Back to Wills for graduations

By Megan Evans, News Editor

Bristol Uni U-turns on its decision to hold graduation ceremonies at Ashton Gate football stadium.

Earlier this month, the University of Bristol announced their decision to hold graduation ceremonies for the July 2020, February 2021, July 2021 and February 2022 cohorts at Ashton Gate Stadium.

However, following significant backlash and a petition reaching over 2,600 signatures, the University have announced in an email to ex-students that they have reverted their decision.

This means that all pandemic graduates will once again have their ceremonies held in the historic Wills Memorial Building.

In the email sent this morning, the university cites the ‘unprecedented situation’ of 18,000 graduands awaiting graduation as a result of the pandemic, as reasoning for the proposed move to Ashton Gate.

Today, however, the university have stated they ‘understand how important it is for you to cross the stage in the Great Hall in front of friends, family and supporters, and we share your passion about our wonderful Wills Memorial Building and the traditions of a Bristol degree ceremony.

‘We are therefore delighted to confirm that all graduations will be taking place in our iconic Wills Memorial Building.’

Catch-up graduation ceremonies for the pandemic cohorts are due to be held in April and July 2022.

There will also be graduation celebrations held on 25 and 26 June in Shanghai, China, ‘subject to international travel restrictions.’

Speaking to Epigram, Ellie Crabbe, creator of the petition ‘Hold Bristol Uni Graduations at Wills Memorial’, expressed her excitement saying ‘I’m over the moon to hear the news that the university have listened to students and decided to hold ceremonies in Wills Memorial.

‘It is so important that the university listens to its students and this is certainly a step in the right direction.’

Featured image: Epigram/Isobel Turner | Unsplash

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