A Convocation is a group of people formally assembled for a special purpose.
In particular it is used to refer to:
- the assemblies of the two Provinces of the Church of England, e.g. the Convocations of Canterbury, and various other assemblies of other churches; and
- the assemblies of various universities which are convoked to grant degrees, etc., and in particular various university legislative assemblies, e.g. the Convocation of the University of Oxford.
In some 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 regards 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.)