Sources close to The Third Eye have confirmed that Graduation Ceremonies will most likely be held in April/May 2021. This decision came after student organisations and representatives voted for the ceremonies to be held in March during a meeting with KSU in early October.
Back on 10th October KSU held a meeting with student representatives and organisations to come to decision about whether graduation ceremonies should be held in November or March. 80% of the students present voted in favour of the ceremonies to happen in March.
Earlier today, The Third Eye received complaints from multiple graduating students from a number of different faculties and courses about the fact that they were not consulted when it came to this decision. Said students, confirmed that no one had posted in their course groups or sent emails notifying them that a decision was being taken.
Students expressed their frustration that they were not included in the decision-making process. Graduation ceremonies are a momentous occasion for most students, and many students that approached us said that: “[they] would have at least liked to know that a decision was being taken on [their] behalf.” Another student lamented that they “would have obviously wanted to have their say if they were contacted.”
“It would have been more ideal had the student organisations consulted with the students they represent regarding an event which affects them directly,” another student added.
We brought these complaints to the attention of the KSU President.
He replied that students should be aware of the responsibility they have when voting for their student representatives and respective organisations. These same organisations and representatives have the responsibility and duty to vote and speak on behalf of the student body which they represent, especially when urgent decisions need to be made, similar to what happened in this situation.
The following were the details that KSU presented to the students that voted:
Currently following consultation with public health authorities, [for November] UM is proposing a ceremony where graduates are socially distanced in a hall 100 at a time, with no parents/guardians etc. Graduates will not be able to go up for their diploma, but their name will be called, they’ll rise and be declared a graduate. They will find their diploma on their seat when they graduate.
Further to this decision, KSU President Matthew Xuereb added that “It is KE/KPS’s belief that this reduces the prestige of such a momentous occasion in one’s life.”
With regards to the ceremonies happening in March (now probably April/May), Xuereb added: “It is important to note, that if graduations are postponed whoever requires their diploma, will still be able to obtain it by November from UM.“
With the decision for the date of the ceremonies close to confirmed, graduating students will most likely have to comply with the decisions of their student representatives and organisations.