Afterwards, GW faculty members will discuss the possible implications of the 2000 presidential election. A question and answer session will follow. The academic convocation holds a distinguished history in the world of education. At the earliest universities in the western world, where the mission was to train clerics, convocations were like religious ceremonies. Today's academic convocations are more of a celebration designed to inspire an audience by exploring a topic or the achievements of an honored guest.
Convocation starts with an academic procession, also rooted in tradition.
Those in the procession don ceremonial regalia similar to the clothing worn by the clerics who were the faculty members at the earliest universities. In fact, the academic gown, styled with the color of the wearer's university, is a direct descendent of the clerical robe. The academic hood, worn over the gown, displays the color representing the wearer's university.