Limerick college 'working on new dates for graduation ceremonies'

MARY Immaculate College says its working to fix new dates for its graduation ceremonies “as soon as possible”.

It comes after it emerged the college wrote to students this week to confirm it would be postponing its conferring ceremonies until the spring semester, due to industrial action by public service unions.

A spokesperson for the college said this action, which is on foot of a lack of talks on a public sector pay deal, would “directly affect the preparation and delivery” of these events.

The move is likely to cause chaos among students who have booked travel and organised for their loved ones to be present for their moment in the spotlight.

Local hospitality businesses and hotels could also face a hit in the pocket, with the ceremonies bringing an economic spin-off to them too.

"Ceremonies of this scale require significant preparation in the weeks preceding them, and given the nature of the notified actions and uncertainty about their duration, the college cannot provide graduands and their families with the certainty these occasions require. Taking the decision now avoids the risk of disruption or cancellation at a later stage,” a spokesperson for Mary Immaculate College said.

They added they understand the disappointment the postponement will bring, and that graduands have all been contacted directly, with their academic achievements unafected.

“The college is working to confirm new dates as soon as possible, so that graduands can mark their achievements with their families and the wider college community in the celebratory setting they deserve,” the spokesperson concluded.

Graduands refers to a student who has finished all work around a degree, but has not yet officially received it at a graduation ceremony.

The spring semester begins in late January at Mary Immaculate College.

Workers and lecturers at Mary Immaculate College are represented by various unions, including the Irish Federation of University Teachers.

Members are being ballotted for strike action on October 14 and 21 – but the conferring ceremonies were scheduled to take place outside these dates.

However, as part of industrial action which kicked off this Wednesday, public sector workers are taking part in a work-to-rule, and will not undertake activities unrelated to their immediate positions.

This could be why the college is facing challenges organising the graduation ceremonies.

It’s estimated that around 1,000 students graduate from the training college each semester. October is the time for the college’s main conferrings.