UWS graduations will no longer be taking place this summer, ’due to the ongoing impact and associated restrictions of coronavirus’, students were notified via email last Thursday.

The decision left graduates ’disappointed’, ’heartbroken’ and ’in shock’. Some of them, however, have anticipated such measures, since restrictions on social gatherings have been introduced last month.

Graduates from all campuses of the University, including Ayr are now invited to graduate ’in absentia’ meaning not in person, in July 2020

Award parchments will be received by post during the summer. Originally, Ayr based students were scheduled to graduate at the end of June, at Troon Town Hall.

’As a university community, we understand that this will be disappointing for our students and staff. Your safety, however, and that of your friends, families, and the wider university community is our first priority’, the notification read.

When restrictions are lifted, a ’unique celebration’ will take place to celebrate students’ achievements, the details of which are not known yet.

UWS is not the first institution having to make difficult decisions regarding summer events, with University of Glasgow cancelling its summer graduation ceremonies, and Glasgow Caledonian, Aberdeen University and University of Dundee postponing all celebrations, among others.

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