Students are expressing their immense disappointment about the postponement of their graduations.
As students, we’re all looking forward to our graduation day, and to finally be told that it’s not happening when expected (when the whole country is reeling back from the pandemic) is a slap in the face.
In an email sent to all prospective graduands, the university rector stated that the graduation ceremonies will now be held in February/March instead of their usual time in November and December. This decision was taken by the senate of the University of Malta in light of the ‘ongoing uncertainty and public health guidelines’ due to COVID-19.
The degrees and diplomas will be conferred to students in absentia on 20th November, and they will be able to collect their respective documents after said date individually. It is not yet confirmed whether students will be collecting solely their transcript of results in advance or their proper certificates.
Students and student organisations alike have expressed their dismay towards the University Senate’s decisions in statements across social media. The University Student’s Council (KSU) said that they are in contact with the University of Malta administration with the aim of trying to find an agreeable solution for both graduands and the University.
Considering that parties are still being held and Catholic Confirmations are being moved up, why shouldn’t graduations be held when they are supposed to? A tentative date should have been set for graduation on the condition that the situation remains stable. Students are still waiting for more information but their frustration won’t subside anytime soon. For the time being, togas will remain collecting dust.
