Having received Vice-Principle Colm Harmon's email addressing the cancellations of graduations, many of us will be extremely disappointed. This past year has required an extraordinary effort to continue with our education and find motivation to keep going as we continue to isolate ourselves from friends and loved ones. To be told that the University has decided to unilaterally cancel in-person all graduations for the class of 2021 seems premature and unsympathetic.

Our position is as follows:

1) Students must be offered a choice between a virtual or delayed physical graduation.
2) The University must engage in a discourse with students/student representatives regarding the issue. Following this, the University must agree to consistent updates and clarity regarding the progress and likelihood of physical graduations for all classes affected by the Coronavirus pandemic – 2020, 2021 + any potential classes.
3) Upon the easing of applied social distancing measures in Scotland, the University must commit to providing students who have opted for it with a formal physical graduation.
4) The University must offer transparency regarding the timing and organisation of physical ceremonies. Furthermore, it must provide explanations for decisions taken and offer channels of dialogue between students and the administrative body.
5) Organisation should be based upon U.K. travel guidelines and regulation. The University must not prioritise student groups based upon location/PoR, except where travel restrictions exist.
6) The University must create an independent committee/organisation to oversee the above, and the implementation of physical graduations for all those who selected it of the 2020 class. This must be followed for the 2021 class.