York graduates who were scheduled to have graduation ceremonies in 2020 and 2021 have been invited to a ‘Graduation Celebration’ in May next year.
In an email to graduates, Vice Chancellor Charlie Jeffrey said: “As you may recall at the time of your virtual Graduation, I made a commitment to invite all of our graduating students back to campus for a very special event when it is safe to do so.
“We are now planning to hold an in-person celebration at the University in Spring next year and are looking forward to finally being together to celebrate your achievements.
“Our Graduation Celebration will include the opportunity to wear your Graduation gown, a special celebration event in Central Hall, and the chance to toast your achievements alongside fellow graduates, staff, family and friends.”
In-person graduations were cancelled by the University in 2020 and 2021, despite the easing of COVID-19 restrictions allowing larger events in Summer 2021, as well as other universities holding their own ceremonies.
The University confirmed to York Vision that in-person graduation ceremonies would take place as normal for January 2022 graduates.
York St John graduates from Summer 2020 have been invited to attend ceremonies in November this year, while their 2021 graduates will have in-person ceremonies next February.
A University of York spokesperson said: “Upcoming graduation ceremonies in January 2022 are planned to go ahead in-person, and students expecting to graduate then will be invited to register for the event soon.
“For students who took part in our virtual graduations this year, we wanted to create an opportunity to celebrate together again in-person with family and friends, as we appreciate how much it means for our students to do so.
“In scheduling these celebrations, we are holding them in May as we need to consider availability and capacity on campus and the use of teaching and learning spaces. We are really looking forward to graduates and their families joining us, now that travel and other COVID-related restrictions continue to ease worldwide.”
They have announced the belated graduations for 2021 are now in a May 2022 but with no dates? They are not answering requests for dates. How are families supposed to plan to be there when it is only 6 months away.