The defense itself is in an amazingly fancy room - an "academic chapel" if you will. On one side are tall stained glass windows...
And on the other is "balcony seating".
The entire thing is officiated by "the man with the staff". In his formal attire, he leads the committee in, and then the PhD candidate.
Chiara is accompanied by "body guards" - two friends who technically can answer any questions for her, but in reality escort her around, dressed nicely, looking tough.
The three of them process to the front of the room, and bow to the committee members, who sit at tables on either side of the room, dressed in black robes.
The "main" committee member, in addition to his black robe, gets to wear a chain and carry a bell.
Chiara's two advisors peruse her thesis as questions are asked. Each committee member gets one question, and they are addressed in turn.
Chiara answers each question, starting out with the phrase "I thank you for your question" or something similar (in Dutch), then proceeds to answer the question (in English).
The front of the room is quite elaborate as well, with a huge mural that the audience, of grad students, postdocs, and family members, can stare at when they can no longer follow the questions.
When time is up - time is up. The man with the staff walks back in and demands an immediate cessation of the questioning. It lasts precisely 45 minutes, which means that sometimes, a committee member doesn't get their question answered. (Much unlike the system for my defense, where the questioning period went on for literally hours.)
The committee processes back out...
... followed by Chiara and her bodyguards.
After a little while, a much more happy and relaxed Chiara processes back in...
and is presented with her diploma (yay!)
Her PhD advisors take the time to give moving speeches.
Her parents look proudly on.
Afterwards, the tradition is to present the new PhD with gifts that have to do with their time in Groningen.
First a bunch of flowers (to remember the beautiful Dutch flowers).
One of the gifts I suggested was a stuffed cow... Chiara had an encounter with a big scary Dutch cow and now she is scared of cows - so we gave her a sweet stuffed cow (immediately commandeered by her younger cousin).
Of course, espresso cups for the Italian who loves a good coffee.
And since she plays basketball, a basketball we all signed.
Wow! Now you must be thinking of getting your second PhD in the Netherlands since the process is so cool (not to mention a little less stressful with only 45 minutes of answering questions!). Congratulations to your friend. Ginny
ReplyDeleteThat is so neat! And only a 45 minute defense... I remember sitting waiting for you to get out of your grueling session and having to tell everyone who kept stopping by your office asking "Isn't she out YET! " Can't tell you the relief when I found out it was because the professors were arguing amongst themselves and virtually ignoring you.... so, does Chiara have a hooding ceremony?
ReplyDeleteI agree that this sounds cool: 45 minutes AND bodyguards? Awesome! Congrats to your friend :) I will have to find out how it works in Scotland.
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