Academic Ceremonies
Emblematic of the centuries-old University of Lisbon’s academic tradition (ULisboa), the opening ceremony of the academic year and the Honorary Doctor award ceremony, are some of the most engaging ceremonies held regularly at the university.
Opening of the Academic Year
The Opening Ceremony is held annually in the first quarter of each academic year. Highly symbolic in nature, with the usual academic procession, this ceremony, presided over by the Rector, marks the start of a new academic year by bringing together teachers, students and staff at the Rectory’s Aula Magna. Some of the most important moments of the Ceremony happen at the Opening Speech, given by ULisboa’s Rector, at the Student Speech and the Public-Servant’s Speech.
Honorary Doctor Award Ceremony
In this ceremony, the University of Lisbon awards a title of honour to a personality of great acclaim and/or importance for their work in certain areas, such as the arts, literature, politics or promoting peace. An individual receives this title for their virtues, merits or behaviours, and the awarded person will receive the same treatment and enjoy the same privileges as if they had obtained a conventional academic doctorate. When a personality, normally an international one, is awarded an Honorary Doctorate they become highly prestigious in the University. This is because, from that moment onward, this person will belong to the body of Doctors.
Related Information
