Represent your global alumni community

As our Chair of Convocation, you will be responsible for providing a clear and formal channel of communication between the global alumni community and Newcastle University during your three-year term. You will effectively represent the diverse interests of our alumni and support us in developing the services we offer to our alumni community.

The annual Meeting of Convocation is a crucial date in the University’s calendar to create a space for discussion between Newcastle alumni and members of the University’s leadership team. You will help us shape the agenda for these meetings and chair the session, which will be a hybrid event to ensure as many alumni as possible from around the world can participate.

Throughout the academic year, you will be invited to – and expected to attend – a select number of reunion events, celebrations and supporter/donor receptions, which is your opportunity to meet more of our alumni community and ensure everyone’s needs and interests are represented in our services. You will act as an ambassador for the University during these events, with support from the Advancement team.

During your time in office, you will also be a member of the University Court and sit on the Honorary Degrees Committee, with the opportunity to make recommendations for the award of Honorary Degrees from Newcastle University.

Below are some of the benefits of the role. To find out more, read this conversation with former Chair of Convocation, Sophie McDermott.

• The role is voluntary, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with relevant University policies.
• An opportunity to reconnect with your University and global alumni community.
• Professional development in the areas of leadership and governance.
• Invitations to University events throughout the academic year, including celebrations and supporter/donor receptions.
• Work closely with colleagues from the Advancement team to shape future benefits and events for Newcastle alumni, including the annual Alumni Day of Action.
• A seat on our Honorary Degrees Committee, which grants you the opportunity to make recommendations for future Honorary Degree awards.

To be Chair of Convocation, you must be a member of Newcastle University’s alumni community.

Our alumni community is made up of Newcastle graduates and honorary graduates, staff (both current and retired) and people who spent part of their time studying at Newcastle. Because we were part of the University of Durham before 1963, this also includes some members of Durham’s alumni community.

If you meet one or more of the below criteria, you’re part of our alumni community!

• I hold a degree or other award from Newcastle University.
• I am an alumnus of the University of Durham who was registered at the Newcastle Division of the University during my course.
• I am an alumnus of the University of Durham who was a matriculated student at Sunderland Technical College during my course.
• I completed one term at Newcastle University or the Newcastle Division of the University of Durham (before 1963) but didn't take an award.
• I am a current or retired member of academic and academic-related staff of Newcastle University.
• I hold an Honorary Degree or Honorary Fellowship of the University.
• I am a Life Member of the Union Society.