Dress code

The UvA does not impose a strict dress code. If you wish to follow traditional customs, PhD candidates and paranymphs typically wear white tie (tailcoat with white waistcoat and white bow tie). The unwritten rule: festive but not too informal. As the ceremony lasts around 90 minutes, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes or bringing an extra pair.

Guests

• Agnietenkapel: max. 90 guests
• Aula: max. 450 guests (reception room capacity: max. 100)

These numbers exclude the PhD candidate, paranymphs, (co-)supervisors, committee members and rector. Children under 6 are not permitted.

Arrival and start time

You are expected to arrive 30 minutes before the start of the ceremony.

• Agnietenkapel: main entrance, Oudezijds Voorburgwal 229–231
• Aula: rear entrance, Handboogstraat 6

Guests may enter up to 10 minutes after the scheduled start. No entry is permitted after this, to avoid interruptions.

Online participation by committee members

Committee members may participate online if they are abroad or facing long-term limiting circumstances.
Your supervisor must inform the Beadle’s Office, who will coordinate arrangements.

Livestream

Every PhD defence is broadcast via livestream. The link will be published in the UvA calendar and sent to you in advance. The video remains online for one month. Recordings cannot be requested.

Photography

You may hire a photographer, provided they follow these rules:

• No flash or sound
• No disruptions to the ceremony
• Photography is permitted during the layperson’s talk
• No movement during the opposition and defence
• During the degree presentation and laudatio, the photographer may move freely in the hall
• (but not on stage in the Aula, and not in front of the first row in the Agnietenkapel)

For suggestions, contact the Beadle’s Office.

Reception

To organise a reception, contact the catering company: uva249.nl@cirfood.com

• Agnietenkapel: reception area downstairs
• Aula: Tetterode Library

You are not allowed to bring your own food or drinks. No technical equipment is available in the reception areas.