Cardiff Metropolitan University has postponed graduation ceremonies for a second year due to coronavirus.
Graduation ceremonies are a highlight of the academic year but with no certainty on whether large gatherings will be permitted this summer, Cardiff Met is the first university in Wales to announce it won’t be holding them.
All graduation ceremonies were postponed last summer during the first lockdown. Cardiff Met said it would hold graduation ceremonies as soon as it’s safe to do so, but that was most likely to be 2022.
Other universities said they have not yet made a decision about what to do this year. Discussions are taking place with continued uncertainty over the pandemic and when and how lockdown restrictions might ease.
Crossing the floor robed up in front of family, friends and hundreds of well wishers to pick up degree certificates is seen as a rite of passage for graduating students after years of study.
A Cardiff Met spokesperson said: “In 2020 we made the difficult decision to postpone our traditional graduation ceremonies in light of the developing coronavirus pandemic.
“Given the ongoing uncertainty, our Combined Academic Board has made the difficult, but necessary, decision that there will be no graduation ceremonies during the 2021 calendar year.”
The university said it hoped this may change next year and told this year’s graduating students: “Gaining a degree in normal circumstances is a huge achievement; what you have managed in the wake of a global pandemic is nothing short of remarkable.
“We believe that all graduating students have earned the right to have their achievements recognised at a formal graduation ceremony and we are committed to ensuring that this happens when it is safe to do so.
“It is our hope that we will be able to resume ceremonies in 2022 and we will provide more detail on our plans when we have a clearer understanding of what, if any, restrictions might be in place then.”
Cardiff University said it will make a decision next month. A spokesperson said: “In terms of this year’s graduation ceremonies, we are closely following government guidelines regarding events in the UK and hope to update students regarding graduation ceremonies in April.”
Swansea University also said it is looking at graduation arrangements and will make an announcement "soon".
Universities are also trying to plan what student life and teaching will look like next term and beyond.
Face-to-face learning for all students can resume from next month, the Welsh Government announced on Monday.
University campuses in Wales have been open since January but only for those on practical courses needing access to facilities in order to complete qualifications.
Education Minister Kirsty Williams said that now “stay at home” restrictions were lifted students can access campus facilities such as academic libraries, study spaces, studios, and laboratories.
She said from April 12 blended learning can once again resume in Welsh universities. And extra testing has been announced for students in order to ensure their safe return.
A Swansea University spokesperson said: “On teaching, learning and accommodation; Swansea University is planning what next term and beyond will look like for our students and staff and will be communicating our plans with them very soon.”
Cardiff University said: “It’s still too early to give a definitive answer as to how September will look. The position remains under constant review, and we will update our students and staff as soon as we are in a position to do so.
“The details of our summer term are also being finalised in light of the Welsh Government announcement of a return to blended learning. As soon as they are finalised, we will write to all of our students and staff to update them.”
Aberystwyth University said: “We are currently discussing our graduation arrangements, and we aim to confirm those plans with our students in the near future.
“We welcome the Welsh Government’s announcement about students returning to university. This means that after the Easter break, on-campus teaching will return to a combination of both in-person and online delivery.
“As we look to the next academic year in September this year, our priority will continue to be the safety and wellbeing of all our students, staff and the wider community. Like every institution, we are preparing so that we are ready for a number of possible scenarios. As always, we will continue to guided by, and act in line with, government guidance. Our aim is to offer Aberystwyth University students an experience that is as similar as possible to the high-quality experience we always aim to deliver, with as much in-person teaching as is safely possible."
