Further Information
When the WA State Parliament created the University of Western Australia as a legal entity in 1911 by passing the UWA Act, the Act created Convocation to act as an electorate for those wishing to seek election to UWA's governing authority, the Senate.
- Why does Convocation elect members of Senate?
- What is the Role of Convocation?
- Why are the results of the elections announced at the First Ordinary Meeting of Convocation?
- How many members of Senate are elected by Convocation?
Why does Convocation elect members of Senate?
The membership of Convocation therefore includes all those groups who are actively involved in the University, including:
- All members and past members of the UWA Senate;
- All graduates of the University;
- All senior academic staff of the University;
- Representatives of commercial, industrial, scientific, professional or educational associations who interact with the University;
- Such graduates, fellows, members, licentiates and associates of universities, colleges or institutions duly authorised to grant degrees, diplomas, licences or certificates as are admitted to be members of Convocation under a Statute;
- Persons who have rendered services or made gifts to the University.
What is the Role of Convocation?
In the UWA Act and Statutes, five roles are delineated for Convocation:
- A Representative Role - To represent the interests and opinions of members through effective communication and to present such views to the University and the community of Western Australia;
- A Governance Role - To encourage members of Convocation to participate in the governance of the University through the election of Convocation members to the Senate and the review of amendments to University statutes;
- A Contribution Role - To encourage members to support and contribute to the intellectual and cultural prosperity of the University community;
- A Membership Interaction Role - To promote professional and social links between members of Convocation by creating and supporting opportunities for graduate interaction;
- A Promotion of Excellence Role - To promote the ideals and purpose of the University and Convocation to graduates and undergraduates, other members of the University and the community of Western Australia.
Why are the results of the elections announced at the First Ordinary Meeting of Convocation?
One of the original roles of Convocation was to conduct the "General Meetings" of the University (titled Ordinary Meetings) where the Vice-Chancellor presented a report on UWA's progress towards its aims and objectives and was available to answer questions on his report and/or any other issue pertaining to the University. The UWA Act and Statutes still stipulate that this is the forum where the results of elections shall be declared by the Warden of Convocation.
How many members of Senate are elected by Convocation?
When first created by the UWA Act of 1911, Convocation was responsible for electing twelve members of the Senate. Subsequent amendments to the UWA Act have resulted in this being reduced to two members to enable representatives of UWA staff and other stakeholders to be directly elected by these groups.
University information
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