The general definition of the term 'Convocation' is a "gathering together for a large formal assembly".

When applied in the context of a university, it refers to those members of the university community who 'when gathered together in a formal meeting' are entitled to have input into aspects of the governance of the university such as voting for members of the governing body or reviewing major decisions, such as changes to statutes.

The Convocation of Graduates is enshrined in the UWA Act as the fourth pillar of UWA, together with the Senate, our governing body, Staff and Guild of Undergraduates.

Why does Convocation make UWA different? Because Convocation is an integral part of the University, it means that all graduates are regarded as equally important a part of the University as the staff and students. This means that UWA considers the support we supply to graduates are as important as the services we supply to students.

When the UWA Act was drafted in 1911, it created the Guild to represent the interests of students, and created Convocation to represent the interests of graduates.

While Guild members are only students, membership of Convocation (in accordance with its historical precedents) encompasses all the senior members of the University community who are entitled to form the electorate for the university.

Today membership of Convocation comprises:

1. members and past members of the Senate
2. graduates of the University
3. persons not referred to in paragraph a or b who were members of Convocation immediately before the coming into operation of the Universities Legislation Amendment Act 2016 section 152
4. persons who the Senate may, from time to time, admit to be members of Convocation

In the UWA Act and Statutes, five roles are delineated for Convocation -

• Representation: to represent the interests and opinions of members through effective communication and to present such views to the University and the community of Western Australia
• Governance: to encourage members of Convocation to participate in the governance of the University through the election of Convocation members to the Senate and the review of amendments to University statutes
• Contribution: to encourage members to support and contribute to the intellectual and cultural prosperity of the University community
• Membership Interaction: to promote professional and social links between members of Convocation by creating and supporting opportunities for graduate interaction
• Promotion of Excellence: to promote the ideals and purpose of the University and Convocation to graduates and undergraduates, other members of the University and the community of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia needs a strong and vibrant graduate community. Convocation works to:

• Enhance the reputation of the University
• Maintain a long-standing commitment to undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships, bursaries, and awards
• Encourage good governance of the University through the election of members of Convocation to the University Senate and the Alumni Council
• Bring graduates together in a range of activities, including the celebration of Convocation Day each year
• Invite influential speakers to address Ordinary Meetings of Convocation in March and September annually