Convocation and Its Place in University Governance

Convocation was established in 1905 when the University was created by Royal Charter. The Royal Charter of Incorporation simply stated that Convocation should exist.

The membership and role of Convocation were, and are, defined in the Statutes of the University. Membership of Convocation is conferred on all graduates of the University of Sheffield.

Convocation has the right to appoint members to the University Court and the University Council. It also has the right to discuss and pronounce an opinion on any matter whatsoever relating to the University, including matters referred to it by the Court or the Council, and to enter into communication directly with the Court, the Council and the Senate on any matter affecting the University.

In 2000 the Council replaced the Court as the supreme governing body, but the Court remains with the role of a stakeholders' meeting that receives a report annually from the Vice-Chancellor on the activities of the University, a report on the financial state of the University and a report on the activities of the Students' Union. The representatives of Convocation at meetings of the Court are the graduates' voice and they can question the Officers of the University and take part in the discussions on the activities and policies of the University. In 2000 the size of the Court was reduced to about 240 members, including 42 members of Convocation, which is still large as befits a meeting of people with various vested interests in the University.

The University Council is responsible for the management of the University's finances and property. It also sets the conditions of service and makes appointments of staff. In matters concerning teaching and examinations it acts on the advice of the Senate which is responsible for academic matters within the University. In 2005 it was reduced to its present size of 19 members. The Chairman of Convocation is an ex-officio member of the Council and one other member of council is required to be a member of Convocation. Convocation thus has a direct voice on the supreme governing body of the University.