what is convocation

A convocation is a formal assembly of people for a special purpose, often ecclesiastical or academic. In academic use, it can refer to a gathering of an institutions alumni, a ceremony at the start of the academic year, or a celebratory ceremony where degrees are conferred upon a graduating class. The term "convocation" can designate many different types of ceremonies, and it is commonly used on the campuses of colleges and universities. In some universities, convocation specifically refers to the entirety of the alumni of a college, which functions as one of the universitys representative bodies. The main function of the convocation is to represent the views of the alumni to the university administration, encourage cooperation among alumni, especially in regard to donations, and elect members of the universitys governing body. Additionally, in the Scottish university system, the equivalent of the Convocation is the General Council. In the University of Oxford, Convocation was originally the main governing body of the university, but it now comprises all graduates of the university and its only remaining function is to elect the Chancellor of the University and the Professor of Poetry.