Academic ceremonies

Like all other Swedish higher education institutions, Umeå University organises academic ceremonies to recognise, celebrate and commemorate academic success and new appointments. The academic ceremonies originate from the various rituals and ceremonies that developed throughout Europe during the 13th century when the first universities were founded.

Our two academic ceremonies, the Spring Graduation and the Annual Celebration, have many ceremonial similarities, but they also differ in, for example, what academic roles they celebrate. Both ceremonies culminate in a festive banquet for invited guests.

Please note that the main language used during the ceremonies is Swedish. During the Annual Celebration, some lectures open to the public are in English. At the bottom of this page, there is a link to a list explaining terms for academic ceremonies.

This is what it may look like during the Celebration Ceremony, when all who are about to be conferred, awarded or installed have taken their places on the stage.

ImageMattias Pettersson

Spring Graduation

The Spring Graduation takes place in mid-May every year. During the Spring Graduation, the conferment of new doctors, persons who have earnt their doctoral degree at Umeå University, and jubilee doctors take place. Jubilee doctors earnt their doctoral degree at Umeå University 50 years ago.

Annual Celebration

At the University’s Annual Celebration in mid-October, honorary doctors are conferred, and new professors are inaugurated. Scientific and teaching awards are handed out, appointed distinguished University teachers are celebrated and, every three years, a Medal of Merit is awarded. When a new Vice-Chancellor is to be installed, this usually takes place at the Annual Celebration.

In connection with the Annual Celebration you are welcome to take part in other events connected to the celebration. Teaching award recipients and appointed distinguished University teachers participate in the Teaching Awardee Panels and the teaching award recipients receive their diplomas. New professors, honorary doctors and scientific award recipients give short lectures.

The University Library officially opens the celebrations with an exhibition about the professors, honorary doctors and award recipients. During the Annual Celebration Ceremony honorary doctors are conferred, new professors are inaugurated and scientific awards and the Universitys Medal of Merit are handed out. The Teaching Awardee Panels, lectures, opening of the celebration and the Annual Celebration Ceremony are all open to the public.