Graduation isn’t just about collecting your degree, it’s the culmination of years of hard work, and getting the chance to collectively celebrate with friends and family, something that just cannot be done virtually.
Like many of you, we at Christ Church Students’ Union were extremely disappointed to learn via social media over the weekend that the University was proposing virtual graduations for the class of 2020. This was a position that was stated on the University website with no direct communication to the affected students and no consultation with the Students’ Union on the options available for these cohorts. We understand that physical graduations cannot happen this year in the format you would expect and are used to, but the University has failed both to engage with you or the Students’ Union in making this decision, and to communicate this decision in an appropriate fashion. You are understandably upset and angry about both the decision and the method of communication, and we share your frustrations.
Becky, Students’ Union President, met with key University stakeholders on Monday morning to express your strength of feeling on this issue, and to immediately look for a way forward. As such, we are seeking the following urgent answers from the University:
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Confirmation that the class of 2020 will be offered options for either a virtual event this year, or to attend a physical ceremony in the future;
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Clarity regarding how this decision was made and communicated, and an apology for the distress caused to students and alumni;
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A commitment to ensuring that this does not happen again;
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Assurance and commitment that the student voice will be fully consulted, and actively engaged in decisions regarding all large scale student-facing events, whether in person or virtual; and
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Clarity as soon as possible on options for the graduating class of 2021, involving the Students’ Union in both decision-making and communication.
We recognise that graduation isn’t just about collecting your degree, it’s the culmination of years of hard work, and getting the chance to collectively celebrate with friends and family, something that cannot be done in a purely virtual way.
We will continue to challenge the University on this and are, as always, committed to championing your voices through action. We will remain in constant communication with you and keep you in the loop with our position.
Contacts
President@ccsu.co.uk ( Becky Thomson)
Sports@ccsu.co.uk (Maddy Young)
Wellbeing@ccsu.co.uk (Nathan Baker)
Development@ccsu.co.uk (Beth Elwood)
Hello@ccsu.co.uk