Convocation  

Convocation, a centuries-old academic tradition in colleges and universities around the world, is a ceremonial calling-together of professors, students, and other members of an academic community.
At Mills, Convocation formally marks the beginning of the academic year, honors the academic achievements of select students and faculty who are receiving special awards, recognizes students in the graduating class, and welcomes new students to campus. It also is an occasion to celebrate Mills’ alumnae and to acknowledge the contributions of outstanding organizations and leaders in the surrounding community.

The Convocation celebration begins with graduating seniors and faculty donning academic regalia, gathering for a breakfast reception, and proceeding to the ceremony. First-year students, sophomores, and juniors join their respective classes wearing their class color. Each class is assigned one of four colors based on the year of graduation. The Class of 2008 is purple; the Class of 2009 is red; the Class of 2010 is green; and the Class of 2011 is blue. The outgoing class shares their color with the incoming class, so the tradition continues every year.