University Ceremonies
Encaenia
Encaenia, held annually on the Wednesday of ninth week of Trinity Term, is the ceremony at which the University awards honorary degrees to distinguished men and women and commemorates its benefactors.
Admission of the Proctors and Assessor
The Senior Proctor, Junior Proctor and the Assessor are elected annually by the colleges in a set cycle. As well as being members of key decision-making committees within the University, the Proctors and Assessor ensure that the University operates according to its statutes.
Chancellor's Court of Benefactors
The Chancellor’s Court of Benefactors meets annually in autumn to receive and discuss matters relating to the work of the University. Created in 1991, membership of the Chancellor's Court of Benefactors is a distinction bestowed by the Chancellor, at the request of Council, on those who have made a major contribution to the development of the collegiate University. A formal Ceremony of Admission welcomes new members to the Court.
The Vice-Chancellor's Oration
Annually the Vice-Chancellor’s Oration is delivered in noughth week of Michaelmas term at a special meeting of Congregation, in Convocation House. Pro-Vice-Chancellors for the coming year are admitted to office at this time. The Vice-Chancellor is also admitted at this ceremony in a year in which the holder of the office changes.
The Glove Ceremony & Court Sermon
Dating back to at least the sixteenth century, it has been the tradition in Oxford for white gloves to be presented to the Judge in Commission by the Vice-Chancellor on behalf of the University and by the Lord Mayor on behalf of the City in the Dean’s Drawing Room at Christ Church. After the presentation of the gloves those present process to the Cathedral for the Court Sermon, where a College Chaplain is usually appointed to preach.
