Convocation vs. Graduation — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 28, 2024
Convocation is a formal ceremony for conferring degrees, often involving academic staff in regalia, whereas graduation signifies the completion of a course of study, encompassing the moment a student meets all requirements.
Difference Between Convocation and Graduation
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Convocation is a specific type of ceremonial event held by educational institutions to formally confer degrees upon students. It's characterized by academic pomp, including the wearing of traditional regalia by faculty and graduates, and often includes speeches by distinguished guests. On the other hand, graduation refers to the broader process of completing all academic requirements for a degree. It symbolizes the end of a student's journey in a particular phase of education and may not necessarily involve a formal ceremony.
While convocation ceremonies are marked by their formality and tradition, celebrating academic achievements in a ceremonial manner, graduation encompasses both the achievement of completing academic requirements and the receipt of a diploma, whether or not a formal ceremony is held. Thus, a student graduates when they have met their academic requirements, but they participate in a convocation to ceremonially mark this achievement.
Convocations are typically scheduled events, taking place at set times during the academic year, and are significant for their role in formally recognizing students' academic accomplishments. Graduation, however, is a status achieved upon fulfilling all necessary coursework and requirements, which can happen at various times throughout the year, depending on the institution's academic schedule.
The distinction between these terms also reflects their emotional and symbolic meanings. Convocation is an opportunity for the academic community to gather, celebrate, and officially welcome graduates into the ranks of educated individuals. Graduation, while it may be celebrated with a ceremony, primarily signifies the personal and academic growth of the student, marking a transition to a new stage in life or career.
Participation in a convocation ceremony is often seen as a rite of passage for students, a formal acknowledgment of their hard work and success. Graduation, in contrast, is a broader achievement that encompasses the fulfillment of academic requirements and the personal development of the student, not limited to the moment of receiving a degree during a ceremony.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A formal ceremony for conferring degrees upon students.
The process of completing all academic requirements for a degree.
Nature
Ceremonial and formal, involving academic traditions.
A broader achievement, marking the completion of academic study.
Occurrence
Held at specific times, often annually or semi-annually.
Achieved when a student meets all academic requirements, anytime.
Participation
Involves faculty and graduates wearing traditional regalia.
Can be celebrated with or without a formal ceremony.
Symbolism
Marks a formal recognition of academic achievements.
Signifies personal and academic growth, and readiness for the next stage.
Compare with Definitions
Convocation
A formal ceremony for conferring degrees upon students and faculty.
She looked forward to the convocation, where she would officially receive her degree.
Graduation
Can be celebrated with a ceremony but is defined by the achievement.
Although she couldn't attend the ceremony, she celebrated her graduation with family.
Convocation
An event that involves academic traditions, such as wearing regalia.
At the convocation, professors and graduates wore their academic robes.
Graduation
Signifies readiness for professional life or further education.
Graduation marked the beginning of her journey into the professional world.
Convocation
Symbolizes formal recognition of completing a degree.
His family attended the convocation to see him recognized for his hard work.
Graduation
The act of completing all requirements for a degree.
Her graduation was the result of years of hard work and dedication.
Convocation
A gathering of the academic community to celebrate achievements.
The university convocation brought together distinguished guests and alumni.
Graduation
Reflects personal growth and achievement.
His graduation was a proud moment, reflecting both academic and personal growth.
Convocation
An occasion for speeches by notable figures and academics.
The keynote speaker at the convocation offered inspiring words to the graduates.
Graduation
Marking the end of an educational journey.
Graduation from college opened many doors for his future career.
Convocation
A clerical assembly of the Anglican Church similar to a synod but assembling only when called.
Graduation
Graduation is the award of academic degree, or the ceremony that is sometimes associated with it. The date of the graduation ceremony is often called graduation day.
Convocation
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).
Graduation
Conferral or receipt of an academic degree or diploma marking completion of studies
The rate of graduation of student athletes.
Convocation
The act of convoking.
Graduation
A ceremony at which degrees or diplomas are conferred; a commencement.
Convocation
A group of people convoked, especially the members of a college or university community who are assembled for a ceremony.
Graduation
A division or interval, as on a graduated scale
Shading with many fine graduations.
Convocation
An assembly of the clergy and representative laity of a section of a diocese of the Episcopal Church.
Graduation
A mark indicating the boundary of such a division or interval.
Convocation
The district represented at such an assembly.
Graduation
An arrangement in or a division into stages or degrees.
Convocation
The act of calling or assembling by summons.
Graduation
The action or process of graduating and receiving a diploma for completing a course of study (such as from an educational institution).
The graduation ball was the students' chance to say goodbye to each other.
After my graduation, I took a year out to travel, then went into an office job.
Convocation
An assembly or meeting.
Graduation
A commencement ceremony.
Convocation
(ecclesiastical) An assembly of the clergy, by their representatives, to consult on ecclesiastical affairs.
Graduation
(sciences) A marking (e.g., on a container) indicating a measurement on a scale, usually one of many such markings.
Convocation
An academic assembly, in which the business of a university is transacted.
Graduation
The exposure of a liquid in large surfaces to the air, so as to hasten its evaporation.
Convocation
(collective) A flock of eagles.
Graduation
(Japanese entertainment) The action or process of graduating leaving a group.
Convocation
The act of calling or assembling by summons.
Graduation
The act of graduating, or the state of being graduated; as, graduation of a scale; graduation at a college; graduation in color; graduation by evaporation; the graduation of a bird's tail, etc.
Convocation
An assembly or meeting.
In the first day there shall be a holy convocation.
Graduation
The marks on an instrument or vessel to indicate degrees or quantity; a scale.
Convocation
An assembly of the clergy, by their representatives, to consult on ecclesiastical affairs.
Graduation
The exposure of a liquid in large surfaces to the air, so as to hasten its evaporation.
Convocation
An academical assembly, in which the business of the university is transacted.
Graduation
The successful completion of a program of study
Convocation
A group gathered in response to a summons
Graduation
An academic exercise in which diplomas are conferred
Convocation
The act of convoking
Graduation
A line (as on a vessel or ruler) that marks a measurement;
The ruler had 16 graduations per inch
Graduation
The act of arranging in grades
Common Curiosities
Can you attend convocation without officially graduating?
Typically, convocation ceremonies are meant for students who have met their graduation requirements, but attendance at the ceremony is not what confers the degree.
What is the difference between graduation and commencement?
"Graduation" refers to the act of completing all degree requirements, while "commencement" is a ceremony to celebrate this accomplishment, similar to convocation.
Can you graduate at any time of the year?
Yes, students can graduate whenever they complete their academic requirements, though formal ceremonies may be held at specific times.
How long does a convocation ceremony last?
The length of convocation ceremonies can vary, but they often last a few hours to accommodate speeches, the conferring of degrees, and other traditions.
Is a diploma awarded at convocation or graduation?
Diplomas are typically conferred as part of the graduation process, which may be symbolized by a physical presentation during a convocation or commencement ceremony.
Are there fees associated with convocation?
Some institutions may charge fees for participation in convocation ceremonies, often related to rental of academic regalia or other associated costs.
Is graduation possible without a convocation ceremony?
Yes, graduation is based on completing academic requirements, regardless of whether a convocation ceremony is held.
Are convocation and commencement the same?
Convocation and commencement ceremonies are similar in that both celebrate academic achievements, but the terms and specifics of the events can vary by institution.
Can international students attend convocation?
Yes, international students who meet their degree requirements are welcome to attend convocation ceremonies.
Do all schools have convocation ceremonies?
Not all institutions may hold convocation ceremonies, especially those with non-traditional or online programs.
What should I wear to convocation?
Participants often wear academic regalia, while guests might dress in formal or semi-formal attire, depending on the institution's guidelines.
Can family members attend convocation?
Yes, family members are often encouraged to attend convocation ceremonies to celebrate the graduates' achievements.
How do I know if I'm eligible for convocation?
Eligibility for convocation is usually determined by meeting all graduation requirements and is confirmed by the academic institution.
Is participation in convocation mandatory for graduation?
Participation in the ceremony is usually optional and does not affect one's status as a graduate.
Can you participate in convocation if you're completing your degree in the summer?
Many institutions allow summer graduates to participate in convocation ceremonies, either before their final term or during the next scheduled ceremony.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
