University of Otago cancels Saturday graduation ceremonies on advice from police

The University of Otago. Photo credit: File

The University of Otago's graduation ceremonies will not go ahead tomorrow following advice from the police.

University of Otago vice-chancellor Prof Harlene Hayne said the decision to postpone would be incredibly disappointing for everyone who had made plans and for some it was their third attempt to graduate.

"My heart goes out to you all. This has been a difficult decision and I hope that you will find ways to celebrate," Professor Hayne said.

"The depth of feeling has been only too real over the previous few days. No one deserved this, particularly the young people from the University and Polytech who were expecting to celebrate their graduations at the Town Hall this week."

Hayne said police advised that all on-campus events, including graduation events like Māori pre-graduation, were able to continue.

Graduands will be able to pick up their certificates and details about that will be sent directly to graduands, she said.

"As is the case with Wednesday's graduations that were postponed, the University will plan for a replacement ceremony for tomorrow's graduations for 2021."

On Wednesday the university was forced to postpone its graduation ceremonies and associated events due to a security threat.

Following that threat Otago Polytechnic followed suit and postponed their ceremonies.

Hundreds of students at the polytechnic said they were gutted.

RNZ

 

 

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