Let’s start with that last one: many graduation practices that developed spontaneously per faculty, or even per programme, have had to come to terms with the reality of increasing class sizes and consequently, more expensive ceremonies. So while differences remain, most ceremonies are starting to look more and more similar.
Take the time of the graduation ceremony, for example. Logic dictates that the ceremony should be straight after you complete your degree, so in June or July. Everybody’s still in the right mood then. But there are some complicating factors: resits, deadlines getting pushed back, students who are already on holiday. “It's hard to set anything in stone so early; I only get the official number of graduates four weeks before the ceremony", says Chantal Meertens, event coordinator at the Faculty of Law. Thomas Cleij, dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, highlights another issue: “You need to sort everything very quickly in the summer, which can easily lead to errors like writing the wrong name on the certificate.” This is why more and more faculties are opting to move the whole thing to autumn.
The autumn does also have its downsides, especially for international students who have already returned to their own country and would need to travel back specially. However, according to event coordinator Mandy Walls, this seems not to be an issue for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (majority international students): “Most of them, 80 percent, show up.”
From Vrijthof to MECC
Not every UM graduate is handed their certificate in the same place. Up until this summer, the University College was allowed to use André Rieu’s large, open air theatre at Vrijthof, but that time has gone now. For financial reasons, they will now have to follow the same regime as other FSE programmes and use the MECC, like the psychology, economy and business students. There is room for more than a thousand people, everything can be done more or less continuously in one day, and there are various time slots for Bachelor’s and Master’s ceremonies. Partly due to costs, FSE has a limit of one drink per guest. “Our primary goal is research, so any money that can be saved goes to that”, explains Cleij.
For large ceremonies, the Faculty of Law and FASoS turn to the Vrijthoftheater or the Sint Janskerk. Smaller FASoS Master’s ceremonies are held in the Turnzaal on the Grote Gracht. Global Studies, an interfaculty programme, is one of the few that holds a “closing ceremony” as soon as students have acquired the necessary study points. This ceremony last all day, rather than just two hours. After a ceremony in the Theresiakerk, there is a reception in the Harmoniezaal on Bredestraat.
Caps, gowns and drinks
Academic caps, live music, speeches by the deans, and most importantly, receiving your degree are all now traditional parts of a UM graduation ceremony. The cap and gown were originally more of an American tradition, but have since become very popular among graduates. For about €30, you can order one online through a link provided by the faculty. Although it’s often worn just for that one group photo moment when caps are joyfully tossed into the air, no one wants to be the odd one out by not wearing one. Future psychologists and economists can conveniently rent the outfit for half the price. The cap is a gift only for those studying at the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences. The Faculty of Law also provides a sash as a memento.
And what about the drinks afterwards? The difference are notable, and unlimited drinks are usually not included. Most faculties provide one or two drink tokens. FHML is more generous, and FASoS graduates can enjoy plenty of food and drinks at the Vrijthoftheater or Thiessen Wijnkoopers after the ceremony.