial traditions have grown from these celebrations. Here are a few of those convocation traditions.

The ceremonial mace

McMaster’s ceremonial mace, given to the university in 1950 by the graduating class of 1900, is a fixture at convocation ceremonies. The mace is carried by the convocation bedel (a role that usually goes to the longest-serving faculty member). During the procession, the bedel walks in front of and protects the chancellor. Once the mace is set on the stage, the convocation ceremony can begin.

Spot the midwife

It’s part of a long-standing midwifery tradition that all graduating midwives in Ontario wear red shoes to their convocation to stand out from the crowd.

Chancellor’s robes

The chancellor – the university’s honorary head – presides over all convocations. Her seniority is indicated by her robe, which is designed to be more elegant than that of the president’s. It’s also heavier, weighing in at an estimated 20 pounds. The regalia of Santee Smith, McMaster’s chancellor since 2019, incorporates both the traditions of the office of chancellor and Smith’s own Mohawk and Scottish heritage.

The mortarboard

According to tradition, only those earning a master’s degree or a PhD wear a mortarboard at convocation. Those earning a bachelor’s degree wear no headgear.

Put a ring on it

Graduating engineering students take part in the Kipling Ceremony, an annual rite-of-passage dating back to the 1920s. Students are given a ring that symbolizes the pride engineers have in their profession and serves as a reminder of the obligation to live by a high standard of professional conduct.

The colours of convocation

The colours of graduation gowns and hoods can indicate different universities and areas of study. Here, Juliet Daniel, McMaster’s associate dean, Faculty of Science – who holds a PhD in microbiology – dons her regalia at a convocation ceremony in fall 2021.

Photo by the arch

The collegiate gothic architectural backdrop of the Edwards Arch on McMaster’s campus is one of the most photographed spots on campus, and that’s especially the case around convocation. A photo there is a great way to cap off an academic journey, and it’s a wonderful spot for McMaster alumni to come back and visit!