This is us
A workplace is so much more than just tasks! At Karlstad University, we offer an open environment with rich traditions and plenty of social activities to enjoy.
Both students and staff say there’s a real sense of closeness here at Karlstad University – between students and lecturers, between students on different programmes, and across subjects and researchers working together in an interdisciplinary way. With a compact campus, you meet a variety of people in everyday life – and the same goes for Ingesund School of Music outside Arvika. Each department naturally has its own routines, but there are plenty of centrally organised activities for everyone to enjoy. Here’s just a selection:
Academic Ceremony
Every 18 months, the University celebrates the conferment of degrees for newly qualified doctoral graduates, honorary doctors, and others in a formal academic ceremony.
Graduation Ceremony
Twice a year, we honour all graduates with a formal ceremony in Aula Magna. The ceremonial gift is a glass apple created by the Värmland artist Ragnar Klenell.
CULTURE AT KAU
Culture at KAU is a working group dedicated to promoting cultural elements within the University’s activities. This includes spontaneous cultural performances, organised cultural events, and other initiatives.
Read more about Culture at Kau
ASSOCIATIONS AND ACTIVITIES
There are several associations for employees, such as the University Art Association and the Veterans’ Society.
foreningar och aktiviteter
University Art Association, Karlstad
The University Art Association organises various activities for its members, ranging from guided art viewings and study visits to the annual art lottery.
konstforening kau
The Veterans’ Society
The Veterans’ Society at Karlstad University has been active for over 30 years. Its purpose is to design and deliver a diverse range of activities for retired university staff, including lectures across various subject areas, study visits, and trips.
Sällskapet veteranerna, the veteran's society
The research podcast
In The Research Podcast, Forskningspodden, you meet researchers from Karlstad University who have recently defended their doctoral theses. Join us on a journey of discovery into the world of science and research.
Forskningspodden - the research podcast
Meet a researcher - open seminars
Each semester, the University Library hosts the open lecture series Meet a Researcher, offering opportunities to engage with Karlstad University researchers.
The seminars are usually held in the library (floor 3), are open to the public, and require no prior registration. Digital participation is also available, with links published for each event.
Meet a researcher
Knitting lunches
The Library also organises activities such as knitting lunches, where participants gather to knit or do other handicrafts together. Current activities are listed in the events calendar:
Library calendar
The KAU choir
The KAU Choir is a staff choir that meets during lunchtime to sing together. It is open to all employees and requires no previous singing experience. Rehearsal times are published continuously in the events calendar.
Staff parties
Staff parties are organised regularly for all employees, with different parts of the organisation taking turns as hosts. These events often have a theme, such as Kaulifornia or Party Like It’s 1999 (celebrating the 25th anniversary of the University’s inauguration in 2024).
LUCIA CELEBRATION
Each Lucia morning, the University’s choirs perform a Lucia celebration in Aula Magna. The Vice-Chancellor and the President of the Student Union also take part by reciting Tomten by Viktor Rydberg
WALPURGIS CELEBRATION
Walpurgis is one of the students’ great traditional celebrations, with activities lasting for more than a week. On Walpurgis Night, staff and students come together to enjoy choral singing and a spring address by the Vice-Chancellor. In addition, the ‘Kausläppet’ takes place – a five-kilometre running race through the so-called SKAUgen, the forest next to the university.