Is there more practical information about the ceremony?

Your PhD ceremony will take place soon. A memorable moment you have been working towards for the past few years. With this article, we would like to inform you about the last preparations and give you some practical information for the day of the ceremony.

Practical information
You have to be at the Front Office of the Academy building (situated on the right side of the entrance) at least half an hour prior to the start time of your ceremony. The beadle will show you to one of the faculty rooms and walk you through the ceremony. Your paranymphs (and photographer, if applicable) will need to accompany you, as they will receive instructions for the ceremony as well. If you have any questions, you have the opportunity to ask the beadle during this walkthrough. After the walkthrough, you have time for some last-minute preparations (change your outfit, check your hair and/or make-up or take some photos). You and your paranymphs will be escorted to the auditorium by the beadle when the ceremony starts.
You can check the following document if you want to know more about the protocol for the ceremony beforehand:
https://www.rug.nl/education/phd-programmes/promotieregeling/bijlage7

Parking
One parking space will be reserved for you in the parking lot next to the Academy Building. Upon arrival, you will need to use the parking lot intercom system to announce your arrival and gain access.
Guests can park in one of the nearby parking garages, Q-Park Ossenmarkt or Parkeergarage Forum. These are located a 7-minute walk away from the Academy Building.

Accessibility
The Academy Building has various facilities for people with (physical) disabilities. Wheelchair users can access the side entrance of the Academy Building (on the left side of the building, next to the parking lot). A wheelchair (if available) can be found at the side entrance, should one of your guests wish to use it. The lift and wheelchair lift are also located at the side entrance. A wheelchair-accessible toilet is located on the safe floor as the auditorium.

Paranymphs
It is mandatory to appoint two paranymphs for the ceremony. Appointing fewer or more than two paranymphs is not permitted.

Presence of children
Children under the age of 6 are not allowed to attend the first, official part of the ceremony. They can stay in the faculty room under the supervision of an adult for the duration of this first part of the ceremony. Children are allowed to be present during the second part, the laudatio and awarding of the degree .

Dress code
There is a dress code for the ceremony. PhD candidates and their two paranymphs should wear appropriate ceremonial attire. This can be a dress suit with white vest and bow-tie or a national costume.

Reception
It is possible to have a reception in the Spiegelzaal of the Academy Building after the ceremony. The costs of this reception are for your own account. You can book a reception in the Spiegelzaal, at least six weeks prior to the ceremony, via the following form:
https://myuniversity.rug.nl/infonet/medewerkers/faciliteiten-voorzieningen/facilityportal/vergaderen-evenementen/entryform-phd-defence
It is, of course, also possible to arrange a reception at an external location.

Photographer
It’s not allowed to take photos during the first, official part - the defence - of the ceremony. Photos may be taken before the ceremony, during the laudatio and after the ceremony.
You may hire a photographer to take professional photos of your PhD ceremony or ask a friend or family member to do so.

Livestream
Family/friends/colleagues/etc. can watch the ceremony live via the University of Groningen website: https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/latest-news/events/promoties/digital-phd-ceremony
Please note that the livestream will start once the ceremony commences.