Degree conferment glossary

Absens (in absentia)

'Absens' is Latin for absent. It refers to a promovendus being awarded their degree without attending the ceremony. This is known as receiving the degree 'in absentia'. During the ceremony, the person’s name is read aloud, followed by the word 'absens'.

Doctor honoris causa

A 'doctor honoris causa' is an honorary doctorate awarded to individuals who have made a significant contribution to Lund University or to society. This title allows faculties to recognise and honour these individuals by formally linking them to the University’s research community.

While honorary doctors are often researchers from other universities, they may also come from outside academia.

Doctor jubilaris

A 'doctor jubilaris' is a jubilee doctor – someone who earned their doctoral degree 50 years ago.

Gowns

Gowns refer to the black robes worn by presenters, deans, and professors at the ceremony and other academic ceremonial events. The lapels are decorated with braiding in the faculty’s colours. 

Insignia

The insignia are the traditional symbols of the doctoral degree. Some, such as the book and sword, are no longer used, but four remain central:

• Doctoral hat / laurel wreath
• Ring
• Diploma

Marshals

Many marshals help during the ceremony. They take part in the procession and wear sashes in the colours of their respective faculties.

Student marshals assist in the cathedral, wearing blue and white sashes.

Proctor

Two proctors, dressed in blue, walk ahead of the vice-chancellor in the procession and sit at the front during the ceremony. They are the vice-chancellor’s honorary guards and carry ceremonial sceptres given to the University at its inauguration in 1668. The two sceptres are inscribed with the Latin phrases 'Sapientia humana' and 'Sapientia divina' respectively, meaning 'human wisdom' and 'divine wisdom'.

Promovendus/a

'Promovendus' or 'promovenda' refers to a person about to receive a doctoral degree. The plural is 'promovendi'.

Once the degree is awarded, they are referred to as 'promotus' or 'promota', with the plural 'promoti'.