We are extremely disappointed that the University has chosen to further postpone the graduation ceremonies due to take place in January 2022
We are extremely disappointed that the University has chosen to further postpone the graduation ceremonies due to take place in January 2022. Many students due to graduate over the next three weeks have been waiting several years to celebrate their academic success, and will be devastated at the further postponement at a time when government guidance permits these events to go ahead.
We understand that Covid-19 case rates are rising, and the Omicron variant’s transmissibility is of concern. We also understand that staff absence due to sickness or self-isolation may affect the event. However, graduation ceremonies are a once in a lifetime occasion for students and their families, many of whom will already have made travel and other arrangements for the ceremonies due to be held in only two weeks’ time. We believe that running these events, for students who have been disappointed again and again by Covid restrictions, should be a key priority for the University.
We have expressed our concerns to the Vice Chancellor, and our position remains that if government guidance permits, graduation ceremonies should go ahead as planned, with appropriate Covid safety measures in place.
We will continue to work with the University to help ensure clear and transparent communication with graduands about the rearranged ceremonies, and all decisions relating to graduation.
Dan, Beth, Frankie, and Maddy
CCSU Sabbatical Leadership Team 2021/22