Beadle's Office

Welcome to the Beadle’s Office

The Beadle’s Office undertakes and supervises the PhD defence ceremony procedure on behalf of the Rector of Erasmus University Rotterdam. It organises and prepares academic ceremonies such as PhD defence ceremonies, inaugural speeches, valedictory speeches, the opening of the academic year and the celebration of the Dies Natalis, or anniversary of the university. The Beadle’s Office also has an advisory role in other university events, such as graduations and awarding degree certificates, presenting prizes and honours, and speeches. The Beadle’s Office takes care of Erasmus University Rotterdam's academic rituals.

At PhD defence ceremonies, the following persons may be present:

- candidate + 2 paranymphs
- chair
- a full committee may be present
- a maximum of 75 guests

The possibility of online opposition remains for committee members. All attendees must wear a mouth mask, both when moving around the building and while sitting in the room. The defence of the doctorate can be viewed via a live stream provided to the candidate.