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Selmec Student Traditions


The predecessor of our university, the Selmecbánya Academy was the cradle of a whole range of student traditions. During the centuries these customs became traditions and `moved' to Sopron and then to Miskolc with the Academy. 

Freshmen arriving at the university (their traditional name is Pagans) are called Balek (`dupe') after they have undergone some tuition and examining. After passing the filter comprehensive tests, the student turns into a Firma (`a character') so as to become a Firma Gleaming in Divine Light later, and, after receiving a degree, a Veteran. The most glamorous occasions for carrying on these traditions are the department parties where students sing their traditional Bursch songs. The Baleks are christened, the Firmas are initiated into their roles and graduating students get their traditional ribbons, mugs and rings at these parties.


 

Graduation ceremony


The expression comes from the Latin word ‘Valete’, which means ‘farewell’.
It was used by students, studying in higher education institutions of mining, metallurgy and forestry, to say farewell to their institutions and friends. From this it follows that, like almost all traditions, its origins can be found in Selmecbánya. The students in the year of ‘valete’ are represented by the ‘valete committee’, the head of which is the ‘valete president’, who is elected by students by secret ballot. The members of the committee are selected by the president because he knows who he can trust and who he wishes to work together with. Members of the ‘valete’ year organise, among others, the ‘ring inauguration’, the ‘mug inauguration’ and the ‘band inauguration’ ceremonies, as well as the ‘valete ball’ event and the ‘farewell walks’. Farewell walks have been the ceremony of students graduating from colleges since 1830.
 

Traditional student party
 

These are undoubtedly the most ceremonial and most prestigious events, which have managed to keep their traditional Selmec character very closely. The first traditional ceremonies were events where students mainly discussed professional issues, at the end of which some fun and revelry took place. Later, when students of forestry also started to take part, the professional character became less and less prominent: joy and unlimited but still highbrow entertainment became typical. Officials of the traditional student ceremonies are as follows:

The traditional ceremony takes place according to a scenario prepared by the Praeses in advance. Behaviour at a ceremony is governed by the rules that are read out for the participants by the Major Domus, as they are listed in the bye-law, so that nobody should leave the ceremony shamefacedly before its end.

Anthem of Faculty of Economics