What is Scholars Convocation Week?
“Convocation” is a word used on the campuses of colleges and universities across the United States to designate many types of ceremonies. In its simplest form, the word means “the act or process of calling an assembly of persons to a meeting.”
Cameron University held its first Convocation in the early 1980s.
Back then, the ceremony brought together faculty for a rededication of the university’s academic mission. Professors were celebrated, students and staff who were members of various on-campus honor societies were recognized, and the university honored individuals whose actions had benefitted or furthered Cameron University’s mission or promoted higher education.
In the 21st century, the format was modified to include student speakers, but continued to retain some of the traditional ceremonial elements of Cameron’s previous celebrations … a processional, the wearing of academic regalia and the parade of banners denoting each department on campus.
When COVID-19 impacted the world, Convocation became a video presentation during the 2020 and 2021 academic years.
As we exit the pandemic, Convocation has transitioned into a weeklong “scholars week” that celebrates our best and brightest faculty and students rather than a single ceremony. Still, it remains focused on Cameron’s academic mission.
Thank you for helping us celebrate the breadth and scope of research, and scholarly and creative activities of our faculty, staff and students during the prior academic year and our scholarship recipients during the current academic year!
Activities
There are several events planned throughout the week. Some are open to the public and some are invitation only. Check the schedule below for public events.
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OCTOBER 31, 2023
“Cowboy Wanted, No Farming” (Tips for Successful Interviewing)
Time: 5pm
Location: McCasland Ballroom, McMahon Centennial Complex (reception afterward)
POC: Kyle Moore/John Rasinski
Department: Chemistry, Physics and Engineering and the CU chapter of the American Chemical Society -
NOVEMBER 1, 2023
“Identifying a New Styrene Butadiene Rubber in the Sustainability in the Marketplace”
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Room 100, CU Sciences Complex
POC: Kyle Moore/John Rasinski
Department: Chemistry, Physics and Engineering and the CU chapter of the American Chemical Society -
NOVEMBER 2, 2023
Reading and discussion of undergraduate research and creative projects
Time: 3:30 – 5:00pm
Location:Nance Boyer 2005
POC:Von Underwood
Department: Department of Communication, English and Foreign Languages -
NOVEMBER 3, 2023
Departmental Recital of Music Students
Time: 11am
Location: McCutcheon Recital Hall
POC: Kirsten Underwood
Department: Dept. of Art, Music, and Theatre Arts -
Timeline End
Academic Gonfalons
Every academic discipline at Cameron University is represented by its own gonfalon – a vertical banner displayed from a crossbar – that is traditionally carried during academic ceremonies. Each gonfalon has imagery and colors specific to that discipline. Cameron’s gonfalons are displayed at major academic events, such as Commencement, and are often carried by honor students within that discipline when they lead faculty and other students in a procession. Gonfalons with upward chevrons represent undergraduate departments, while those pointing downward denote graduate studies.
Displays
In addition to scheduled events, many departments have displays set up in different areas of campus. Students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community is invited and encouraged to visit these areas in order to enjoy the displays.
Scholars Convocation Week Scholar Boards
Inasmuch Gallery – McMahon Centennial Complex, and at CU-Duncan
Dept. of Agriculture, Biology and Health Sciences
1st floor – Sciences Complex
Dept. of Business
Ross Hall Lobby
Dept. of Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering
Sciences Complex starting Nov. 1
Dept. of Social Sciences
2nd floor near stairwells – Conwill Hall
Dept. of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
2nd floor of Howell Hall and Books/Research work is in front of Howell Hall 104.
