Petition protest over university plan to move graduation ceremony

NEARLY 2,000 people have signed a petition calling for a rethink on Hull University’s decision to switch its graduation venue from “historic, beautiful” City Hall to one “with no history”.

The university has confirmed that it is trialling the new Bonus Arena as a result of student feedback.

However, the move has sparked a backlash with nearly 2,000 people signing a petition by Sadie Sorensen on the Change. org website.

Ms Sorensen said they were switching a beautiful setting for “one with no history and a view of a derelict nightclub”.

She added: “The university should have conducted a vote before making this change.”

The magnificent City Hall – whose copper dome is said to be based on St Paul’s Cathedral in London – is where poet John Betjeman was awarded an Honorary Degree in 1973, with the citation given by his close friend Philip Larkin.

Commenting on the website, one student said she wanted to graduate from a building “which has historical and cultural importance to Hull” and suspected that the university was cost-cutting.

She added: “Like most students, I wouldn’t mind a little walk to retrieve my cap and gown if it meant the ceremony was being held in a proper place.”

However, the university said the move would allow it to raise issues raised by former graduands.

A spokesperson said: “We will be trialling a new venue for the summer 2019 ceremonies, the Bonus Arena.

“The Arena is a fabulous venue which will enable us to take the graduation experience to another level and provide the type of special event our graduands and their guests deserve.”

The new facilities would allow improved access for students and guests with extra requirements as well as an increased capacity.