University insignia

In the picture you can see the master's ring the left and the doctor's ring on the right.

University West has a master's ring and a doctor's ring, both have a pattern of the branches from the "tree of knowledge". The master ring is made of silver and the doctor's ring is available in silver or gold, or your own gold can be used. The rings symbolize fidelity; It has sometimes been expressed as having entered into marriage with science.

How to make an order

Students who are taking a master's degree and doctoral students have the opportunity to order a ring.

The master ring costs 1800 SEK (ex. VAT) and has is a 4-week delivery time.

To order rings, contact jewellery artist Helle Rasmussen Theliander by email: helle@rasmussen-theliander.se or by phone: 0708-92 49 46.

About jewellery artist Helle Rasmussen Theliander

Helle was born in Denmark and came to Sweden as a 6-year-old. She grew up in Trollhättan and Vänersborg, trained as an electrical mechanic and worked for many years at SAAB Automobil in Trollhättan. With her industrial background as an important experience, she eventually took the step to become an artist and studies at the University of Gothenburg, School of Art and Design, in jewellery art.

She has built up her own workshop at her home in southern Dalsland where she creates jewellery, often by casting silver but also other materials and techniques.

The branch, which is a consistent symbol of University West's insignia, Helle feels particularly at home with. She has worked with jewellery with branches for a long time. The rings she has now designed and manufactures for the university's master's students and doctors are thus both a familiar expression of her design and part of the university's tradition. The branch as the supporting element of the rings stands as proof of the knowledge that the graduated master's student or doctor has reached. For the doctor, the ring is also a sign that they are married to science.

The doctoral hat at University West is a symbol of academic achievement and honour. It is used at the Conferment Ceremony, where new doctors are given the right to wear the hat as a symbol of the freedom of research.

The doctor's hat has a pleated mound and a smooth brim, both on the top and bottom. At the front there is a bow where the hat badge is mounted. The differences that exist between the various faculties and higher education institutions are usually only marked by the details of the hat badge that is located on the front of the hat ribbon (except for theologians, who always wear a cloth bow) and the design of which differs from one university to another.

The University West hat badge consists of a gilded silver branch from the "tree of knowledge".

Design hat brand: Annika Bohlin

The ceremonial staff is an important symbol at University West's academic ceremonies. It represents the institution's authority and academic traditions. The staff is used during ceremonies to mark significant moments, such as the inauguration of new professors and the awarding of honorary doctorates.

The staff is decorated with the university's logo and a spire of branches in silver from the tree of knowledge. These details help to create a festive atmosphere during the ceremony. The ceremonial staff is carried by the Master of Ceremonies and is a central part of the procession, emphasizing its importance and dignity.

Design: Annika Bohlin

The laurel wreath was a symbol of victory in the ancient world, and during the Renaissance. From then on, it became primarily an award for poets, but also at the early universities a reward for learned efforts.

The laurel wreath is traditionally made from bay leaves, symbolizing victory and wisdom. It is carefully designed to fit the recipient's head and is worn as a crown during the ceremony. The green colour of the bay leaves represents growth and lifelong learning, which are central values in academia.

The diploma was originally a written confirmation of the rights that belonged to those who were conferred. In practice, it constituted a kind of documentation that the conferring body needed, for example when travelling to other universities. Today, the diploma is a purely ceremonial object with no legal evidential value – the formal documentation of a doctoral degree obtained is now registered digitally in the higher education institutions' IT system, Ladok. The diploma is now awarded to all promovendi.

The diploma awarded at University West's academic ceremony is a symbol of academic achievement and recognition. It is given to new doctors, honorary doctors, associate professors and professors as part of the ceremony.

Symbolism
The diploma represents not only the recipient's academic achievements but also their contribution to research and education at University West. It is a reminder of their hard work and dedication in their field.

The use of Vice-Chancellor's chains and other academic ceremonial symbols rests on very old traditions. The necklace is a symbol of the wearer's power and also as protection for the wearer is found in many cultures around the world and is probably one of the world's oldest forms of jewellery.

University West's chain "the tree of knowledge" is created with nature as a model and forms a branch that gives the impression of both weight and sheer lattice. The cast silver elements - the branches - are linked together by small silver rings to form a living and airy tapestry of lifelike shapes. In total, the chain contains about 40 branches. The medallion, a smooth, slightly curved roundabout in silver, is adorned with the university's logo, a wave, road or wing. The idea is that the logo should give a strong feeling of west.

The Vice-Chancellor's chain was donated to University West by the municipalities of Fyrbodal; Trollhättan, Uddevalla, Vänersborg and Lysekil. On the back of the chain's medallion there is an engraving as documentation of the donation.

Design: Annika Bohlin