Convocation

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A Convocation (Latin 'calling together', translating the Greek ecclesia) is a group of people formally assembled for a special purpose.

In particular it is also used to refer to:

[edit] Academic convocations

In some British and Australian Universities, the term "convocation" refers specifically to the entirety of the alumni of the university, which function as one of the university's representative bodies. Due to its inordinate size, the Convocation will elect a standing committee, which is responsible for making representations concerning the views of the alumni to the university administration. The convocation also, however, can hold general meetings, at which any alumni can attend. The main function of the convocation is to represent the views of the alumni to the university administration, to encourage co-operation among alumni (esp. in regard to donations), and to elect members of the University's governing body (known variously as the Senate, Council, Board, etc., depending on the particular institution, but basically equivalent to a board of directors of a corporation.) The equivalent of the Convocation in the Scottish University system is the General Council.

In the University of Oxford, the Convocation was originally the main governing body of the University, consisting of all doctors and masters 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.

At some universities and colleges (e.g. University of Chicago, Cornell University, Brigham Young University, and most Canadian universities), graduation events are called "convocations," as opposed to commencements, as in other US universities.

the assemblies of various universities which are convoked to grant degrees, etc., and in particular various university legislative assemblies

[edit] Ecclesiastical convocations

Convocation of the English Clergy is a technical name given in the Church of England to what corresponds in some respects to a Roman Catholic provincial synod, though in other respects it differs widely from it.

the assemblies of the two Provinces of the Church of England, the Convocations of Canterbury and York, and various other assemblies of other churches; and

A self-governing body of the Church of England. George I dismissed it in 1717, due to it having views opposed to his in the Bangorian controversy. It was the historical antecedent of the General Synod of today.