Between June 7 and 21, more than 7,000 graduating students will put on their finest regalia and participate in the time-honoured tradition of celebrating years of academic hard work when York University’s 2024 Spring Convocation gets underway.
This year’s Spring Convocation will feature 13 ceremonies at both the Keele and Glendon campuses and see thousands of students take a big step forward into their futures. Once again, York alumna Kathleen Taylor – who was installed as the University’s first woman chancellor in 2023 – will confer degrees on new graduands as part of her third convocation season.
An emphasis on community will remain a touchstone of the events. Each ceremony will be accompanied by student performers providing music during the academic procession, as well as before and after the events begin. Furthermore, alumni speakers will also take the stage during each ceremony to deliver a welcome message to graduands and their guests. This year’s eight honorary degree recipients will be welcomed into the York fold, sharing their stories and advice with graduands as they embark on new journeys.
The ceremonies throughout June will embody the principles of decolonizing, equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as respect for Indigenous ways of knowing and being, and the institutional value of sustainability. These elements were recommended by a working group assembled in 2022 by York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton to ensure convocations are welcoming to all within the University’s community.
Beyond the ceremonies, community will be fostered through celebrations (launched last year) for 2SLGBTQIA+ and Black graduands – in addition to the existing Indigenous grad event organized by the Centre for Indigenous Student Services – which celebrate and recognize the achievements of the Class of 2024 and those who have supported their journey.
Graduands and their guests can expect a shorter ceremony than in past years, after feedback from the community. In addition, this year diplomas will be mailed to graduates rather than picked up on site.
All convocation ceremonies will be webcast live and a link to the feed, as well as a schedule of ceremonies, will be available on the Convocation website. That way, even those who can’t attend can feel they are a part of the occasion.