Pomp despite circumstance
Convocation on for Class of 2018 amid record-long York U strike
Graduates beamed while proud parents snapped photos at York University on Friday — a celebratory mood that stood in sharp contrast to the acrimonious strike that has gripped the campus for almost four months.
As the season’s first convocation ceremonies for the Class of 2018 got underway, there were also signs of a resolution to the strike by 3,000 education workers, as1,100 contract faculty voted to return to work Monday. The remaining 1,900 teaching assistants and graduate assistants are still off the job.
While strikers refrained from picketing, as requested by the university, the impact of the labour disruption that has affected 50,000 students since March 5 hung in the air.
The last few months felt “a little bitter,” said Maham Rawn, 23, a student from Pakistan who endured two strikes while earning her Honours BA in psychology.
But it didn’t diminish the excitement of graduating, pride in her accomplishment or her happy memories, added Rawn, who managed to track down enough tickets for seven friends and family, including her parents who flew over from Lahore.
“York has been a great experience,” said Rawn. “I’ve had my share of ups and downs, I’ve had my fun. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
She was one of 369 graduates to cross the stage Friday morning at the first convocation ceremony. More than 6,300 students are expected to receive their parchments in the next week.
Rawn said she made great friends, had memorable professors and participated in activities ranging from a model United Nations to teaching art to local children.
Before shaking hands with each grad, Chancellor Gregory Sorbara congratulated the group for their resolve and “particularly the determination that they’ve exhibited during these somewhat difficult times at York University.”
In her address, president Rhonda Lenton referred to “difficult conversations and challenging circumstances” on campus but said universities are places that must encourage social activism and debate about competing rights and interests.
“I’m incredibly proud of you for persevering during these difficult times and of everyone in our community, faculty and staff who rallied to help our students get here today,” she told the group. The strike was the fifth in two decades and the second since 2015 for a school known for its tumultuous labour history.
It caused stress and confusion for students whose plans to graduate were interrupted. Others in programs like nursing faced delays in the practical placements required for their certifications. It played havoc for others applying to graduate school and planning internships.
About 500 students had to put off graduation “for a variety of reasons attributable to the strike,” said York spokesperson Barbara Joy. Two of Maham Rawn’s four courses were cancelled, and some of her final marks were up in the air until the last minute, then calculated
based on such factors as work she had completed to date.
“I’m sad the school is going through this again,” said Kaley Roosen, 33, of Toronto, who on Friday received her PhD in clinical psychology and was a Master’s student during a previous strike.
Naomi Carpenter of Brampton, who also earned her PhD in clinical psychology, says she had to learn to cope with the labour issues as a student who began her undergraduate studies 2007.
“Overall I loved it. I think it’s the faculty, staff and students here that make those difficult experiences easier,” said Carpenter, 30, who finished her studies last year and started work with a private practice, so was not affected by the current dispute.
She says staying committed to her program and her goals “helped keep me going” during labour disputes.
“I’ve had my share of ups and downs . . . I wouldn’t trade it for the world.” MAHAM RAWN “I think it’s the faculty, staff and students here that make those difficult experiences easier.” NAOMI CARPENTER