Each issue of Graduate Posts will feature a Frequently Asked Question, to be answered by the staff or leadership of UNMC Graduate Studies. In this issue, Pamela K. Carmines, Ph.D., answers:
The Office of Graduate Studies recently held its first convocation. What is the difference between “convocation” and “commencement”? Which one is graduation?
In brief, convocation is the party and commencement is the ceremony. Most UNMC colleges (including the Office of Graduate Studies) hold an honors convocation ceremony prior to commencement. Honors convocation is a celebratory event during which graduating students share the excitement and importance of their academic accomplishments with peers, family and friends. It is also a time for leadership and faculty in the college to pay special tribute to the students for the outstanding efforts they have shown in earning their degrees.
Commencement is the ceremony during which the chancellor confers degrees upon candidates from all colleges in the university. The degree candidates individually receive their diplomas on the stage, and Ph.D. recipients are “hooded” by their mentors. The terms graduation and commencement are often used interchangeably.
Strictly speaking, however, graduation is the three-step process consisting of submitting an application for degree, completing all academic requirements for the degree, and settling all financial obligations to the university.