Upcoming Convocations

The University of Chicago confers degrees, in a ceremony we call convocation, at the end of each quarter, allowing students to receive their degrees immediately upon successful completion of the requirements of their academic programs. Convocations are also held to inaugurate University presidents or to celebrate milestones in the University’s history.

All Are Assembled

Literally a “calling together,” the University’s convocation assembles all elements of the University community: students and degree candidates, their family, the faculty, friends of the candidates and friends of the University, the Officers of the Corporation, the Trustees of the University, the Provost, and the President.

It is significant that the University of Chicago has always referred to these occasions as convocations rather than as “commencement exercises” or “graduation ceremonies.” At UChicago, receiving a degree marks neither a new beginning nor a termination. Although for degree candidates it may be a rite of passage, the ceremony focuses on continuity in the search for knowledge.

Enduring Traditions

At the first convocation, the University’s first president, William Rainey Harper, told those present that the ceremony was intended “to bind together into a unity the many complex and diverging forms of activity which constitute our university life and work.” Convocation addresses consistently focus on the pursuit of knowledge and the power of ideas.

One of the distinctive elements of Convocation has always been the granting of honorary degrees only for scholarship, not for other forms of accomplishment or celebrity. Second, an examination of the convocation addresses since 1893 shows a persistent focus on issues of substance rather than typical advice for graduating students.

The procession to the convocation ceremony site is typically led by the University’s own bagpipe band. The members wear kilts made from a specially designed and woven University tartan. The band plays at the four convocations each year and at the alumni convocation during alumni weekend.

The University of Chicago celebrated its 500th Convocation on October 9, 2009.