DkIT grad goes home
DKIT management have reversed their controversial plans to hold the annual student graduation ceremonies off campus in An Táin Arts Centre following student protests.
President of DkIT, Dr Michael Mulvey confirmed yesterday (Monday) that the ‘Gown to the Town’ plan was being dropped and that the ceremonies would return to the college where they had been held for the past year
‘Having listened to the views of students and their ardent and heartfelt wishes to have conferring 2019 on campus I am pleased to say that their wishes are being acted upon and that conferring and associated events will take place on the DkIT campus this year,’ he said. ‘ Whilst the idea of bringing the graduation into the heart of the town is a worthy innovation, it will now be considered as part of a consultative forum that will explore how graduation might evolve and innovate in the years ahead.’
Welcoming the decision, Glenn McCourt, President of DkIT Student Union said: ‘I am delighted,that as a result of engagement with Dr. Mulvey, conferral 2019 will take place on campus. Going forward, the student body certainly sees merit in exploring and identifying ways in which the Graduation ceremony can promote greater engagement and interaction between the college and the wider community and in this regard the students look forward to fully participating in the proposed consultative forum.’
Students had been vocal in their opposition to the move, particularly as they had been consulted about the proposal in advance.
They protested in front of the college and outside the President’s Office in the Whitaker Building on Thursday and some students had signalled their intention to boycott the ceremony if it took place off campus.