During the 1950s, convocation preparations were arranged by a Convocation Committee.

Academic Council assumed responsibility in the 1960s until the early 1980s, when the Information Services Department took over.

In November 1986, the Department of Community Relations was established, incorporating Information Services and thereby assuming the responsiblity of Convocation arrangements.

In 1990, the department of Development and Alumni Affairs was integrated with the department of Community Relations to form Development, Alumni and Community Relations.

Development, Alumni and Community Relations had a name change to University Advancement Office in December, 1996.

In 2007, administration of Convocation was moved from University Advancement to a new and separate department, the Office of Convocation and Awards, which also became responsible for many university-wide award ceremonies for students, faculty, and staff.

In November 2015 the office split forming the new Ceremonials Office and the awards section moving under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Registrar and renamed Student Awards and Scholarship. Please see the Office of the Registrar fonds for records pertaining to this new office as of November 2016.

The newly re-organized Ceremonials office is responsible for convocation; Presidential and Chancellor installations; Employee awards - teaching and education, scholarly, research and creative activity, and service and leadership; and service milestones - 25 year club.