PhD dinner
You are under no obligation to host a doctoral dinner, but it is common practice to have some form of celebration. The event should take place on the same afternoon/evening as the public defence. It is up to you to decide whether to host a large dinner or a simple buffet after the public defence.
The dinner is an official event, but can include a less official final part. The chair of the defence, the members of the committee, the supervisor and the Head of Department are obvious guests. It is also natural to invite people who have closely assisted you with the thesis, including your family.
There are no fixed rules for seating, but the doctoral candidate and his/her escort, the members of the adjudication committee, the chair of the defence and the main supervisor should be seated centrally, possibly at a main table.
Speeches
The following people should speak, preferably in the order given below. It is a good idea to have a toastmaster.
- The doctoral candidate (thanking the university, committee, academic environment, his/her family, etc.).
- The chair of the defence/representative of the University.
- The main supervisor/representative of the academic environment.
- The committee, represented by the third opponent.
Costs
The doctoral candidate must cover the costs of the dinner. Some candidates ask for a contribution from their family and friends. The committee, supervisor, chair of the defence and Head of Department should not be asked for a contribution. (Deductions for PhD expenses are discontinued from the 2023 income year. This applies to costs in 2023 or later).
Conferral
The Rector will confer the degree of philosophiae doctor on you from the University of Oslo based on the report from the faculty that the educational component, the thesis and the PhD examination have been approved. This will take place at a conferral ceremony in the University’s ceremonial hall, the Aula. There are four conferral ceremonies every year. The date of your public defence determines which conferral ceremony you will be invited to. Read more about the conferral ceremony.