York graduation postponed until Spring 2022

The uni hopes to deliver a ‘virtual graduation celebration’ for 2021 graduates


The University of York has confirmed today via email that this year’s graduation ceremonies will be held virtually, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The email states that “summer graduation ceremonies will be delivered online” in August 2021.

Vice-Chancellor Charlie Jeffery expresses concern in his email over the “increasing number of large event cancellation announcements”, including Glastonbury. He further conveyed that “even as the vaccination programme rolls out, it seems extremely unlikely that it will be safe to bring large crowds together by July 2021”. With this in mind, the uni took this early decision to ensure that they remain “open and transparent” with students.

The email confirmed that “this decision is only about graduation ceremonies”, and that students would still receive “the conferment of [their] award”.

Understandably, students are devastated by the news. Charlie Jeffery reiterated his commitment to an in-person ceremony, stating that “it seems most likely that we will be able to schedule these celebrations in Spring 2022”. He professed that “as soon as it is safe to do so you will be invited back to campus to participate in a graduation ceremony in Central Hall”.

Charlie Jeffery ended his email by affirming that “further information on graduation” would be sent out in the coming months.

For further information, please check the York Coronavirus Updates page.

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