In recent events surrounding the move of graduation this year from Westminster to campus , the students of St Mary’s University are both concerned and upset about the announcement, and the university failing to consult us or reverse their decision in response to our clear frustration. We’ve been told the decision was made in relation to the 175th anniversary of the university, but it’s not hard to see that one of the other elements of this decision is most definitely a financial one, and believe that such a big change to an important tradition should come with a clear explanation.

What makes this even harder to understand is that The Vice Chancellor reportedly received an £11,000 bonus last year, which has raised questions about the university’s priorities. Many of us are struggling with the rising cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses. It’s hard to see how this decision to change the graduation venue which many of us have studied and worked for years looking forward to fits with the idea of putting students first.

In this petition we are asking the Vice Chancellor and university administration for the following:

1. A clear explanation for why the graduation venue was changed, including the financial reasoning behind the move and how it benefits students.
2. Transparency about the Vice Chancellor’s £11,000 bonus, especially considering the decision to cut costs on an important event like graduation.
3. An apology from university leadership who have prioritised cutting costs and the 175th anniversary of the university, over appropriately celebrating our individual achievements as students at St Mary’s.
4. A commitment to involve students in major decisions like this in the future, with better communication and a clearer understanding of how these choices impact us.

Graduation is a huge moment for all of us. It’s the culmination of years of hard work, and we the students deserve for it to feel special and meaningful. Ironically the university have told us that they have made this decision to as part of the celebration of the 175th anniversary while at the same time choosing such an “important milestone" as the best year to upset all of their students.