Covid-19 has undoubtedly brought about many challenges and changes that have not been ideal for most. While we are willingly yielding to the circumstances brought on by the pandemic, it is clear that the graduating class of 2021 at The University of the West Indies are being treated unfairly and are being deprived of having a memorable graduation experience. We are reaching out to those at the University of the West Indies to answer to some very disappointing decisions made.

1. Why must students in these trying times pay $240.00 for one (1) digital photograph that will only be used for the portrait on the day of our virtual graduation? Given the breakdown for this cost, UWI should seek to find another photographer who is more affordable since that seems to be the reason for the hike in price.

2. Why are students not being given the choice to rent their gowns and have their pictures taken by their personal photographers etc. especially since the gowns are going to be laundered anyways, which students are also paying for. 

3. Why are considerations only being made for the rental of gowns AFTER the graduation ceremony and in the New Year? 

The graduating class of 2021 DESERVE to be given the opportunity to take decent photos with their friends and families while adhering to covid protocols. It is disheartening and extremely disappointing to be dealt this unfair hand having worked so arduously to reach this far and achieve what we have! 

Therefore, we are calling on the University to make some compromise where the use of regalia is concerned. We hereby propose the following alternatives: 

1. Students should be allowed to RENT and utilize the gowns the day of their portrait appointment to take their personal photos on the premises. 

OR

2. Students should be given the option to RENT gowns the week of graduation where they will be allowed to keep it until the day of the ceremony and returned the following Monday to be laundered. 

3. Lastly, the cost of the one (1) digital portrait photo being used for the graduation slideshow should be reverted to the price given to students last year which was $100, as well as sent to the students via email. 

We are open to discussions and considerations about our proposals. We would appreciate if we can reach a middle ground before the 2021 graduation.