Every year, graduation day is the most important day in the life of many students. Given the current covid-19 circumstances, graduation for students finishing in the year 2020 and 2021 has been cancelled and replaced with a short, unmemorable online ceremony.

Student welfare has been harder than ever upon the commencement of online lectures, exams and the loneliness of living alone on campus, stripped of memorable experiences known by many as 'the best time of your life.' We believe students deserve a legitimate graduation ceremony in the summer when lockdown restrictions have been lifted from the 21st June.  

We understand the logistics of accomodating all students and visitors in the same manner as previous years is very difficult, however we believe that a ceremony set up in a different manner can still occur if properly organised. For instance: 

Instead of the usual ceremony being held in the Indoor Athletics Centre (IAC), it could take place outside in open air where students can be socially distanced appropriately, for example where the Brunel fireworks usually occur. If weather affected, instead of the usual ceremony running across one week in the IAC, it could take place across various days to allow for a reduced amount of individuals on campus at once, divided by course instead of various departments graduating on the same day. A negative covid-19 test result within a 3 day window could also be a requirement prior to attendance. These, along with many other solutions can be discussed and accommodated with careful consideration. 

A graduation may seem insignificant to some, but it is very important to many students, especially after the hard year we've experienced. We don't want to be forgotten and believe we deserve one when viable.