About Convocation

Literally a “calling together,” the University’s Convocation assembles all elements of the University community: degree candidates and their families, friends, faculty, deans, officers of the university, the trustees of the university, the provost, and the president.  The first Convocation was celebrated in January 1893 under founding president William Rainey Harper. 

The University Convocation is held annually, each June, to mark the end of the academic year. Additional Convocation ceremonies may be held to inaugurate University presidents or to commemorate significant institutional milestones.