Commencement vs Convocation (2024)

What is the difference between Commencement and Convocation?

University Graduate and Undergraduate Commencement ceremonies are the university-wide ceremonies at which President Crow confers degrees. Doctoral graduates have their names read and cross the stage at Graduate Commencement. Master degree candidates will be announced by college, but not individually.

Convocation events are celebrations of individual achievement where graduate names are called and graduates cross the stage. Convocation ceremonies are hosted by the college or special interest group.

Commencement vs Convocation (2024)

FAQs

Commencement vs Convocation? ›

Doctoral graduates have their names read and cross the stage at Graduate Commencement. Master degree candidates will be announced by college, but not individually. Convocation events are celebrations of individual achievement where graduate names are called and graduates cross the stage.

Is a convocation the same as graduation? ›

Information. Graduation is the term used to acknowledge that you have been approved to graduate. Convocation refers to the in-person ceremony where graduates are gowned and walk across the stage as part of the celebratory event. Learn more about graduation and convocation.

What is the difference between Rutgers convocation and commencement? ›

Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement, the big celebration for students receiving all degree types—undergraduate, graduate, and professional, is held in May of each year. School convocations are ceremonies with their own distinct traditions, including individual recognition of each graduate.

What is a convocation ceremony? ›

In its simplest form, the word 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. Cameron University held its first Convocation in the early 1980s.

What is the difference between baccalaureate and commencement ceremony? ›

What is a Baccalaureate Ceremony? A baccalaureate ceremony generally refers to a non-denominational service held a few days before high school or college graduation. These ceremonies are meant to be a more intimate time of reflection prior to the larger, louder rite of passage that is commencement.

Which is more important commencement or convocation? ›

It depends on the school. Commencement is where all students, who have meet the requirements to earn a degree are recognized and given their degree. Convocation on the other hand, depending on the school, can be used as a religious ceremony, a time to recognize specific students such grad and PhD students, etc.

What is convocation called in USA? ›

A graduation is the awarding of a diploma by an educational institution. It may also refer to the ceremony that is associated with it, which can also be called commencement, congregation, convocation or invocation. The date of the graduation ceremony is often called graduation day.

Why do colleges have convocation? ›

In the context of higher education, convocation may be operationally defined as an assembly of members of the college community who come together for any or all of the following purposes: (1) to celebrate new students' entry into higher education, (2) to officially welcome new students to the college, (3) to formally ...

What's the difference between commencement and graduation? ›

Participation in the commencement ceremony does not imply that you have officially graduated. Graduation is the completion of all degree requirements as recorded on the official transcript. Commencement is the ceremony that celebrates the completion of a degree.

What is the difference between convocation and commencement at BYU? ›

Commencement is held in the Marriott Center, and your family and friends are invited to attend (tickets required). Each college holds their own convocation on the day of or the day after commencement. The college dean presides over the convocation, and each graduate is recognized by name and appears on stage.

Why might someone call a convocation? ›

A convocation is a calling together of people — or it can also refer to the group that has gathered in response to the convocation. A convocation of students might protest a new dress code policy.

What is the dress code for convocation? ›

Men can wear kurta-pajama or dhoti and women suit-salwar or saree, it said. The recent letter of the UGC says the convocation dress code should include Indian handloom or handloom attire.

Does everyone go to convocation? ›

All ceremonies are optional; there is no requirement to participate in any commencement ceremony.

Why is it called commencement and not graduation? ›

Commencement is the ceremony that honors graduating students. Commencement refers to the start of something, and in an academic context, this ceremony signifies you're starting your career and the next phase of your life.

What is the ceremony before graduation called? ›

When you attend a baccalaureate, that means you are attending a ceremony celebrating graduating seniors. Traditionally, a baccalaureate was a religious service held the Sunday before graduation, but in modern times it doesn't necessarily have a religious meaning. Definitions of baccalaureate.

What is the meaning of commencement ceremony? ›

Simply put, Commencement is a ceremony held once a year that honors students who just have or will soon graduate, which means completing all requirements of their degree program. Participating in Commencement does not automatically mean that a student has graduated.

What does attending a convocation mean? ›

A convocation (from the Latin convocare meaning "to call/come together", a translation of the Greek ἐκκλησία ekklēsia) is a group of people formally assembled for a special purpose, mostly ecclesiastical or academic. The Britanica dictionary defines it as "a large formal meeting of people (such as church officials).

How important is convocation? ›

Convocation ceremonies are an important milestone for any student, marking the end of their academic journey and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. It is a moment of pride and accomplishment not only for the students but also for their parents, who have supported them throughout their academic journey.

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