On Friday 23rd October, 2020 graduates were told via email that planning for an in-person graduation had been stood-down in favour of planning for a virtual ceremony.
Current restrictions limit all gatherings to a maximum of 6 people, yet the University states in an email that each ceremony usually hosts 800.
The University is apologetic about the cancellation, but reminds graduates that current circumstances are out of their control. Planners have asked that a virtual ceremony be accepted, with the offer of an in-person “celebration” next September. The University has yet to release an official press statement.
We have reached out to the University of Plymouth this morning; they are yet to comment. Their comments will be published as the story unfolds.
This approach isn’t what University of Plymouth students from the Class of 2020 want. Over 2,500 have signed a change.org petition stating they will wait however long it takes for the celebration they deserve.
Whilst (in ordinary times) there is no promise of a graduation, there is an expectation that one will happen. The Graduation on The Hoe does amount to a significant proportion of the University’s advertising.
Cancellation might not come as a shock; but it’s certainly unfair to a lot of students who have given so much during their time here, not least £27,000.
What do you think?
There are calls reminding us that everyone in society has made a sacrifice. The dream celebration is being taken away after students have given so much to their communities whilst studying.
Comments on the petition from disheartened students remind us of how hard they worked, with the last semester riddled with strikes and COVID-19 restrictions.
Rhiannon Betts writes that her degree took 4 years of hard work. She agrees it should be postponed but not replaced by a cancellation.
Bethanie Black spent time as a student nurse during the lockdown, whilst university resources were more scarce and the transition to online learning was lacking. Her graduation being moved online has let her feel “cheated”.
Emily Ambler sums up how the majority of signatories seem to feel, stating she’d wait as long as it takes.
Graduates deserve to Graduate
Graduates are simply stating that whilst it is understandable that the event is postponed, cancellation is unfair.
Acting students have lent their talents to local theatres and groups. Those students campaigning bring important issues to the front of Plymouth’s mind. Students spread the University’s name throughout Britain and abroad through sports, whilst fuelling it’s nightlife and a significant proportion of Plymouth’s economy. Medical, nursing and students students studying similar subjects have not only given socially and economically to the city like others, some have also given their all to the NHS during a time of crisis by volunteering in NHS Trusts across the country.
Graduation is not a party, but a ceremony. A ceremony that marks the end of one chapter and the start of another. A ceremony that former students can take time to reminisce about Plymouth and the lessons that can be taken from the city.
Students have given us so much. Let’s give them graduation back and let us know what you think about the cancellation in the comments or email owain.gullam@students.plymouth.ac.uk .