Graduation ceremony of University of Oxford

Dr Syed Ali Tarek :
Attending yesterday’s (March 5) University of Oxford graduation was a remarkable event in my life. Sitting among all the graduating scholars in glories Sheldonian Theatre was undeniably a humbling experience. Due to Covid restrictions, I had limited bonding opportunities with my fellow collegemates. Yesterday, as we were sitting in the dining hall having lunch, bumping into each other in the corridors, and hearing all the buzzing discussions, I could feel that immediate connection.
From those who are graduating for the first time to those who are gaining their subsequent degrees, were all one small family celebrating each other’s success in the presence of their near and dear family members. Dean of Degrees Fr Andreas Wenzel’s quick run through the ceremony and the instructions on Latin, including verbal cues, indeed took away our attention from the lunch to the most crucial Latin verse of the day for the graduates – ‘Do fidem’ or ‘I swear’.
Shortly after 12:30, the Dean of Degrees Fr Andreas Wenzel, led the graduands and their guests to the Sheldonian Theater. A walk of 15 mins through the streets of Oxford was a fantastic way to reflect upon all the things that were learnt within or beyond the classroom or the virtual sessions. As we cross through the busy streets of Oxford, other similar processions of other colleges can be seen in the distance. It’s beautiful scenery with people with ‘Sub Fusc’ or Oxford’s Official Academic dresses. Shaelyn and I were lucky to walk with Fr Andreas. We discussed Oxford’s history, the college’s deep theological foundation and plans to transform. I couldn’t resist asking him for his take on the ‘God’s Gender Neutrality’ debate of the current time. I got a fitting response which resonates with my views; some things are better left to believe, and just because a group of people say something doesn’t make it right, even when the group is the majority!
Soon enough, we reached the Sheldonian Theatre, where the University of Oxford’s formal graduations have been hosted since the second half of the twelfth century. The aura of the presence of so many scholars was unmissable. All graduates were first presented to the School of Divinity by the Dean of degrees. Once all the formalities were met, we joined the queue to be in the main theatre. Soon after everyone was seated, the official ceremony began. The Vice-Chancellor reminded us of the traditions of the university and its promises, of how as graduates, we can transform the shape of the world by bringing innovative ideas forward-something the University of Oxford has been championing since its foundation in 1096.
In the ceremony, our college’s graduands were presented to the Vice-Chancellor and Proctors by saying in Latin, “Insignissima Vice-Cancellaria, vosque egregii Procuratores, praesento vobis hos meos scholares in Facultate…” which means, “Most Distinguished Vice-Chancellor, and you, most excellent Proctors, I present to you these my scholars in the Faculty of… ” We bow to the Vice Chancellor before leaving the theatre to get our graduation hood from the School of Divinity. It was a seemingly long wait before we were called back for admission.
While waiting, we explored more of my collegemates’ studies, interests and experiences. Once called back, we were presented to the Proctor, who recited the oath to groups of about 30 at a time… “Domini Magistri, vos dabitis fidem ad observandum statuta, privilegia, consuetudines et libertates istius Universitatis…” This meant, “Masters, you shall swear to observe the statutes, privileges, customs and liberties of this University…” We replied, ‘Do fidem’ and bowed to the Proctors and the Vice Chancellor. It was certainly more ceremonious than all the other graduation ceremonies I have attended as a student or as an academic. All the clappings in the theatre were a joyous and marvellous memory to cherish the whole life. I, with other graduates, departed the theatre as being graduate of the University of Oxford. I received my master’s degree certificate from the Dean of Degrees of St. Stephen’s soon after we departed the Sheldonian theatre.
Though at that point, it seemed like my last steps of the Oxford journey, I wondered, does any graduate ever really leave Oxford? I felt I made a lifetime connection, which will go beyond my life to future generations. Perhaps, this is a fitting space to say, “Do fidem”.

(The writer is a British Bangladeshi scholar who works for Office for Students, Department for Education of His Majesty’s Government, Regulator, and competition authority for the higher education sector in England and The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, UK).