St. Coloman’s Day (October 13) was in the early days of the University of Vienna (1385-1629), the traditional date on which the rector of the University of Vienna has been elected for the upcoming winter semester. The rector, who was since the foundation at the top of the University, was first elected every semester; in 1629 the term of office was extended to a whole academic year. Only in 1975 it was extended to a term of two years, in 2002 to four years.
Since its establishment until today a total of 616 people - men only – acted in the office of the rector of the University of Vienna – in 880 terms of office.
From 1892, the Latinized names of all rectors since the founding of the university in 1365 were carved in the right niche in the entrance hall of the main building of the University of Vienna in the so-called rectors’ plaque.
