By Gavin Mackintosh-
Cambridge University has resumed in-person graduation ceremonies for the first time since February 2020, before the first national coronavirus lockdown.
Students from 29 colleges will graduate over four days at the 18th-century Senate House, in ceremonies known as General Admission to Degrees.
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The plans are is at odds with news of a dramatic rise in the number of coronavirus cases recorded at Cambridge University last week.
There were 109 infections identified through the university’s asymptomatic testing programme from June 21 to 27.
However, the university said that the ceremonies, starting on Wednesday, have been carefully orchestrated in accordance with social distancing rules for higher education institutions.
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The ceremonies were organized in consultation with the university’s safety advisers and Cambridge City Council. Other measures include strict limits on numbers inside the Senate House at one time, maximum ventilation with face coverings worn indoors and students queuing outside before graduating.
Family and friends who would normally attend have been invited to watch the ceremonies, conducted in Latin and in full academic dress, on a private livestream link.
The university said it recognized the “importance of celebrating the remarkable achievements of our students in a fitting manner that keeps most of the elements of the traditional ceremony while incorporating the necessary precautions.
Students take part in the Vice-Chancellor’s procession, from King’s College to Senate House, ahead of a graduation ceremony at the University of Cambridge (Joe Giddens/ PA)
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Graham Virgo said: “Our students have worked incredibly hard and shown resilience and responsibility in their approach to the Covid-19 restrictions.
“I congratulate them all on their successes, and wish them well for the future.”
Ceremonies normally take place at intervals throughout the year at Cambridge University.
While many universities have postponed in-person graduation ceremonies until 2022, Cambridge is not the first university to resume them.
Only a fortnight ago, a group of 40 students at Clare College have withheld over £63,000 since launching the strike on May 7 in protest against being forced to pay “extortionate” rents without access to in-person teaching or facilities.
The strikers said at the weekend that the college was still refusing to engage with them on their demands, which include a rent reduction of 30 per cent for the 2020-2021 academic year and a permanent 10 per cent reduction.
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