Over 5,000 sign petition calling on University of Lincoln graduation transparency
The University says it will allocate places 'fairly' and has started a survey to get views
Last updated 29th Apr 2021
A petition by students at the University of Lincoln, calling for more transparency on graduation plans, has reached over 5-thousand signatures.
A dates been set for April next year, but because of a pandemic back-log, some may have to graduate at a later date.
Harry Badman's behind the campaign, he fears places will be decided on a 'first come - first served basis'.
"Students don't feel like they should have to fight or get a lottery to go to their graduation.
"That's something you'd expect to see when getting tickets for Glastonbury.
"That's not what you'd expect for your given right of graduating with your fellow peers, in a proper graduation ceremony, like we were promised."
Elise Fischer co-founded the petition, she says by April, it will be 21 months since they finished.
"We've got festivals going ahead in June.
"Theatres can go ahead.
"But for some reason The University of Lincoln's graduation ceremony is exempt and we're not quite sure why that is."
A University of Lincoln spokesperson says all students will be able to graduate in a manner of their choosing.
"As a result of the pandemic, there are many more students eligible to graduate than can be accommodated in the Cathedral under Government plans for opening up this year.
"In the first instance we are surveying eligible students to get an understanding of how many will want to graduate at either a virtual or physical ceremony.
"We are committed to providing a graduation ceremony for every student who wants to attend one in the way they would wish, depending on Government regulations for a safe environment.
"We will be offering our first physical graduation in April 2022.
"If there is a massive demand for April graduation we will need to offer a later alternative and allocate places fairly.
"We hope that everyone who wants to will be able to graduate in April, but if not, they will be offered a later date for their graduation.
"All students eligible will be able to graduate in the manner of their choosing, either virtual or physical, subject to any Government guidance."