University is criticised for graduation events
CEREMONIES BLASTED AS ‘SUPER SPREADERS’ FOR STAFF, STUDENTS
CONCERNS have been raised about Loughborough University’s winter graduation ceremonies with an insider calling them “super spreader” events.
The four ceremonies were held in-person despite Covid-19 cases on the rise, with the university allegedly under-publicising the event to avoid negative publicity.
The question was asked whether the events, which were held on Monday, December 20, imposed “unnecessary risks” to both students and staff in the rise of the Omicron variant.
As well as hundreds of students receiving honours on the day, the chief executive of HS2 Ltd, Visiting Professor and Loughborough alumnus, Mark Thurston, was also awarded an honorary degree on the day, in recognition of his contribution to the rail industry.
Chancellor, Lord Sebastian Coe and Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Jennings handed out the honours.
A source, who has asked to remain anonymous, has claimed the marketing team, as well as staff, were asked to downplay publicity for the event to “avoid bad PR”.
They said: “Marketing and staff were told to not promote the graduation at all to avoid poor PR. The risk to staff and students seems high with these involved unable to protest without the risk of disciplinary action.
“The university are putting the staff at risk and contributing to super spreader events.
“It seems an unnecessary risk for the staff, students and the region with the rise of Omicron.”
The university responded to the allegations to say while there was “less coverage” than normal, the event was still celebrated and thorough safety precautions were put in place.
The director of health, safety and wellbeing, Neil Budworth, highlighted the “careful” planning of the events and said a “number of mitigations” were put in place. He said: “The university’s graduation ceremonies were carefully planned and thoroughly riskassessed.
“A number of mitigations were put in place to make them as Covid-safe as possible which included: a reduced seating capacity; ventilation which was equivalent to an outdoor event; social distancing; the enforcement of compulsory mask wearing; the requirement to show a negative lateral flow test before entering – and if this was not possible testing was done on site to enable entry; and the graduation receptions taking place outdoors.
“Given the robust mitigations in place at the ceremonies, FFP2 standard face masks were not required.
“However, as an extra level of precaution, a small number of staff were offered these.
“Three staff were not able to get a perfect seal with the FFP2 standard face masks and were offered an alternative.”
He added: “Whilst it is true there was less coverage of the ceremonies than normal, the event was publicly celebrated by the ViceChancellor and others, along with news of our latest honorary graduate.”
Speaking about his honorary degree, Mr Thurston said: “I’m both humbled and delighted to receive this honorary degree. The research at Loughborough is at the forefront of the work in both the construction and rail sectors.”
Professor Jennings said: “We are delighted to be able to recognise Mark’s success and the contribution he has made to the rail industry over the last 30 years. As an alum he has been a great supporter of the University and continues to pass on his significant knowledge to our students.”