Graduation cancelled three times after changes in Covid-19 alert levels

Otago University has cancelled its ceremonies for the third time this year, as Covid-19 alert levels extend.

Kedra Macpherson was due to graduate from her Otago commerce degree at ceremonies planned for May and August.

Miss Macpherson says her family had booked flights, accommodation and restaurants for both attempts and felt let down by the cancellations.

“It’s a bit disappointing, such an iconic part of grad is getting photos in front of the clock tower and walking down George Street.

“Since we can’t do that it just feels like we’re missing out and that our uni experience is incomplete,”  she says.

In an email to students, the University stated  that graduands would have an opportunity to be acknowledged at  a later ceremony.

“Hopefully the third time’s the charm” says Miss Macpherson.

When alert levels were first raised again, Otago’s science graduation on August 16 was immediately cancelled. The University held out for the arts and commerce graduation on August 29 but that also had to be cancelled.

A University spokesperson says it’s upsetting yet necessary to call off these events.

“The University feels this is the only responsible course of action given the identification of COVID-19 community transmission in Auckland, the rise to Alert Level 2 in Dunedin, and the social nature of the graduation ceremony.”

“We know graduation is an important part of the experience here at Otago and we know the outcome is disappointing.”

Like Otago’s earlier graduation, Auckland University cancelled its May graduation, but students are able to take part in Spring ceremonies.

Similarly, AUT’s August graduation has been cancelled and students have been given the option of participating in a ceremony in the summer.

Meanwhile,  the University of Canterbury has opted to move its graduation from September 1 to December  16.