Traditions

Originally, our mission was to educate professionals in the most knowledge-demanding fields of law, medicine, and theology. In our present time, academic professions have expanded to meet the needs of a new knowledge society. Our researchers play a crucial role in both education and knowledge creation for this society. Therefore, we consider the academic ceremony a significant occasion.

Doctoral Promotion

Doctoral promotions have existed in Sweden since the early 1500s, with the first promotion taking place in Uppsala. This tradition has evolved over time, being more prominent during certain periods and less emphasized during others. Nowadays, it is a popular and solemn part of the academic world. The term “promotion” comes from the Latin word “promovere,” meaning to advance or promote. The person conducting the promotion (the promoter) is usually a professor but can also be a docent.

Doctoral Hat

At Karlstad University, we award a doctoral hat to honorary doctors. It is black, tall, and pleated, symbolizing both freedom and authority. While traditionally, promoted doctors wear a doctoral hat, at Karlstad University, we use a laurel wreath instead. Disputants who participate in the procession carry their hats in hand. When the promoter, during the solemn ceremony, puts on their own hat or laurel wreath, those in the audience who brought their hats also put them on.

Laurel Wreath

During the promotion at Karlstad University, the newly appointed doctor receives a laurel wreath as a gift from the university. The laurel wreath has its origins in Greek mythology and was associated with the god Apollo. Winners of the Olympic Games received laurel wreaths as a symbol of victory, a tradition later adopted by Roman emperors. In medieval times, the laurel wreath was a common symbol for poets and scholars, both in Sweden and Finland.

Doctoral Ring

The doctoral ring, featuring Karlstad University’s symbol, is made of gold and symbolizes the wearer’s “marriage” to science. Only our promoted doctors are allowed to wear this ring.

Diploma

The diploma is a ceremonial degree certificate. Karlstad University’s diplomas are crafted from handmade paper with a gold seal.

Parnassus

Parnassus refers to the lectern used during the promotion and other ceremonial occasions. The word “parnassus” comes from Greek mythology and means the divine mountain. When a doctor is led across the parnassus by the promoter, it symbolizes their right to provide academic instruction to students. At Karlstad University, our symbol—the sun—represents the parnassus.

Professor’s Installation

This tradition also has medieval origins. Around the early 1600s, installations were documented at Uppsala University. The term comes from the ecclesiastical term “stallum,” referring to the seat in the choir where a member of the cathedral chapter sat upon assuming their office. All Swedish universities conduct installations, although the forms may vary.

Karlstad University’s Symbol

Karlstad University’s symbol consists of a circle with a sun and the text “Karlstads universitet” inside. The symbol was designed for our new university and embodies several values: interdisciplinary work, multiculturalism, and the idea that the future can be shaped by outstanding education and research, as well as by thoughts not yet conceived. Our connection to Swedish and international universities is evident, all while embracing innovation and progress.