The overwhelming feeling of defeat and sadness covers the student body of final year maynooth students after the email sent regarding the cancellation of graduation.  

It’s not acceptable that school attendants are being considered and taken care of by the government & will be returning to school in August and September, yet university students do not get the opportunity of a graduation. Maynooth has the ground to hold socially distanced ceremonies in smaller groups if necessary. Why isn’t this being considered? 

We have all spent thousands of euros and numerous years putting time and tears into earning our degrees and this is a crucial part of us feeling like we have completed something. A degree is an achievement which should be honoured correctly, not with some lacklustre virtual ceremony. To not have that important moment of actually graduating leaves us feeling like we are not even graduates, especially considering the mess that the last semester turned out to be.  

We don’t mind waiting until a ceremony is safe to hold. Communicate with us what you are doing to resolve this.

Maynooth University is an institution which relies upon its students. Listen to us, do not disregard us.