The Rector of Åbo Akademi University Gunilla Widén cordially invites all students and staff to attend the opening of the academic year 2026 – 2027 in Vaasa and Turku.
The opening ceremony in Vaasa is being held on Wednesday 2 September at 2:15 PM in Akademisalen, Academill (where the guest are requested to take their places no later than 2:00 PM).
After the ceremony, guests are cordially invited to a reception with refreshments afterwards.
At the Opening Ceremony in Turku on 3 September, Professor Gunilla Widén will be inaugurated as Rector. During the Rector’s Inauguration Ceremony, the insignia of the Rector – two silver sceptres, the Rector’s mantle and the Rector’s chain – will be presented to Widén as symbols of the dignity and responsibility borne by the Rector of the University. Thus, the Rector will not wear the insignia at the Opening Ceremonies in Vaasa.
As an exception to tradition, the Church Service for the Opening of the Academic Year will not be held in Turku or Vaasa during the period when Turku Cathedral is closed for renovation from 2026 to 2028. The service will resume in 2029 in accordance with the long-standing ties between the Cathedral and the University, which continue to form an integral part of the University’s ceremonial traditions.
Registration via crm.abo.fi, where participants can select location and programme.
The registration deadline is 28 August 2026 at 12 PM.
The full programme will be published in mid-August.
Dress code
For guests, better casual attire is recommended.
For participants in the procession, dark suite and doctoral hat
For questions regarding registration in Turku and Vaasa, please contact events@abo.fi
