Ellie SindelStudents spend years working towards their degrees. The sleepless nights, overdoses on coffee, last minute assignments, and thousands of dollars in debt that we’ll be paying off for years have to lead to something at the end, right? The graduation ceremony is an important part of the university experience that many students look forward to.
I remember at my brother’s graduation from the University of Technology in Sydney thinking “I can’t wait for my graduation from uni”. I was 13, so my graduation would still be another eight years away.
Postponed Graduation? Don’t Worry!
For many students across the country, their graduation ceremonies have sadly been postponed, with universities largely closing across the country. Students will now instead graduate in absentia, meaning they’ll still graduate, but not at a university event. Don’t worry, you’ll still get your certificate and transcripts to apply for jobs! The universities understand how important graduation is to many students, which is why most have simply postponed their ceremonies for now.
However, a small number of universities have cancelled their graduation ceremonies – big sad. The University of Wollongong in NSW, for example, have cancelled ALL 2020 ceremonies, not just the first round due for April. They will instead host a “celebratory event” in place of a formal graduation ceremony, when large gatherings are allowed.
This received (as expected) heaps of backlash from students, resulting in a Change.org petition that has gained over 3.5k signatures from upset to-be-graduates. Students from the University of Sydney and Macquarie University have also created petitions, however these universities have not ruled out future possibilities for formal ceremonies yet.
ConGRADuation
My graduation ceremony may have been cancelled but I am still accepting gifts
— Miss Bachelors (@taren_holliman) April 24, 2020
Many students have still been understandably upset about their graduation ceremonies being cancelled and postponed, after forking out so much money for their degrees. They know there’s nothing that can be done right now, so instead, some have decided to host their own iso graduation ceremonies. Don’t let coronavirus stop you from enjoying your graduation! My dad was actually supposed to graduate from his law degree today. He spent five years working towards something that he has always wanted to do and we’re all so proud of him. So surprise dad! We’re having a graduation dinner for you, and yes, you will be wearing your cap and gown for photos!
For those who have already had their certificates sent to them, we want to see how you’ve celebrated! Here are some of the best makeshift graduation posts we’ve found.
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It took me seven years to earn this piece of paper. My family couldn’t be more proud. #classofcovid19 #DIYgraduation #itsarealdegree #mqalumni #mqgrads
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you’re looking at a GRADUATE 👩🏻🎓 👩🏻💻 Couldn’t have had a more beautiful ceremony x #webdesigneranddeveloper #mqgrads @macquarieuni
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Graduating is worth celebrating, even at a distance! Ceremonies have been postponed but that hasn’t stopped #UTSalumni celebrating their success. Here’s how @stephdarley @jeremyovia and @jackson_elliot are celebrating #isograduation. If you’re a grad we’d love to see your pics too. #UTSlife #UTSgrad
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held my own graduation at home so i could post a decent pic to linkedin 👼🏼 #isograduation #UTSlife #UTSgrad #utsalumni
We congratulate all 2020 graduates, and here’s hoping we’ll be allowed out for the next round of graduation ceremonies.
Image Source: Instagram Ryan Henderson (@hendo235)
