Recurring academic ceremonies and events:
PhD defences ('promoties')
PhD defences (Dutch: promoties) are organised by the Support Office of Twente Graduate School. See www.utwente.nl/phd-defences.
Inaugural lectures ('oraties')
At UT, it is common for new professors to inform the academic community about the nature of their discipline and their intended activities concerning that discipline through an inaugural speech (Dutch: oratie). The inaugural lecture will also be published as a publication. Although the publication contains the text of the inaugural lecture, the book can be more elaborate and scientific in nature.
The support of an inaugural lecture is provided by the support office Doctorate Board of the Twente Graduate School.
Information about upcoming inaugural lectures and support is available via the Academic Ceremonies webpage.
Farewell meetings
Professors who retire get the opportunity to give a farewell lecture. More information about this can be found on the page about farewell lectures.
Dies Natalis
The Dies Natalis, 'the birthday' of the University of Twente, is traditionally celebrated as an academic ceremony at which the rector gives a reflective speech. Furthermore, a prominent professor of the University of Twente gives a lecture about his/her discipline.
During the Dies, the following prices will be awarded:
- Overijssel PhD-award
- Prof. De Winter-prijs
See www.utwente.nl/dies.
Opening academic year
At the beginning of September, at every Dutch university, the academic year will be opened. Also at the University of Twente, the Opening of the Academic Year marks the start of the academic year. This is the moment that the Executive Board will be publically announce the educational policy of the next year. This ceremony is meant for all students, employees and external relations of the University of Twente and will be organised by MC, commissioned by the Executive Board.
During the Opening of the Academic Year, a prominent guest from the Netherlands or abroad will give a lecture about the developments in the field of eduction or eductional policies.
During this academic ceremony, the following academic prices will be awarded:
- Graduation prices of the 5 faculties of the University of Twente
- Education award
The Opening of the Academic year traditionally finds place at the first Monday of September. For the current date and location, see www.utwente.nl/oay.
Informal closing academic year
During the informal closing of the academic year at a Thursday in July, the Executive Board invites all employees to look back to the academic year while enjoying a sip and a bite. The informal closing of the academic year is organized by General Affairs together with MC.
Entrepreneurial Day (former Innovatielezing)
The University of Twente organises an Entrepreneurial Day (former Innovation Lecture) for her relationships and employees each year. During this lecture, a famous guest from the Netherlands or abroad gives a lecture about new innovative technological developments and the influence of these developments on society.
During the Innovation lecture, the following prices will be awarded:
- Marina van Damme-beurs
- Van den Kroonenberg-prijs