THE outbreak of coronavirus has affected a number of sectors including higher education.
Thousands of students who were set to graduate in 2020 have been left wondering whether they will still be able to receive their certificates without attending graduation ceremonies.
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As a result of the coronavirus outbreak and the lockdown measures taken to tackle it, several universities have had to either cancel or postpone graduation ceremonies.
Holding ceremonies will mean universities are in break of Government directives which puts a ban on mass gatherings.
Due to this, many institutions have relied on the internet to hold graduations online.
Universities who have cancelled graduations include the University of Oxford and University of Edinburgh, while Imperial College London, University of Westminster and Cambridge have all said it has postponed their events.
There are similar responses among universities across the country with the majority yet to confirm a new date for the postponed occasions.
You will find information of graduation plans on your university website.
If still unsure, you can contact your university for further clarity.
With the directive for non-essential businesses to close and people to stay home rather than go to work at the beginning of the lockdown, several university printers who would print certificates had to temporarily close down.
Several universities have expressed uncertainty whether they will be able to provide them with certificates in the summer.
Once available, certificates are expected to be posted to graduating students.
Some universities have offered alternative arrangements when it comes to issuing certificates.
For more information about your certificate, it is best to contact your university.
Most universities have not indicated exactly when graduation ceremonies will take place.
However, if they do take place in the near future, it is expected institutions will have to comply with Public Health England guidelines on social distancing.
According to PHE guidelines, individuals who are not from the same household must always ensure there is a gap of two metres between them at all times.
Universities in the Philippines have used robots with the student’s face on in virtual graduations.
In the US, outdoor ceremonies have been given the go-ahead in New Jersey with graduands and their parents spaced out from July 6, 2020.
Universities may decide to have ceremonies without any friends or relatives.
