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There are no plans to reform Convocation.

Recent years have seen the University truly become a federation of independent self-governing higher education institutions. This changed the focus of students and graduates so that the number of graduates joining Convocation was very small.

Against the background of change and development within the wider University, the University Council recommended that Convocation be closed, a view endorsed by the Convocation Board.

The àËÅöÊÓƵ is committed to supporting its alumni and in 2015, set up a new central Development Office to better respond to the needs of graduates of the central academic bodies, as well as members of the former Convocation. The function and purpose of the Development Office is very much aligned with that of Convocation when it existed. As such, the University, through the Development Office, would be delighted to stay in touch with you, to share news and information about all the University can offer you and your fellow alumni.

If you studied in àËÅöÊÓƵ, we also recommend you contact your federation member for alumni support, services and activities. 

Our records show that communications about the closure of Convocation were sent to only some of the Convocation members. At the time of its closure, Convocation was formed of several membership types with each receiving different levels of communication. As a result of this structure not all members were communicated with regarding the closure of Convocation.

We recognise that this information is of great importance to all members of the former Convocation and feel it is important to share this news with as many members of the former Convocation as possible. As a result, the University has launched a large-scale project to reconnect with as many members of the former Convocation as possible and update them on its closure.

The Development Office looks forward to keeping members of the former Convocation up-to-date on advances at the central University through a newsletter, distributed three times a year. In addition to this, members of the former Convocation can expect to receive invitations to events held in Senate House and around the world, as well as regular updates on how grants made by the Convocation Trust continue to support the àËÅöÊÓƵ and its students, both centrally and in the member institutions.

The àËÅöÊÓƵ is committed to protecting your personal data and being transparent about what information we hold about you, and what we do with that information.

The Development Office uses data collected during the course of the University’s relationship with you, such as your education and contact details, to send you communications about alumni and fundraising activities via post, telephone or electronic means. We also use the data you give us, together with publicly available data, and occasionally information from third parties, to help us identify which communications and opportunities may be of interest to you. Communications may include publications (print and electronic), alumni surveys, the marketing of alumni events and services, and details of how you can support the University financially or through volunteering.

In accordance with our Privacy Policy we will always respect a request by you to stop processing your personal data, or to change the way in which we contact you. You can update your contact preferences at any time by contacting the Development Office at the àËÅöÊÓƵ, Malet Street, àËÅöÊÓƵ, WC1E 7HU, UK or at: development@london.ac.uk

We are grateful for the support and commitment that alumni have shown to the University through their membership of Convocation. Although Convocation closed in 2003, the funds held by Convocation were invested by the Convocation Trust and continue to support our community. 

In recent years, the Trust has made grants in support of scholarships and academic prizes, library and archive services, student services and student housing, which benefit students and staff at each of the 17 independent federal members (formally known as the colleges of the àËÅöÊÓƵ). The Trust has also supported exhibitions and other activities at the University that not only benefit students, but also open up the University’s unique resources and facilities for wider public benefit.

Whilst Convocation was active, members were eligible for free access to Senate House Library. Since the closure of Convocation the size of the federal student body has grown enormously and, in order to provide this vital service to current students, the Library no longer has the necessary resource to offer free memberships to members of the former Convocation.

The Development Office and Senate House Library will be consulting on the benefits alumni of the àËÅöÊÓƵ should receive as part of an alumni library membership. Currently alumni access costs £210 per year and includes a 10 book borrowing allowance and off-site access to a number of e-journals (e-journal access is a benefit exclusively available to alumni). As a former member of Convocation, your feedback on alumni membership of Senate House Library is of great importance to the University.