Rectors of Wroclaw universities have inaugurated a new academic year together for the last few years. The most spectacular part of the ceremony is the time when participants move to the Market Square and sing ‘Gaudeamus Igitur’ together. A motif from this traditional student song was used by Johannes Brahms in his ‘Academic Festival Overture.’ The work was composed by Johannes Brahms in token of his gratitude to the University of Wroclaw for the title of doctora honoris causa received by the composer in 1879.
The meeting in the Market Square will start at 4:00 pm. Apart from official ceremonies, the inauguration of the academic year will include a number of attractions such as a city game for students, a team attempt to beat a dance record and a concert of Krzysztof Zalewski (5:00 pm).
Official assemblies inaugurating the academic years are also planned separately at each university. Most of the universities use the Leopoldina Aula on that occasion, but it is currently under repair, so this year’s ceremonies have to be transferred.
Students and lecturers of the University School of Physical Education already started the academic year on 23rd September.
Dates of inauguration of the academic year at other universities:
- Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences – 29th September, 11:00 am, John Paul II auditorium;
- University of Wroclaw – 30th September, 11:00 am, Oratorium Marianum, main building of UW;
- Wroclaw University of Technology – 3rd October, 9:30 am, auditorium of WUT;
- Wroclaw University of Economics – 6th October, 11:00 am, auditorium in the Lifelong Learning Centre;
- Medical University – 10th October, 10:00 am, New Pharmacy auditorium;
- Artistic Schools (Academy of Fine Arts, Academy of Music, Ludwik Solski State Drama School) – 10th October, 10:00 am, Oratorium Marianum, main building of the University of Wroclaw;
- Pontifical Faculty of Theology – 11th October, 10:00 am, auditorium of PFT.
