The conferment ceremony of the Faculty of Philosophy is organised usually every three or four years. The next conferment ceremony, which will be the 97th such occasion, will be held from the 25th to the 27th of May 2017. By taking part in the conferment ceremony, and only by doing so, the Masters of Arts and Sciences and Doctors of Philosophy receive the right to bear the symbols of their academic status from the Faculty: the Master’s wreath and ring or the Doctoral hat and sword.
The Faculty of Philosophy is composed of the Faculties of Arts, Science, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Behavioural Sciences, and Pharmacy. The conferment ceremony of the Faculty of Philosophy is the oldest and greatest of all academic festivities and ceremonies in Finland. It originates from the 17th century, but each conferment ceremony is also influenced by its own time. Finland is the only country in the world where not only Doctors but also Masters can take part in this multi-day celebration.
The conferment ceremony is usually held during years where 50 or 100 years have passed from a prior conferment ceremony of the same Faculty. In the last years, the large number of promovendi has urged the faculty to hold the ceremony more often than usual.
The conferment ceremony combines dignity and exuberance, tradition and youthfulness. The ceremony is a celebration for the entire academic community, as its nearly one thousand participants bring together the leadership of the University, representatives of the state and other public figures, the new Masters and Doctors, the Jubilee Masters and Doctors, and the young students acting as heralds.
The conferment ceremony is a unique experience. It is a wonderful ending to one’s student years and a fantastic start for a new phase in life. The ceremony offers one last, well-earned possibility to celebrate with one’s fellow graduands.
The Programme page has more information on the schedule of the conferment ceremony, which will be updated as venues, times etc. are confirmed during the coming months. Information on who can participate in the conferment ceremony as well as the costs are found in the section Participation.
The Faculties of Law and Theology will also have their conferment ceremonies in spring 2017. Each Faculty’s traditions may vary a bit, so please confirm the details of the ceremony from your for each Faculty.