Stirling University students will finally be given the chance to celebrate their studies as it confirmed a return to in-person graduations.
The ceremonies have been put on hold over the last couple of years due to the restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic - but the big event in the university calendar will return with a ceremony in early April for those graduating from year-long programmes.
The summer graduation schedule kicks off during the week of June 21 to June 27 with those who completed their studies in 2020 and 2021 finally given the chance to celebrate their achievements properly.
Following that, the 2022 intake will then receive their awards on June 29 and June 30.
Winter graduations are also set to return, with the 2022 intake getting their chance to celebrate on November 24 and November 25.
The ceremonies are the first to take place on campus since November 2019, with those set to graduate in April and those from the 2020 and 2021 group who expressed an interest in attending a future event set to receive their invitations by the end of this month.
Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, principal and vice-chancellor of Stirling University, said: “Graduation is the standout event in the university calendar – a moment when we all pause to celebrate the achievements of our graduates with their family and friends.
“I am delighted to confirm that graduations are planned for 2022 – and we’re looking forward to welcoming this year’s graduates, as well as those from 2020 and 2021, to campus to recognise this special moment.
“While we have marked graduations over the past two years, the pandemic has prevented us from hosting in-person ceremonies.
“We are thankful to our graduates and their families for their patience and understanding during this time – and we are all looking forward to having a day to remember later this year.
“I am incredibly grateful to all our of staff at the university who have worked incredibly hard over the past two years – and continue to do so – to ensure our students are fully supported in meeting their academic requirements, while keeping our campus community safe.”
The June graduates will receive their invitations in March and those attending in November getting theirs in September.
University chiefs have also warned those set to attend not to make travel arrangements until invitations are formally sent out and reiterated that all events remained subject to Scottish Government and public health advice.
Stirling University chancellor - and former First Minister - Lord Jack McConnell added: “Over the next 12 months, I look forward to personally congratulating our graduates from 2020, 2021, and 2022. All of them deserve to enjoy their moment on stage after the unprecedented conclusion to their studies at Stirling.
“All of these students have faced incredible challenges but they succeeded, and I am thrilled that they will be able to celebrate here on campus over the coming months. I am incredibly proud of the way in which the university’s students and staff have navigated these times. The return of graduation will be a special moment for all.”
