The administration of Cavendish University has decided to hold an online/virtual graduation ceremony following the continued closure of all universities in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19. According to a letter penned down by Dr Olive Sabiiti, the university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs), the university carried out a survey and majority of students preferred graduating remotely.
“The uncertainty and lockdown measures occasioned by COVID-19 explain the multiple changes that have been made to the date of the 9th graduation ceremony from 27th March 2020, to 21st May 2020 and now to 28th May 2020. Consequently, the University was compelled to develop alternative plans for how and when we should hold graduation this year. “ the letter reads in part.
“As we moved forward in considering the various plans, we sought your views. Thank you to all those who completed our Graduation Survey. The majority of respondents were agreeable to virtual graduation while others preferred to have the traditional in-person ceremony at a time when this public health crisis is over.” The letter reads further.
However, the university has not ignored those who preferred to rock their gowns and graduate physically at the same time rub shoulders with their colleagues. The university also plans to hold a scientific-blended ceremony for those particular students.
“ After much careful thought and consideration, the University administration decided to hold a Scientific and Blended Virtual Graduation that will be broadcast live online for all eligible students on Thursday 28th May 2020 at Speke Resort Munyonyo starting at 10:00 am presided over virtually by the Chancellor H.E. Benjamin Mkapa.”
“All graduands who will graduate virtually on 28th May 2020 but wish to experience the “graduation walk” and associated feel of the traditional in-person event will be invited to participate in the next graduation ceremony “to walk”, take photographs, wear the graduation attire and get the opportunity to celebrate with friends and family.” Document reads.
Following the outbreak of COVID-19, the university plans to equip its students with tips on how they can get employment opportunities as well as business ideas that suit this situation.
“We recognise that our class of 2020 is graduating in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) period. We shall therefore organise webinars on the theme “Tips for Entrepreneurship and Employability during and post COVID-19” to further and better prepare and equip CUU graduates for the world of work. “Dr Olive Sabiiti wrote.
During his recent speech, President Museveni announced that the ministry of Health is working out ways of allowing final year students to resume campus. These students are expected to report shortly after opening of public transport which is scheduled to open on 4th June 2020.
Read the full document below;
