Convocation
The University’s Statutes include provision for a convocation of the University consisting of the vice-chancellor, the deputy vice-chancellor, the pro-vice-chancellors, and all persons entitled to be registered as members of the convocation.
These are:
(1) all alumni of the University
(2) those alumni of the University of Durham who were during their courses registered students of the Newcastle Division of the University of Durham before 1 August 1963
(3) those alumni of the University of Durham who were during their courses matriculated students at Sunderland Technical College
(4) such other persons or classes of persons as the court may from time to time decide upon the recommendation of the senate.
The convocation is required to hold at least one meeting each year at which it may discuss and make representations on any matter relating the University. By tradition, the meeting includes an update on University business from the vice-chancellor. The convocation also appoints the Chancellor on the nomination of the court and senate sitting in joint session.
The Acting Chair of Convocation is Clare Talbot-Jones (BA (Hons) Modern Languages, 2004).
Notice of Meeting
The next meeting of Convocation will be held online on Friday 4 July at 13.00. Please contact governanceoffice@newcastle.ac.uk for details.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
Please select the following link for the Minutes from the Convocation meeting held on 13 July 2024.
2025 Election of Chair
The convocation elects a chair from its own members under procedures as decided by University Court taking into account any recommendation from convocation.
Who is part of Convocation?
If you meet one or more of the below criteria, you are entitled to be registered as a member of the convocation:
- All alumni of the University;
- Those alumni of the University of Durham who were during their courses registered students of the Newcastle Division of the University of Durham before the appointed day;
- Those alumni of the University of Durham who were during their courses matriculated students at Sunderland Technical College
What do I need to do to join Convocation?
If you’re part of our alumni community, you’re automatically a member of Convocation – there’s nothing extra you need to do!
If you want to be involved in the annual meeting of Convocation, then you just need to sign up when registrations open.
We’ll send you an email inviting you to the meeting, and the registration link will also be available on our website and social media channels. To make sure you don’t miss it, update your details with us so we know how best to reach you.
What happens at the annual meeting?
The annual meeting of Convocation is your opportunity to hear about the latest news from Newcastle University. The University's Executive Board will update you on the past year, sharing our successes as well as the current issues facing the University and future challenges we anticipate.
You’ll be able to ask questions of our leadership team and connect, or reconnect, with members of our University community.
With the backing of other alumni, you can also raise matters with the University Senate, Council or Court, as appropriate, helping to shape our future.
Who decides the Chair of Convocation?
Any member of our alumni community can nominate themselves as Chair of Convocation, as long as they are not a salaried member of staff at the University.
We elect a Chair and Deputy Chair of Convocation every three years, with the next election taking place in October 2025.
All alumni have the opportunity to vote for the next Chair in an online election. You’ll be notified when voting opens via email, so please make sure you have provided us with your up-to-date contact information.