The visual dimension plays a significant role in the conferment ceremony. Indeed, the conferment ceremony can be characterised not only as a celebration but also as a kind of performance. The ceremony gives concrete expression to the transition from doctoral researcher to doctor that takes place upon the graduands' completion of their degree. Dressing in keeping with one's role makes visible the sense of belonging within one's own group while at the same time distinguishing the groups from one another. Adhering to the dress code and observing etiquette creates a sense of community and atmosphere.
For these reasons, we expect graduands, companions, and guests to dress in accordance with the dress code. This applies in particular to the Solemn Conferment of Degrees. At the more informal events — the Honorary Doctoral Seminar and the conferment excursion — dress requirements are more flexible.
Any further questions about dress may be directed to the conferment email address. We also recommend taking a look at the Facebook group Promootiot kierrättää!
The dress code offers two alternatives: in practice, either white tie (tailcoat) or a full-length evening gown. Each graduand participating in the Conferment Ceremony may freely choose between these options.
The accompanying guest of a doctoral graduand, serving as sword-bearer, dresses in the same manner as the doctoral graduand, but without a doctoral sword. If a sword-whetter holds a doctoral hat, they may bring it to the Solemn Conferment of Degrees and place it on their head at the same time as the Conferrer puts on theirs. The sword-bearer never carries a sword at the Conferment Ceremony, even if they possess one.
Each doctoral graduand must acquire the doctoral sword and doctoral hat independently. Information on manufacturers can be found in the section Offers for Graduands. You may also request to borrow a sword from the University when registering. The sword and/or hat may likewise be borrowed from a friend or colleague for the Conferment Ceremony.
The doctoral sword is attached at the waist of the trousers or evening gown with a button, loop, or belt. For this purpose, a button or loop may be sewn onto the left side of the trousers or evening gown, or a belt may be used. The button or loop must be black; the material may be chosen freely. With an evening gown, a suitable option is a black silk ribbon worn over the shoulder or a belt concealed beneath the gown at the waist. If a belt is worn under the gown, an opening must be left in the left side seam for the belt. If fastening the sword proves difficult, it is possible, though heavy, to carry it by hand.
Swords are carried only by those conferred as Doctors at this Conferment Ceremony (doctoral graduands, Honorary Doctors, and Jubilee Doctors), as well as by the Conferrer, the Master of Ceremonies, and the Head Marshal. The sword is carried during the Solemn Conferment of Degrees, in the academic procession, and in the Cathedral or at the City Hall, but it is not taken to the evening celebration (it may be left in the cloakroom). The sword is therefore also carried to the church service or the non-denominational Laurel Ceremony.
All Doctors, regardless of gender, remove their doctoral hat during the National Anthem in the Solemn Conferment of Degrees and in the church service. At the Laurel Ceremony, the hat is worn throughout the occasion.
The hat may be worn at the Conferment Dinner on Friday.
No dress code.
Please note that there is no time for changing clothes between the rehearsal, the Sword-Whetting Ceremony and the dinner, so dress according to the evening’s dress code already for the rehearsal.
The doctoral hat and doctoral sword are to be left at the University Main Building after the rehearsal to await the following day. Please note that each participant must clearly label their own hat and sword (including borrowed swords).
The gown must be full-length and may not be black or white. Black or white may appear in the gown’s decorations or patterns. The degree of openness is at the discretion of the wearer. The formal character of the occasion and the springtime season should be taken into account when selecting the gown.
A Finnish or other national costume may replace a coloured evening gown.
A black or white evening gown may be made suitable by adding colourful accessories, such as a bolero or a shawl.
A tailcoat consists of a black tailcoat jacket, black trousers, a tailcoat shirt, a white waistcoat, a white bow tie, white gloves, and a white pocket square.
The tailcoat shirt has a stiff stand-up collar and simple cuffs. Ruffled or pleated shirts are not worn with a tailcoat. The buttons on a tailcoat shirt are pearl or gold; black buttons are not considered proper etiquette. The pocket square is folded into a narrow rectangle.
A wristwatch is not worn with a tailcoat. When wearing a pocket watch, the watch chain should not be unnecessarily visible. Black patent leather shoes are worn with a tailcoat. Socks must also be black. The most suitable outer garment to wear with a tailcoat is a dark jacket or cloak. If a scarf is worn, it should be white.
Black patent leather shoes (dress shoes) or well-polished regular leather shoes are worn with a tailcoat. Leather-soled shoes are not required. Socks must also be black. The most suitable outer garment to wear with a tailcoat is a dark jacket or cloak. If a scarf is worn, it must be white.
From one conferment to another, the attire for the Solemn Conferment of Degrees raises the most questions among participants. The essential elements of the attire are colour, length, coverage, and formality. Figure-hugging, revealing, or heavily embellished outfits do not belong to the Conferment Ceremony; the intended style is restrained yet formal.
The attire of a doctoral graduand also includes the doctoral hat and doctoral sword, which will already be awaiting their wearers at the University Main Building following the rehearsal on the previous day. Instructions for fastening the doctoral sword to the attire can be found in the section on the use of the doctoral sword and hat during the Conferment Ceremony.
When proceeding in academic procession from the Solemn Conferment of Degrees to the non-denominational ceremony or to the church service, outerwear must be left in the cloakroom. Coats and umbrellas are not carried in the procession.
The use of strong perfumes is prohibited during the Solemn Conferment of Degrees. Graduands stand in close proximity for several hours, and consideration should be shown towards those with sensitivities or allergies to fragrances.
The attire of a doctoral graduand for the Solemn Conferment of Degrees is entirely black, full-length, and covering. It is simple, elegant, and refined in line. Traditionally, the attire is a gown, but it may also take the form of a formal trouser suit. It is worn with black gloves and black shoes.
The material must be formal. Black embroidery is permitted, and the fabric may feature a woven pattern (for example, damask). The material may not include embroidery in coloured or metallic threads, nor may it contain sequins or coloured decorative stones.
Full-length means that only the tips of the shoes are visible. The gown must have full-length sleeves extending to the wrists, so that no skin is visible between the sleeve and the glove. It must be possible to ascend and descend stairs with dignity while walking in procession; for this reason, gowns with a train are not recommended.
To preserve a refined and simple silhouette, the attire should be narrow in cut. If the gown includes a slit, it should not be excessively long, and any tights worn underneath must be of the same colour as the gown.
Black gloves must be worn with the attire. The gloves must cover the wrist and all fingers so that no bare skin is visible. Suitable gloves are simple, unadorned, and cover the back of the hand. They must be the same colour as the attire.
Black shoes are worn with the attire. The shoes must be closed at the toe; sandals are not sufficiently formal for the Solemn Conferment of Degrees. As the ceremony involves considerable walking and standing, comfortable shoes that do not pinch or chafe are recommended. When selecting shoes, it should be borne in mind that they will be visible when ascending the dais.
Discreet jewellery may be worn with the attire. No handbag is carried. Essential small items may be concealed, for example, in a discreet pocket sewn into the garment.
Otherwise as on the Sword-Whetting Day, but with a black waistcoat instead of a white one. At the Solemn Conferment of Degrees, matte black shoes must be worn with the black waistcoat. When the white waistcoat is worn in the evening, patent leather shoes are recommended. In this case, either patent leather shoes or well-polished leather shoes are acceptable. Leather soles are not required.
The attire also includes the doctoral hat and doctoral sword. White gloves are worn. A pocket square is not used with a black waistcoat.
At the Conferment Dinner, the doctoral hat is worn. It may be kept on throughout the evening, including during the meal.
The doctoral sword is not taken to the evening celebration (it may, however, be left in the cloakroom).
The attire worn by a doctoral graduand at the Solemn Conferment of Degrees is also suitable for the Conferment Dinner.
An evening bag may be used, provided that it complements the attire. It is not, however, used while dancing.
The same attire as on the Sword-Whetting Day (but with a white waistcoat), complemented by the doctoral hat and doctoral sword. White gloves are worn. When the white waistcoat is worn in the evening, patent leather shoes are recommended. In this case, either patent leather shoes or well-polished leather shoes are acceptable. Leather soles are not required.
Relaxed attire appropriate to the weather. Suitable options include corduroy or cotton trousers with a knit sweater and a collared shirt or a dress paired with a jacket. A lounge suit is also acceptable. Similar outfits as on Flora's day are suitable.
The student cap is worn both outdoors and indoors during the excursion, so the outfit should complement the cap. The attire must not be overly sporty; jeans and clothing with advertising logos are not appropriate.
The attire of Jubilee Doctors, Honorary Doctors and their accompanying guests follow the guidelines given for doctoral graduands and their sword-bearers, i.e. black attire.
Like the graduands, guests may wear white tie (frakki in Finnish) with a black waistcoat or a full-length black evening gown. This is particularly recommended for guests who wear a doctoral hat. A dark suit is also appropriate; when replacing white tie, it must be black. Alternatively, a shorter black evening dress (ankle- or knee-length, depending on the attire of one’s companion) is acceptable. Official dress uniforms may also be worn, but national costumes are not appropriate for the Solemn Conferment of Degrees.
Doctoral guests and accompanying guests may bring their doctoral hat to the Solemn Conferment of Degrees. Those who are not being conferred at this ceremony—including Jubilee Doctors, accompanying guests, and other guests—wear their own doctoral hat during the ceremony, regardless of its colour or emblem. Foreign doctoral hats are also permitted. The hat is carried into the Great Hall on the left forearm and placed on the head when the Conferrer puts on their own hat. All Doctors, regardless of gender, remove their doctoral hat during the National Anthem at the Solemn Conferment of Degrees and at the festive church service.
Doctors previously conferred do not carry a sword. Swords are carried only by those being conferred as Doctors at this ceremony (doctoral graduands, Honorary Doctors, and Jubilee Doctors), as well as by the Conferrer, the Master of Ceremonies, and the Head Marshal.
All participants, including accompanying guests and other guests, are advised to leave their handbags in the cloakroom, which is supervised during the Conferment Ceremony. The use of strong perfumes is prohibited during the Solemn Conferment of Degrees. Seating in the Great Hall is close and the ceremony lasts several hours; consideration should therefore be shown towards those who are sensitive or allergic to fragrances.
The same dress code applies as for doctoral graduands and their sword-bearers (without a sword), that is, white tie with a black waistcoat or a covering full-length black evening gown.
Doctoral guests and accompanying guests may bring their doctoral hat to the Solemn Conferment of Degrees. Those who are not being conferred at this ceremony—including Jubilee Doctors, accompanying guests, and other guests—wear their own doctoral hat during the ceremony, regardless of its colour or emblem. Foreign doctoral hats are also permitted. The hat is carried into the Great Hall on the left forearm and placed on the head when the Conferrer puts on their own hat. All Doctors, regardless of gender, remove their doctoral hat during the National Anthem at the Solemn Conferment of Degrees and at the festive church service.
Handbags must be left in the cloakroom, which is supervised during the Conferment Ceremony.
At all evening events, invited guests must wear a tailcoat with white waistcoat or a coloured evening gown.
Invited guests who were conferred their doctorate at an international university may attend the conferment dinner in their alma mater's academic dress (e.g. gown, hood and/or doctoral hat).
At the Solemn Conferment of Degrees and at the Conferment Dinner, state orders and decorations are worn in accordance with the instructions issued for them. Recipients of Finnish state decorations are obliged to wear their insignia, and they are worn in full size (not as miniatures). Instructions on the correct wearing of insignia and ribbons are issued by the awarding body. State decorations and academic decorations are never worn at the same time.
At the Conferment Ball, state decorations may be worn; both full-size and miniature decorations are acceptable.
Academic honorary and merit badges, as well as ribbons of student nations, faculty organisations, or other similar bodies, may be worn at the wearer’s discretion at the Thursday dinner (the Wreath-Weaving Dinner and/or the Sword-Whetting Dinner).
Inspectors and curators of student nations do not wear their chains of office at the Solemn Conferment of Degrees, but at the Conferment Ball the chains of office may be worn in their capacity as invited guests.
Persons entitled to use a (dress) uniform may use it in all events at the Conferment Ceremony. The persons in question must of course obey the usual instructions and rules regarding the use of such uniforms.
However, the general colour worn by one’s own group should be taken into account: for example, the graduands and the wreath-weavers, who otherwise dress in white, cannot wear a black priestly uniform, especially in the Solemn Conferment of Degrees. The colour of the attire may, in certain situations, affect grouping and/or seating arrangements.
The companion of a graduand may wear an official dress uniform at the Solemn Conferment of Degrees.
This instruction applies to both Finnish and international national costumes customarily worn at formal occasions. The national costume must, in its character and style, be appropriate for the Conferment Ceremony.
At the Conferment Ceremony, national costumes are permitted only at specific events and when the dress code allows: