Understanding the College Convocation Ceremony

The term "convocation" can have different meanings depending on the context. While some may not be familiar with the term before entering higher education, understanding its various applications is crucial. This article delves into the definition of convocation, particularly within the academic sphere, and explores its significance in different universities and contexts.

Defining Convocation

Convocation, derived from the Latin word "convocare" (meaning "to call/come together," which translates the Greek "ἐκκλησία" - ekklesia), generally refers to a large group of people formally assembled for a special purpose. This purpose can vary, leading to different interpretations of the term.

Convocation in the Academic Context

In many universities, convocation marks the beginning of a first-year student's journey. It serves as a formal welcome and introduction to the academic community. However, the term can also refer to a college's alumni, acting as a representative body to the university administration. This difference in usage can lead to confusion, as not all universities use the term in the same way.

Convocation Ceremony: A Celebration of Achievement

University convocation typically refers to a celebratory ceremony where degrees are conferred upon a graduating class. This bi-annual event involves graduating students receiving their academic hoods and crossing the stage to receive their degrees. The university president, provost, and faculty members participate, dressed in academic regalia, while family and friends attend to support the graduates.

Convocation vs. Commencement

It's important to distinguish convocation from commencement. While both events celebrate academic achievement, they serve different purposes. Commencement is often a university-wide ceremony honoring the completion of academic requirements. It typically includes a presidential address, a student speaker, and the awarding of honorary degrees. Due to the large number of attendees, individual recognition of students is usually not possible.

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In contrast, convocation is often a more intimate ceremony specific to a particular college or department within the university. It celebrates the achievements of graduating students within that specific area of study. Convocation often includes a featured speaker and individual recognition of each student receiving a degree.

Harvard's Convocation

Harvard University holds a convocation ceremony to welcome the incoming class. Recent convocations have included addresses from university leaders and have sometimes been punctuated by student protests.

Columbia University's Convocation

Columbia University also holds a convocation to mark the beginning of the academic year for first-year students.

The Broader Significance of Academic Convocations

Beyond welcoming new students or celebrating graduates, convocations can also serve as opportunities to address important issues and inspire the academic community. Speakers at convocations often share insights and perspectives relevant to the challenges and opportunities facing students and the world.

Historical Context: Convocation in the Church of England

Historically, the term "convocation" has also been used in an ecclesiastical context. The Convocations of Canterbury and York were synodical assemblies of the two Provinces of the Church of England until the Church Assembly was established in 1920. Their origins can be traced back to the end of the seventh century when Theodore of Tarsus (Archbishop of Canterbury, 668-690) reorganized the structures of the English Church and established a national synod of bishops.

The Convocation of York

The Convocation of York represented a smaller portion of the Church in England and Wales, consisting of only five member dioceses during the reign of Henry VIII. In 1462, it decided that all provincial constitutions of Canterbury that did not contradict its own should be allowed in the Northern Province. By 1530, the Archbishop of York rarely attended sessions, and it became customary for York to wait for Canterbury's decisions before either accepting or rejecting them.

Evolution of Powers and Revival

The legislative powers of the convocations fluctuated significantly over the centuries. The resumption of proper business was driven by political changes that had occurred approximately twenty years prior. Before the Great Reform Bill of 1832, Parliament was theoretically an Anglican body. Consequently, many churchmen argued that neither Parliament nor the bishops in the House of Lords adequately represented the views of the Church as a whole.

In 1847, the routine session at the beginning of a new Parliament coincided with the controversial nomination of Dr. Hampden to the see of Hereford. The formal address to the Queen was debated for six hours, resulting in an amendment that implored the Crown to revive the active powers of convocation. Henry Hoare, a London banker, spearheaded the campaign to achieve this revival.

Opposition and Gradual Acceptance

The opposition was considerable, with half the clergy and most of the laity rejecting the idea. Many politicians were also against it, and the two archbishops, John Bird Sumner and Thomas Musgrave, were not keen on reviving Convocation. The legal basis for the resistance was the assertion that convocation could only discuss matters explicitly specified by the Crown.

Over the subsequent eight years, it was established that convocation could debate and act, provided it did not attempt to discuss or create canons, and that the archbishop could only prorogue (adjourn) a session with the consent of his fellow diocesans. By 1855, Archbishop Sumner had become convinced of the value of Convocation, and those bishops who had initially opposed the revival were actively participating in its debates.

The Role of the Laity

The Convocations have historically been exclusively clerical assemblies. However, in 1885, the Convocations agreed to establish parallel Houses of Laity, elected by the lay members of the diocesan conferences. These houses were advisory and did not have constitutional status within Convocation.

Transition to the Church Assembly

At the beginning of the twentieth century, both Convocations, along with their respective houses of laity, began meeting as a Representative Council. However, this council lacked legal authority or position. In 1920, it was superseded by the Church Assembly, which was granted the right to propose measures to Parliament through the "Enabling Act of 1919."

Convocation in Other Universities

Convocation also holds significance in numerous universities worldwide, including those in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.

Durham University

At Durham University, "Congregations" are degree ceremonies. The university also has an "Ordinance 9 Convocation" and statutes related to convocation. The Convocation includes all people who have been admitted to a degree of the University.

University of London

The University of London has "The Convocation Project," which suggests the importance of convocation in the university's structure.

Universities in New Zealand

Several acts of Parliament in New Zealand address convocation in various universities, including the Massey University Act, the University of Waikato Act, the Victoria University of Wellington Act, the Lincoln University Act, the University of Auckland Act, and the University of Canterbury Act.

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