The Tradition of Ceremonial Conferment of Degrees

Conferment of Degrees Ceremony
The Degree Ceremony emphasizes the high value of education. It is an academic festivity, during which Masters', Doctors' and Honorary Doctors' degrees are conferred. One can also attend in absence (absens), in which case the Latin-language diploma is delivered to the absentee after the Ceremony, and his/her name and CV are included in the Invitation Book register nonetheless.

The Degree Ceremonies at the University of Jyväskylä
The previous Conferment of Degrees Ceremonies at the University of Jyväskylä were arranged in 2000, 1996, 1990, 1984 and 1969. Faculties have also conferred Honorary Doctors during other festivities.

The beginnings of the Ceremonial Conferment of Degrees in Finland
The first Conferment of Degrees Ceremony was arranged during the times of the old University of Turku in 1643. The founding document of the Turku Academy from 1640 connected the Academy to the traditions of the Uppsala University, and through that to Paris. Doctors, Masters, and Baccalaureus were conferred according to this tradition. In Finland, the traditional degree ceremonies have been arranged throughout the history of our universities. Traditions are an important part of the conferment festivities, even though the degree ceremony does change with the times.