The University’s Senate has confirmed it will not convene a meeting of Convocation, but will instead hold University-wide community engagement forum in early 2027. 

Statement on behalf of the University of Sydney Senate from Chancellor David Thodey AO

At its meeting on Friday 25 September 2026, the University of Sydney Senate considered a request to convene a meeting of Convocation. Senate decided not to do so and instead has committed to hold a University-wide community engagement forum in the first quarter of 2027 to discuss issues of significance to the University community, including freedom of expression and academic freedom.

In making its decision, Senate considered a number of factors.

Firstly, Senate agreed that Convocation does not represent large parts of the University’s community, notably professional, casual staff and our students. Senate noted the precedent set in 2014 when it chose to hold an inclusive town hall meeting rather than a meeting of Convocation to discuss proposed federal government higher education reforms.

Secondly, Senate also reflected that two developments over the coming months are directly relevant to the proposed Convocation discussions on the University's relationships with Israeli universities and freedom of expression. The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion is due to report in December 2026, and the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency is consulting on the implementation of new anti-racism requirements that will take effect from 1 January 2027. Holding the discussion in early 2027 will allow the University community to fully consider the implications of the Royal Commission recommendations and regulatory changes for the University.

I have written to the people who requested the meeting of Convocation to explain Senate’s decision, to thank them for their engagement in the governance of the University, and also to affirm Senate’s commitment to fostering meaningful, inclusive and constructive dialogue.

Popular in the late 1800s, a Convocation is a formal body of the University that can provide suggestions to the Senate. Broadly speaking, its membership is restricted to current and former Fellows of Senate, alumni and certain academic staff.  

We will design next year’s forum with input from alumni, staff and student representatives so that it better reflects today’s University community and enables transparent and respectful discussion of the issues of interest to our University community. Further information on this meeting will be provided in due course.

Senate underscored the role of deliberative, reasonable and transparent debate to the life and purpose of the University and asked the Vice-Chancellor and President to return to Senate with recommendations for a contemporary and inclusive model to enable the University community to engage with Senate. This will include consideration of the future role of Convocation and its relationship with existing alumni, student and staff engagement mechanisms.

Our University is at its best when we bring together all parts of our community to enable open and respectful debate. As we work through details in the coming months, I ask, on behalf of Senate, that all members of our community be alert to our shared responsibility to uphold the importance of academic freedom and freedom of expression alongside our duty to sustain a safe and welcoming environment for all.