This series contains correspondence, clippings and programs from the Honors Convocation. Programs, negatives and negative indexes from commencement are also part of the series. The extensive date range of commencement programs shows the growth of the student population and the evolution of the university's academic programs. Accrual in Feb 2023 added programs from the SJSU Annual African American Commencement (later renamed to Black Grad) and the SJSU Annual Chicano Commencement. Accrual in Feb 2024 added three San José State University branded honors medallions.

The Honors Convocation was inaugurated in 1962 by the Phi Kappa Phi, Sigma Xi and Phi Beta Kappa Faculty Club honor societies. According to the Office of the Provost, Honors Convocation is intended to recognize President's and Dean's scholars. President's scholars are undergraduate students who have earned a 4.0 grade point average at San José State University in at least two contiguous semesters of the three semesters prior to the Honors Convocation. Dean's scholars are undergraduate students who have earned a 3.65 or higher grade point average at San José State University in at least two contiguous semesters of the three semesters prior to the Honors Convocation.