What is Convocation?
Convocation consists of all the former student members of the University who have been admitted to a degree (other than an honorary degree) of the University, and of any other persons who are members of Congregation or who have retired having been members of Congregation on the date of their retirement. To be a member of Convocation, you must have had your degree conferred, either in person or in absentia, at an official degree ceremony. Further information about degree conferrals and degree ceremonies is available on the Student Gateway, or from your College Administrator.
What are Elections by Convocation?
Convocation elects the Chancellor of the University and the Professor of Poetry. The election of the Professor of Poetry now occurs every 4 years. Further information concerning the post of the Professor of Poetry is given in Council Regulations 24 of 2002: Academic and Other Posts.
Please note: although membership of Convocation is also a requirement for election to the Benefices Delegacy and the office of Public Orator, these are elections by Congregation, not by Convocation: that is, in these cases, all members of Convocation are entitled to stand for election, if officially nominated, but only members of Congregation are entitled to vote.
Where can I find more information about Convocation?
Further information is available in Statute III: Convocation and Council Regulations 8 of 2002 (Regulations for Convocation Elections).
Eligibility to participate in an election by Convocation is through a registration process. For enquiries concerning confirmation of degree conferral, please contact your College or Departmental Administrator.
