Aberdeen University cancels in-person summer graduations

Aberdeen University has confirmed graduations will not go ahead as normal this summer.

It comes as students continue to face restrictions on in-person teaching due to Covid-19.

In a message to students the university stated: "Regretfully, and following detailed consideration, we have taken the decision to cancel our plans for on-campus summer graduations. 

"The decision has been taken due to the likelihood of continued restrictions impacting on our ability to deliver traditional in-person ceremonies for all our graduates.

"Instead, we will deliver an online alternative, as we did for last year’s November graduations, which will take place in June. 

"It remains our intention to offer an opportunity to attend a celebratory event in the future, details of which will be made available when circumstances permit us to effectively deliver the event without the risk of cancellation."

Meanwhile uni chiefs have confirmed they are considering the impact of new managed quarantine arrangements on students coming from overseas.

The statement said: "This week the Scottish Government introduced a managed quarantine requirement for anyone who arrives directly into Scotland by air, regardless of which country they have come from.

"If travelling via an English airport then individuals should self-isolate in their own accommodation on arrival in Scotland.

"While the university is unfortunately not able to cover the quarantine cost, we are in discussions with the Scottish Government over possible alternative quarantine options.

"We await guidance on a policy that may allow international students to quarantine in managed student accommodation, whether university-owned or in the private sector."