Programme
The conferment festivities last three days and include both academic rituals and an excursion to the surrounding area.

The participants have the opportunity to practise academic dances, which are traditional historical dances commonly danced in Finland, in advance under the direction of a dance teacher.

Practises are held at

  • Deutsche Schule Helsinki, address: Malminkatu 14, Helsinki
  • UniSport Otaniemi, address: Otaranta 6, Espoo
  • Old Student House, address: Mannerheimintie 3, Helsinki
Friday, 21 April at 17–19

Deutsche Schule Helsinki

  • Academic dances
Friday, 28 April at 17–19

Deutsche Schule Helsinki

  • Waltz
Sunday, 7 May at 15–18

UniSport Otaniemi
Together with participants of the Faculty of Philosophy conferment ceremony

  • Academic dances and recap of the waltz
Friday, 12 May at 17–19

Deutsche Schule Helsinki

  • Academic dances (especially Pas d'Espagne and Krakowiak) and waltz recap, learning the polonaise step
Tuesday, 16 May 17–19, orchestra rehearsal

Old Student House

  • Rehearsal of doctoral polonaise and formation of doctoral sword alley for the conferrer's departure. Other dances than the polonaise won't be taught, only rehearsed once with the orchestra.
  • 15.45 The promovendi will bring their doctoral hats and swords to the University Main building (Aleksanterinkatu 5) to the northern foyer next to the Great Hall where the hats and sword will be labeled with name tags. Hats and swords will be left in the Great Hall over night.
  • 16.00 A rehearsal of the conferment ceremony compulsory for all promovendi at the University’s Great Hall. Wear evening dress or an evening gown to this early event, as the programme will continue without a break with the rector’s reception, followed by the sword-whetting dinner. Those not attending the dinner may wear a suit or half-length festive dress at the rehearsal and the rector’s reception.
  • 18.00 Rector’s reception for the promovendi and their companions
  • 19.30 Sword-whetting dinner at Restaurant Pörssi (Fabianinkatu 14), event ends by 24.00
  • 11.00 The doctors to be conferred and guests arrive to the University of Helsinki Main Building (Aleksanterinkatu 5) and leave their coats and bags in the cloakroom.
  • 11.45 Doors to the Great Hall will be closed and everyone is in their places in the Hall or in the procession (one for promovendi and another for university faculty and staff).
  • 12.00 Conferment ceremony in the Great Hall begins.
  • Approx. 13.50 Conferment ceremony ends, procession to the Helsinki Cathedral and the National Library of Finland
  • Approx. 14.05 Church service in the Cathedral and a secular event at the National Library
  • Approx. 15.00 Procession back to the University after which the conferred doctors will receive their diplomas in Christina Hall. The event ends by 16.00.
  • 18.30 Conferment dinner at Restaurant Kulosaaren Casino (Hopeasalmenpolku 1), event ends by 24.00
  • 10.15 Excursion to Korkeasaari Zoo begins with a cruise. Departure from the Market Square (Sun Lines pier)
  • 12.00 Arrival to Korkeasaari. A buffet lunch at restaurant Pukki.
  • 14.30 Ferry back to Market Square (arrival to the city center approx. 14.50)
  • 19.30 Conferment ball at the Old Student House (Mannerheimintie 3), buffet dinner
  • 02.00 Procession through the city at night begins.
  • 04.28 Salutation to the rising sun at Senate Square ends the event.

The program is subject to change. Any updates will appear on this page.

Photography at the conferment ceremony

During the conferment act in the Great Hall photography is prohibited. We have arranged a photographer for the ceremony, as well as for all of the dinners, the ball and the excursion. The photos will be made available to all participants after the conferment ceremony. In other words, instead of taking photos yourself, you can concentrate on enjoying the festivities!