It should be recognized that all members of the University of Waterloo community, as members of society at-large, are subject to the law (federal, provincial, and municipal) with respect to their actions, whether those actions occur on or off campus.
An extension of these provisions concerns student conduct while participating in University-sponsored off-campus activities. In this regard, students are expected to abide by the policies, procedures, and practices of the University; and, to abide by reasonable instructions, given orally or in writing, by any official of the University authorized to secure compliance with policies, procedures, and practices, provided that the official is identified and is acting in an official capacity.
Full Course Load and Non-Academic Activities
All students should structure their schedules so that they can fully attend to their academic obligations. Students with a full course load who by choice or necessity participate in non-academic activities should limit these activities to no more than 10 hours per week.
Class Attendance
Students are expected to attend all scheduled components of the courses in which they have enrolled.
Students may be required to present documentation confirming the reasons for non-attendance. During the course add period, students may be removed from a course for non-attendance. Students who are removed from a class will be notified by the Office of the Registrar.
Degree Requirements
Students are responsible for their academic progress through to graduation. They must follow all requirements of their plan(s) (including co-operative education, if applicable).
Convocation and Application to Graduate
The University of Waterloo confers degrees and/or diplomas at two convocations per year, spring (June) and fall (October). All undergraduate students who expect to receive their degree or diploma at the next convocation ceremony must complete an Application to Graduate, normally in the term before degree completion, by the appropriate deadlines:
- Students completing degree requirements in the fall term: December 1 (spring convocation)
- Students completing degree requirements in the winter term: March 1 (spring convocation)
- Students completing degree requirements in the spring term: August 1 (fall convocation)
Students should note that adherence to these deadlines is critical to allow the time required for processing and an in-depth review of their academic record.
Students who have applied to graduate but do not yet qualify for their degree must submit another Application to Graduate after completing the necessary degree requirements. Their academic records will then be reviewed for the next convocation ceremony.
By accepting the degree, diploma, or certificate conferred, a student is ratifying the undergraduate academic record upon which it was based. Therefore, student initiated changes to that record will not be made.
The name printed on the diploma must be the student's legal name as recorded on their student academic record. Any change to this name must be supported by official documentation and submitted to the Office of the Registrar by the above deadlines.
Graduands who are unable to attend convocation will have their diplomas mailed to their permanent home address by the Office of the Registrar.