2020 & 2021 Graduations - What we are doing

We really appreciate students' frustration and disappointment in regards to the decision to make 2020 and 2021 Graduation ceremonies virtual. The Students’ Union were not involved in this decision about Graduation, we were only made aware of the situation after the decision was made, so that we can provide input and feedback for the next steps regarding virtual celebrations and what the University can do as a celebration for you in 2022.

We are doing our best to make sure we capture your feedback, make sure students' views are being represented and passed on to the correct people in the University.

The University have released an update on the decision about Graduation with some further context to their decision as well as their initial plans to create a physical event in 2022 for our Graduates that have endured this pandemic during their final years at the University. You can read the latest email from the University here. 

UPDATE 23rd February 2021 

We know that the announcement of yesterday’s roadmap has raised lots of questions regarding the Graduation decision originally made by the University. Like you we are quite keen to better understand what impact this announcement will have on decisions. 

Graduation ceremonies are large indoor ceremonies that would come under the last step set out in the roadmap, currently proposed to be 21st June. We want to remain realistic about the timescales (we all remember too well when we got told this would all be over by Christmas and then Christmas was cancelled), these dates are not set in stone and we are sure this is something the University are considering also. 

We do know how important this Graduation situation is though, the University have recruited a project manager to specifically look at Graduation and we are meeting with them this week to discuss running some focus groups jointly to gain student feedback, we will aim to be able to let you know more about these by the end of the week. 

Your Elected Officers are also raising the latest announcement with Executive staff at the University to get insight into what the next steps will look like for the Uni with Graduation. There are naturally lots of meetings and conversations happening this week with the latest announcement so once these have happened and we can give an update on Graduation, it will be at the top of our to do list. 

UPDATE 3rd March 2021

An email has been sent from Vice-Chancellor Graham Galbraith to students with their decision to host in-person Graduation ceremonies in July 2021.

This will be constantly evaluated for the safety of students, their families and staff and fall in line with Government guidance and any changes that may occur to the planned roadmap. It is important that we all continue to follow the lockdown rules to keep infection rates low. 

Virtual ceremonies will still be going ahead for graduates who may not be able to, or do not want to, attend graduation here in the city.

This is a huge win for your Union and Elected Officers, Hayley and Mike, as we shared your thoughts and feedback with the University who listened and acted upon it in light of the recent Government announcements.

Please find a copy of the email below: