The doctoral insignia are objects of a symbolic meaning that are handed over at the ceremony: the doctoral hat or the laurel wreath, the gold ring and the diploma. Here you will find out what they look like, what they symbolise and how they are used.
Doctoral hat for the doctors of the Faculty of Medicine
ImageAndreas NilssonThe doctoral hat symbolises academic freedom, but also power. The hat is black and pleated, and decorated with a special Umeå emblem signifying the faculty.
During Spring Graduation, only doctors of the Faculty of Medicine at Umeå University are conferred with a doctoral hat. Also, jubilee doctors of the Faculty of Medicine or the former Faculty of Odontology, puts on a doctoral hat during the Spring Graduation Ceremony.
Honorary doctors from the Faculty of Medicine receive their doctoral hats during the Annual Celebration Ceremony.
Doctors at the other current faculties are not conferred with a hat, but can, if they wish, buy a doctoral hat with an Umeå emblem for the former Faculty of Philosophy, to use on later festive occasions.
About the Umeå emblem
When the university was founded, there were three faculties, the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Odontology and the Faculty of Philosophy. Therefore, there are three different models of emblems for the hat:
Laurel wreath and diploma
ImageMattias PetterssonThe laurel wreath is also a symbol of academic freedom. The use of laurel wreaths at the doctoral conferment is a very old tradition. All doctors, jubilee doctors and honorary doctors of the Faculties of Arts, Science and Technology and Social Sciences at Umeå University are conferred with a laurel wreath during Spring Graduation.
Doctoral rings
ImageMattias PetterssonThe doctoral ring symbolises loyalty to science. Only those who have obtained a doctoral degree or are honorary doctors at Umeå University may wear a ring, in red or white gold, of the special Umeå pattern.
Three different models of the ring
When the university was founded, there were three faculties, the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Odontology and the Faculty of Philosophy. Therefore, there are three different models of the ring.
Here are more pictures of what the doctoral rings look like.
Who may purchase Umeå University’s doctoral ring?
The doctoral rings in the special Umeå model may be purchased by anyone who has been awarded a doctoral degree at Umeå University.
How much can a ring cost and where can I purchase the ring?
The ring can cost between SEK 13,600–21,000.
Please contact promotion@umu.se for more information on how to purchase the ring (state the model of the ring or faculty and doctoral degree).
Ring measurement
It is crucial that the measurement of your doctoral ring is perfect. Making alterations to a doctoral ring later is difficult due to their intricate pattern. Make sure to take your measurement before ordering the ring. If you take your measurement in another jewellery shop than the one you are ordering from, let them know that the ring is 5.5 mm wide and has a flat inside. The doctoral ring is usually carried on your left hand. If you also wear a wedding band, the wedding band is placed on the inside – closest to your heart.
Engraving
The engraving may include:
These details are engraved to the extent there is room inside the ring. Long names may be abbreviated with initials on the first name.
Diploma at the conferment ceremony
ImageAndreas NilssonThe diploma is a ceremonial gift from the faculty to its doctors, jubilee doctors and honorary doctors during their conferment.