Graduation ceremony waiting lists 'disappointing'

16 hours ago

Pamela BilalovaNorth East and Cumbria

Two ceremonies have been affected due to "high demand", the University of Sunderland says

PA Media A file photo of university graduates. They are standing with their back to the camera and are wearing black robes with purple hoods and black graduation caps. All three have long straight hair. — Two ceremonies have been affected due to "high demand", the University of Sunderland says

University students have been put on waiting lists for their preferred graduation ceremonies due to high demand and venue capacity.

The University of Sunderland is set to host 19 ceremonies at the Fire Station in the city centre this summer, having previously held the events at the Stadium of Light.

The university said a "small number" of students were on waiting lists due to "unusually high demand" affecting two of the ceremonies.

Third year primary education student Megan Howick, from Sunderland, said the uncertainty around the graduation was "very difficult".

"You have people on your course all cheering each other on and then to hear that you aren't guaranteed to graduate with each other, it was so disappointing," she said.

A university spokesperson said graduates had been advised places were limited and the university would continue to do "everything reasonably possible" to support them.

The BBC has asked the university how many students are on the waiting lists and which ceremonies are affected.

Student Megan Howick says not graduating with her cohort would be disappointing

Supplied Megan Howick is smiling as she holds a book. She has long wavy blonde hair and blue eyes. She is wearing a beige jumper and a pair of black-rimmed glasses over the the top of her head. There is a shelf of books behind her. — Student Megan Howick says not graduating with her cohort would be disappointing

Howick said when she went to book her place she was put on a waiting list, with the date and time for her ceremony to be confirmed when bookings closed.

She was advised she might be placed in an alternative ceremony and not within her cohort.

"Having that graduation in sight has always been like the little push I need," Howick said.

"In my first year of university elsewhere I dropped out and I didn't think I'd ever get to the graduation point, so to have that potentially taken away or the uncertainty around it, it's very, very difficult."

'Lucky dip'

Howick, who is the first in her family to go to university, said they were more upset than her.

"It's a big thing for them as well. The fact that they might not be able to see me go over a stage with the rest of my course, it's quite a shame."

She added she had had "endless support" from the university's education team and the situation was "a big let down" for the staff "who really care about their students".

A petition she started urging the university to ensure all students are able to attend their graduation has got nearly 300 signatures.

"I think it shouldn't be a lucky dip. Everyone should have the same opportunity to graduate on the same day with each other," Howick added.

A university spokesperson said: "All students involved in the celebrations were advised, in invitations sent on 30 March and through the University's booking system, that places are limited, allocated on a first come, first served basis, and that early booking was essential to secure a preferred ceremony," a university spokesperson said.

"Our approach is always to enable cohorts to graduate together wherever possible.

"A small number of students are currently on waiting lists due to unusually high demand affecting two of the 19 ceremonies, and we will continue to do everything reasonably possible to support students and keep them informed as final allocations are confirmed."