Convocation is a term used in colleges and universities to refer to a ceremonial gathering that can take many different forms. Here are some of the different types of convocation ceremonies:
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Ceremonial Gathering: In its simplest form, convocation means "the act or process of calling an assembly of persons to a meeting." When it pertains to a college or university, it normally refers to some type of ceremonial gathering.
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Celebration of Graduating Students: University convocation is usually a bi-annual celebration where graduating students receive their academic hoods and cross the stage to receive their degrees in front of their universitys president, provost, faculty members, and family and friends in the audience. Once graduates are hooded and cross the stage, they have officially graduated.
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Welcome for New Students: In some universities, the term "convocation" refers specifically to a formal ceremony at the start of the academic year in which new students are welcomed.
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Recognition of Achievements: Convocation is also a ceremony that celebrates the achievements of graduating students. NYU Wagners convocation, for example, includes a featured speaker and individual recognition of each student who has conferred a degree.
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Symbolic Gathering: Convocation can also be a symbolic gathering that marks the entrances and exits of students into the academic life of the college. New student convocation is often the event officially welcoming students to their academic career. It is intended also to convey to students the importance of their educational work and to show the schools commitment to support students as they pursue their education.
It is important to note that convocation is different from commencement, which is the NYU-wide ceremony held in honor of the completion and/or in anticipation of fulfilling all academic requirements at the university.
