About Convocation

Convocation is a formal academic ceremony instituted in 1893 at the close of the University's first quarter.

At the end of each quarter, Summer, Autumn, Winter, and Spring, the University of Chicago holds a Convocation. Unlike many other institutions, graduates of the University of Chicago are presented with their diplomas individually.

Summer, Autumn, and Winter Convocations are held in Rockefeller Memorial Chapel. These Convocations consist of one session that includes all candidates from each university division/school.

June Convocation takes place on campus, in Harper Quadrangle. This is the University of Chicago's largest ceremony and is broken into four sessions over the course of three days. Session one is for candidates in professional schools: Law School, Irving B. Harris Graduate School of Public Policy Studies, and the School of Social Service Administration. Session two is for candidates in graduate schools and divisions: William B. and Catherine V. Graham School of General Studies, Division of the Biological Sciences and Pritzker School of Medicine, Division of Humanities, Division of Physical Sciences, Division of Social Science, and the Divinity School. Honorary Degrees and Faculty Awards for Excellence in Graduate Teaching are also presented. Session three is for all undergraduate candidates in the College. And session four is for all Graduate School of Business candidates.