University of Lincoln updates graduation plans for the classes of 2020 and 2021

In a statement, the University of Lincoln has confirmed those in the class of September 2020 will graduate at Lincoln Cathedral “over the period 6th – 9th September 2021”. The details of the ceremonies for those part of the January and September 2021 graduating cohorts are yet to be finalised, but the university anticipates “the January 2021 cohort will graduate in January 2022 and the September 2021 cohort in April 2022.”

In an email to students last month, the university offered students the chance to graduate virtually and also gave the opportunity for all students to graduate in April 2022, on a “first-come, first-served basis”. This was met with backlash and a petition from students, who opposed the university’s proposal.

The University of Lincoln said: “The University appreciates the concerns of students, graduands and their families, resulting from our announcement on 25^th April 2021 about our planning for our upcoming graduation ceremonies. We regret any upset caused, in particular by the reference to “first-come first-served” ticketing, in relation to the proposed April 2022 graduation ceremonies.

“We wish to clarify and confirm that the University absolutely intends that all eligible students and graduands who wish to graduate in person in the magnificent surroundings of Lincoln Cathedral will be provided with the opportunity to do so. Moreover, our graduation ceremonies will definitely be organised on a cohort basis so students can graduate alongside peers from their year group and academic schools.

“We have listened carefully to feedback from our students about the difficult decision we came to around September’s graduation ceremonies, which was taken in light of the continued uncertainties presented by the Covid-19 pandemic for large scale events. Among these is the possibility that some social distancing or other mitigations may still be required for large indoor events and that international travel may still be disrupted.”

The university has been working with its Graduation Work Group, the Students’ Union and members of the student community to reassess their previous decision.

Lincoln Cathedral has set aside a four day period, from the 6th to the 9th of September 2021, “for a series of graduation ceremonies.”

“This period cannot be extended, due to other cathedral events, and as such it will not be possible for all eligible graduands from the Classes of 2020 and 2021 to graduate in September 2021. The working group agreed that it would be fairest for those whose graduation was postponed from September 2020 to be offered the first opportunities to graduate.

“Therefore, our renewed aim is that the class of September 2020 will graduate at Lincoln Cathedral over the period 6^th – 9^th September 2021 (Government restrictions permitting).”

More information on graduation can be found here.

Related stories recommended by this writer:

• Six things you need to prepare before clubs reopen in Lincoln

• All of the mental health services available at Uni of Lincoln

• All the best tattoos Lincoln students have gotten since lockdown ended