Students eagerly awaiting news about summer graduation ceremonies have today received confirmation from Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus Black that in-person graduations ceremonies will go ahead this December.
Students that graduated earlier in the year and had their graduation ceremony postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions are also invited to participate in the upcoming ceremonies.
“Graduations are a welcome chance to celebrate your academic achievements with loved ones,” Vice-Chancellor Black said.
“As we approach the end of a remarkable 2020, a year full of challenge and disruption for us all, I can think of few student cohorts more deserving of celebration.”
Launceston nursing student Ally Nicholson shared her excitement about being able to celebrate with her peers at an in-person ceremony with Togatus.
“To celebrate my hard work with my peers, and recognising the determination and grit we have all endured makes graduating on campus a momentous achievement for us all.”
“The pride and joy we will all feel wearing our gown and mortarboard will be truly amazing and walking across a big stage to receive our qualification will be the recognition we all deserve in what has been an arduous and exciting experience throughout our degree.”
“Personally, I have set an example for my children in completing my journey as a mature-aged student. Pride, self-respect and honour is how I am going to feel on graduation day,” Nicholson said.
However, ongoing COVID-19 restrictions mean that the ceremonies will look slightly different this year. To ensure safety of students and guests, as well as compliancy with government regulations, there will be a larger number of smaller capacity ceremonies.
Likewise, there will unfortunately be restrictions on the number of guests allowed to attend the ceremony in-person, capped at two per student. The traditional Town and Gown parades will also not go ahead. Graduation services including photography and testamur framing will still be available.
For any students who may wish to postpone their graduation ceremony this year, there is a possibility of additional graduation ceremonies held in Autumn 2021 if public gatherings of larger numbers are approved. Students also have the option of attending a ceremony in the usual Winter (August) or Summer (December) rounds next year.
Students expecting to graduate in December, and those that have already graduated in 2020, will be contacted by the Graduation team. More information is available on the Graduation page.
