Doctoral dissertation karonkka (celebratory dinner) at the Philosophical faculty

The karonkka is a longstanding academic tradition. It is usually held on the evening of the defence day in honour of the opponent. As the person who has defended, you are the host – you are responsible for the arrangements, the event and the costs.

The following describes a traditional academic karonkka. However, you are free to organise the event in a way that suits you.

Choosing a venue

You can choose a venue according to your budget. Reserving a university venue is subject to a fee (see University venues (opens in a new tab) and their rent list (opens in a new tab)). It is a good idea to ask colleagues and acquaintances for tips on suitable venues.

Karonkka invitation

When to send invitations

It is customary to send invitations to the karonkka in advance. As a matter of courtesy, ask the opponent before the public defence whether you may begin preparations for the karonkka. Invitations may also be sent electronically.

Who to invite

The following should be invited to the karonkka at a minimum:

• the opponent
• the custos
• the supervisors of the dissertation
• the pre-examiners
• co-authors
• others who have clearly contributed to the dissertation or significantly supported your research journey

Your spouse, parents or close friends may also be included on the guest list. However, the karonkka is not a family or extended family celebration.

What to include in the invitation

You may word the invitation as you wish, but it should include:

• the time and place of the event
• the dress code
• a date for RSVPs
• a request to inform you of any dietary requirements, if applicable
• mention of a dinner ticket, if this is customary in your discipline

A mention of a dinner ticket should not be included in the invitations sent to the opponent, the custos or the supervisors.

Dress code

The traditional karonkka dress code is formal or dark suit:

• Formal dress (juhlapuku): tailcoat with white waistcoat, or a long evening gown (black or subdued colour). The invitation states formal dress.
• Dark suit (tumma puku): dark suit, or a knee-length formal dress. The invitation states dark suit.

You may also choose a different dress code but note that the karonkka is not typically attended in everyday attire.

Seating arrangement

As the person who has defended, you are the host of the evening, and the opponent is the guest of honour.

• To your right: the opponent (guest of honour)
• To your left: the custos
• If there are two opponents, the junior opponent is seated to your left, and the custos moves one place further to the left.
• Other guests are generally seated in order of their academic achievements.

Programme and speeches

Order of the evening

1. You welcome the guests before the meal begins.
2. Speeches are given after the meal, before coffee.
3. After the speeches, the atmosphere can relax with free conversation, music or other entertainment.

Your speeches

You begin the speeches by thanking your guests in the following order:

1. The opponent – you may conclude your speech by saying, for example: “Let us now raise a glass to my esteemed opponent, N.N.!”
2. The custos
3. Others who contributed to the work, in order of importance (e.g. supervisors, co-authors, research group)
4. Those closest to you last (e.g. spouse, family)

Each individual speech of thanks should be reasonably short, approximately 2–3 minutes. If you thank eight parties, for example, the total duration of your speech will be approximately 20 minutes.

Response speeches

Immediately after your speech, the opponent responds. The opponent’s response is typically light yet professional in tone. The custos speaks next, followed by the other guests in the order in which you mentioned them.

Tip: Let guests who are not familiar with the tradition of academic speeches know about the speeches in advance – for example, in the invitation or in person. You can also let colleagues know that you will thank them in your speech and that they may respond together, so that each individual is not expected to give a personal response speech.

End of the evening

After the round of speeches, guests may leave if they wish. You may also move to a more informal venue for an after-party, in which case the costs are covered by each individual.

Tips for organising the karonkka

• Communicate with your guests in advance: The better informed your guests are about the practical arrangements, the more comfortable they will feel participating. Include information about the dress code, gift preferences and a map to the venue. Recommend accommodation options for guests travelling from afar.
• Delegate tasks: Ask those close to you to help with tasks such as preparing the seating plan, so that you can focus on mental preparation during the week of the defence.
• Make use of support materials: such as the Support for communication in public defence (opens in a new tab) resource bank in Moodle (link requires UEF login).