What is Convocation?

What is Convocation?

The Convocation of Cranfield University is one of the four statutory bodies* created in the original 1968 Royal Charter that bestowed on Cranfield the authority and right to award Master of Science degrees and doctorates.

Convocation comprises all alumni of Cranfield University (there are currently over 40,000 of you) and is responsible for representing your views to the University Senior Management. If you have successfully completed an approved degree course at Cranfield, then you are part of Convocation.

There are three main ways in which Convocation can represent you:

  • The Standing Committee of Convocation comprises representatives from all recognised Cranfield alumni associations. It meets annually to discuss and resolve University matters.
  • All alumni are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting of Convocation. This is an interesting and informative day and a superb opportunity to engage with Cranfield once each year and meet the personalities shaping it.
  • The Chairman of Convocation (currently Rachel Abercrombie, MSc in Underwater Technology, 1999) sits on the University’s Council to represent all alumni.

While Convocation does not act as an all-embracing alumni association, it is the official interface between the alumni and the University. It co-ordinates the wide range of individual alumni associations within the University, each of which is linked to a School, department or course. Its role includes stimulating the development of effective alumni associations and supporting the delivery of programs that will contribute to the personal and professional lives of members and to the reputation and success of the University.

Further details

If you would like to contact the alumni office regarding Convocation, administration or day-to-day matters, please email Cranfield Connect, the Alumni Alliance at alumni@cranfield.ac.uk.

Rachel Abercrombie, Chair of Convocation and your alumni representative at University Council, can be contacted at convocation@cranfield.ac.uk  - please contact Rachel if you would like her to represent any views, feedback or comments you may have on the general direction, strategy and policies regarding alumni matters to the senior University team.

 

*The other statutory bodies of the University are:

Senate – comprising senior academic staff, this is the principal academic body, ensuring the academic standards of the University as it evolves and grows

Council – the executive governing body, responsible for the management, finances and administration of the University

Court – representing, through an annual meeting, a diverse constituency ranging from UK professional and academic institutions, through UK industry, to the regional/local community. Court also approves certain key appointments including the ten external members of the Council.