A convocation is a formal assembly of people for a special purpose, mostly ecclesiastical or academic. In academic use, it can refer to a gathering of all of an institutions alumni, to a ceremony at the start of the academic year, or to a meeting of the members of a college or university to observe a particular ceremony, such as the announcing of awards and honors. The term "convocation" can also refer to a consultative assembly of clergy and lay delegates from one part of an Episcopal diocese, or to a territorial division of an Episcopal diocese.

The main function of a convocation is to represent the views of the alumni to the university administration, to encourage cooperation among alumni, especially in regard to donations, and to elect members of the universitys governing body. In some universities, the convocation can hold general meetings, at which any alumnus can attend.

In summary, a convocation is a formal assembly of people for a special purpose, such as a ceremony or meeting, and is often used in academic or ecclesiastical contexts.