Reinstate the Handshake and Diploma Presentation at Graduation
Category: Assessment and Feedback
Voting closed
Official Responce from the SU:
Our SU Officer team recently met with Jane Owen-Lynch, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, who confirmed that the University's Senior Leadership Team has agreed to reinstate handshakes at graduation ceremonies this year. While symbolic diplomas will not be reintroduced at this stage, the SU Officers focused on securing the return of handshakes as a first step and will continue to explore the possibility of reintroducing diplomas in the future.
Issue:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the university appropriately adjusted graduation protocols to comply with health guidelines, replacing the traditional handshake with a bow to a staff member. However, although restrictions have long since eased, this temporary change has remained in place. The current graduation plan still involves students bowing instead of receiving a handshake or diploma on stage.
While I understand the necessity of the original change, I find the continuation of this approach disappointing. Completing a degree requires years of hard work and dedication, and graduation should reflect the significance of that achievement. It would be greatly appreciated if the ceremony could match—or ideally exceed—the standard experienced by pre-COVID cohorts.
Suggested Solution:
If logistical constraints prevent the distribution of actual diplomas during the ceremony, the university could instead hand out symbolic or reusable blank diplomas. This small change would greatly enhance the experience and appearance of graduation photos, preserving the moment more meaningfully.
I also acknowledge that some students may prefer to bow, and their preferences should be respected. However, offering graduates the choice between a handshake and a bow would be a fair and inclusive solution, allowing each individual to celebrate their achievement in a way that feels meaningful to them.
Comments
I fully agree with this. Allow willing students to extend the hand to the academic on stage to receive a handshake, or give a bow if they would rather not be touched. It's a sign of respect that has lasted for thousands of years, and I would feel hard done by if my hand wasn't shaken when I get my hard earned degree. As for fake diplomas, I agree with this too. Makes sense so that the pictures taken of us on stage feature a certificate of some sort, otherwise all the photos are of us awkwardly bowing. Time to drop all the covid stuff now.
I couldn't agree more. Students in my school are talking a lot about how 'awkward' graduation will be if this isn't reinstated, including students not wanting to attend graduation based on current ceremony protocol.
I agree with this. It would be wonderful if the handshake could be reinstated for the July graduation.
I agree with this. It is reassuring for graduates when they receive a handshake during such ceremonies. It is an acknowledgement of their hard work through out the duration of their course. So if there are plans to reinstate, then it should happen while still keeping a sanitising station nearby for people who may still be concerned about the handshakes. On the matter of symbolic reusable blank diplomas, is a good idea as stated above to make the moment more meaningful for students receiving their diploma certificates.
I think it would also be nice if they went back to using the town hall or even the theatre because graduating in oastler just isn’t that appealing
I think it would be so much more appreciated by students to have a choice. I think the current protocol could make it quite awkward for students and handing a blank diploma or handshake gives students more direction on a nerve wracking day.
100% agree. After paying however much to the university and all the hard work we put in, the least we deserve is a handshake. And the blank diploma also adds a nice touch. Other universities do it why can’t ours. And it should be reinstated for the July graduates coming up
I totally agree 100%
Love the idea of a symbolic diploma - same with the handshake there’s not a need to bow anymore it’s just odd
Great idea, fully agreed.
I’ve lived 6 decades and am embarking on a second career. I look forward so much to having that handshake and presentation; I can visualise it!
I support the idea
Couldn't agree more. Whilst the rules were suitable for the time, it has been years and it almost feels lazy from the university to have not bothered changing it or keep up with other university's graduation ceremony's. Graduation is supposed to allow students to celebrate and feel celebrated.
I completely agree. It has been 4 years now since the covid restrictions were lifted completely. In 2025 I see no reason why this can't return to how it was previously. With 125 likes, it is pretty obvious that us as students very much want this implemented now. I do not understand why we still do not receive something on stage or even a handshake, I really do hope this is acted on as the consensus of the students is essentially unanimous.
Completely agree with this idea.