Paper short abstract:

In my presentation, I examine the meaning of the civis-ceremony, where newcomers of the student nation of the University of Turku become full members of the community. Why do the people consider this ritual important?

Paper long abstract:

In my doctoral dissertation, I study young adults’ belonging to a community using regional student nations of the University of Turku as my case study. This paper is based on my second article, where I examine socialization in a student community.

Three of the student nations call their members beaani, civis, or senior depending on how long they have been members. From the beginning of the 2010s, beaanis have collected entries in beaanipass, and after completing enough tasks, they have been promoted into civis.

Most of my 23 interviewees thought that the ceremony, where beaanis become civis, is very important. In my presentation, I describe briefly the ceremony and study the meaning of the ceremony for the community. Does the creation of the civis-ceremony bind the younger members to the community? Interviewees also mentioned that traditions are one of the main reasons to be part of these communities. Is this tradition worth holding on to?