2026 OISE Convocation Hub
A Message from OISE Acting Dean Creso Sá
On behalf of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), it is my great pleasure to congratulate the graduating class of 2026.
Today, as we celebrate and honour your tremendous accomplishments, we also acknowledge, family, friends, and mentors who have provided support along the way. You have arrived at this moment through dedication and perseverance, and it is a privilege to mark this milestone with you and with our community.
Your degree is more than an academic achievement. Your education has prepared you to engage with depth, rigour, and conviction: to ask harder questions, challenge entrenched assumptions, and contribute meaningfully to the fields and communities you will serve. Whether your path leads you into classrooms or clinics, community organisations or government, you leave here ready to make that contribution.
OISE graduates carry that preparation into a worldwide alumni network of more than 100,000, among them Order of Canada recipients, an Ontario premier, cabinet ministers, CEOs, social entrepreneurs, clinical psychologists, professors, researchers, policymakers, and award-winning teachers. You have earned your place among them, and we are proud to count you as one of our own.
We invite you to stay connected, attend our events, and in time return as mentors to the next generation of OISE students. The relationships and commitments that brought you here do not end today. Your story is one we want to keep telling.
Congratulations again, Class of 2026.
Sincerely,
Creso Sá
Distinguished Professor and Acting Dean
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
University of Toronto
Convocation Ceremony Details
The 2026 Fall convocation ceremony for the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) will be held on October 27, 2026 at 9:30 a.m., at Convocation Hall. More details are available here.
We are honoured to share that Dr. Awad Ibrahim will deliver the convocation address for this year's graduates.
Dr. Ibrahim is a full professor, the Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Excellence and holder of the Air Canada Professorship on Anti-Racism at the University of Ottawa. He is a curriculum theorist with special interest in the economy of hospitality, cultural studies, Hip-Hop, youth and Black popular culture, social foundations (i.e., philosophy, history and sociology of education), social justice and community service learning, diasporic and continental African identities, ethnography and applied linguistics. He has researched and published widely in these areas.
Professor Ibrahim obtained his PhD from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, and has been with the UOttawa Faculty since 2007. Before that, he taught at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Internationally, he has ongoing projects in Morocco, Sudan and the United States. He is an advisor to the Canadian Playful Schools Network. His immediate projects include an ethnography of an inner city high school in Ottawa, a blog called On Becoming link, and a project on the daily struggle of 'becoming a citizen' in Canada.
Convocation Stories
IN THE NEWS: U of T prepares to celebrate the Class of 2026 at fall convocation
Scholar, critic, consultant: Dr. Neil Price on building Black community in Higher Education
Honouring the late educator-athlete-artist-sister: The effort to fundraise for a Nina Dixon scholarship
‘Your dreams can still come true’: A message to incoming students from a new graduate
PHOTOS: Our second OISE Spring 2026 Convocation ceremony
IN THE NEWS: Varsity Blues' Andrea Chiappetta's journey from student to leader
Welcome to the OISE Alumni Family
Our alumni community – over 100,000 strong – is making an impact in education. With a degree from one of the world’s top education faculties, you are now equipped with the knowledge and skills to help make the world a better and brighter place. As an alum, you have access to a wide range of benefits and services that will connect you to meaningful professional opportunities as well as fellow alumni and new friends.
There are perks to being an OISE alum
Stay connected with our alumni newsletter
Update your email address for a chance to win
Well Wishes From Your Fellow Alumni
Cindy Sinclair, MEd '09, PhD '17
"The world needs you. You have been given the tools to become a part of something big, and to be leaders in your areas. You are a graduate from the number one faculty of education in Canada. Pick up the baton and follow your dreams. Think big. Think outside the box. Most of all, believe in yourself."
Shakina Rajendram, PhD '19
"Know that you are not alone because you are now part of a global community of scholars – unified not by your geographical location, but by your joint commitment to transforming education towards equitable, socially-just, culturally-responsive, and high quality learning."
Sabrina Persaud, MEd '13
"I know this is a tough time, but remember there are so many skills that you’ve developed that are transferrable across different industries and sectors. You have so much passion, you are all so amazing and unique, and you are going to do so well. Reach out to your fellow alumni if you need anything at all."
Rumeet Billan, MA '10, PhD '14
"I want you to know that it is not about the legacy you want to leave, but how you want to show up every single day. I hope you enjoy every single moment and that you take the time to celebrate this incredible achievement. Congratulations!"
Shelley Murphy, PhD '12
"You’ve navigated a lot – especially in the last months. But with resilience, dedication and hard work, you have graduated from an institution that this year was ranked the 5th best educational institution in the world. You have much to be proud of."
Suleyman Demi, PhD '19
"Don't rest on your laurels. Put all that you have learned at OISE to good use and make a difference in your various communities. Be inspired by the historical moment we are in to change the course of history."