Commencement vs. Convocation — What's the Difference?

The act of beginning something new.

A general assembly at a university.

Specifically associated with graduation.

An event marking the beginning of the academic year.

A celebration of academic achievement.

An assembly that can include lectures or special announcements.

A ceremony marking the granting of academic degrees.

A gathering for various academic celebrations.

The culmination of one's academic career.

A formal gathering within an academic institution.

A beginning; a start.

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. In academic use, in can refer variously to a gathering of all of an institution's alumni, to a ceremony at the start of the academic year to welcome incoming students, and to a graduation ceremony (sometimes otherwise known as a commencement).

A ceremony at which academic degrees or diplomas are conferred.

The act of convoking.

The day on which such a ceremony occurs.

A group of people convoked, especially the members of a college or university community who are assembled for a ceremony.

The first existence of anything; act or fact of commencing; the beginning.

A clerical assembly of the Anglican Church similar to a synod but assembling only when called.

The day when degrees are conferred by colleges and universities upon students and others.

An assembly of the clergy and representative laity of a section of a diocese of the Episcopal Church.

A graduation ceremony, from a school, college or university.

The district represented at such an assembly.

The first existence of anything; act or fact of commencing; rise; origin; beginning; start.

The act of calling or assembling by summons.

The day when degrees are conferred by colleges and universities upon students and others.

An assembly or meeting.

The time at which something is supposed to begin;

(ecclesiastical) An assembly of the clergy, by their representatives, to consult on ecclesiastical affairs.

An academic exercise in which diplomas are conferred

An academic assembly, in which the business of a university is transacted.

The act of starting something;

(collective) A flock of eagles.

The act of calling or assembling by summons.

An assembly or meeting.

An assembly of the clergy, by their representatives, to consult on ecclesiastical affairs.

An academical assembly, in which the business of the university is transacted.

A group gathered in response to a summons

The act of convoking

Graduates, their families, and the academic staff are the primary attendees of commencement ceremonies.

Convocations can include welcoming new students, celebrating the beginning of the academic year, academic honors, lectures, and special announcements.

Commencement is a specific ceremony for graduating students, while convocation encompasses a broader range of academic assemblies.

Yes, commencement ceremonies typically occur at the end of the academic year to mark the completion of degree programs.

While most universities have some form of convocation, the specifics can vary widely depending on the institution's traditions and the purpose of the event.

The frequency of convocations varies by institution; some may have multiple convocations throughout the year for different purposes.

Depending on the venue's size and the number of graduates, tickets may be required for guests attending commencement ceremonies to ensure seating availability.

While they serve different purposes, convocation and commencement are distinct events; however, convocation events can occur around the same time as commencement ceremonies.

The attendance at convocation depends on the nature of the event; some may be open to the public, while others might be limited to university members.

Commencement speeches are meant to inspire and motivate graduates as they transition from their academic careers to their professional lives.