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Convocation
Universities are rich in tradition and ceremony, and nowhere is this more apparent than at
convocation, when the university community comes together to celebrate the conferral of
degrees upon new graduates.
Many early European universities originated within the church in the medieval period, and
this is reflected in convocation’s strong ecclesiastical connection. The chancellor presides
over convocation and draws his title from the person who was the head of the theological
faculty of these early universities. As the head of the chancery, the chancellor had the
responsibility of examining students prior to their receiving degrees. Over the ages, the role
of the chancellor has changed. Today, the Royal Roads chancellor, who also chairs the Board
of Governors, is the person empowered by the provincial government to confer degrees and
oversee the direction of the university.
Universities have undergone dramatic changes over the past 900 years. Today, as universities
break down barriers of background, income and geography to welcome lifelong students
to education, the convocation ceremony reminds us of the strong traditions that reach
back to the very different world of medieval learning. In the 21st century, students require
universities to keep pace with changing times. Royal Roads University is proud to be a leader
in this new generation.
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