The House of Convocation was created in 1845 in an attempt by alumni to reorganize the College's administrative structure, and make it more similar to that of English universities. The House was an organization that included and represented all faculty, Trustees, and graduates of the school, including those who had honorary degrees and those who were fellows.

Upon the House's creation, the preexisting Associate Alumni was reorganized into the new House, and the body worked to form the third chamber of the school's “Academic Senate.” The House was able to exist alongside the Trustees, name and fund professors and fellowships, and nominate “Junior Fellows and candidates for degrees.” They also gathered at least annually to hear the annual Convocation Oration and Poem. This reorganization worked to give more power and participation to the College alumni.

The House operated until 1883, when it changed form and became the “Association of the Alumni of Trinity College.” The organization had been on a decline in productivity since the 1870s, only meeting at the required time, once a year.

Trinity College in the Twentieth Century (2000) by Peter and Anne Knapp, pp. 3, 17-18.

The History of Trinity College (1967) by Glenn Weaver, pp. 91-92, 111, 171-172.