Question over university graduation ceremonies

Universities across New Zealand are continuing as normal as they are exempt from the mass gathering restrictions announced yesterday due to coronavirus concerns – but graduation ceremonies could still be cancelled.

A spokeswoman for the University of Waikato said staff were ‘‘preparing for several new arrivals over the coming days who will need to self-isolate given the new travel guidance from the Government’’.

‘‘The university expects students to continue to attend class as normal unless they are unwell or are in self-isolation.’’

An email sent to University of Otago students said: ‘‘[We are] preparing for the possibility of teaching from a distance . . . Many of you will have heard from your lecturers already about streaming courses and alternative ways of teaching should the university need to close or restrict gatherings during the pandemic.’’

The students were told no visitors or overnight guests were allowed in residential colleges ‘‘as we attempt to help reduce the spread of illness’’.

At Victoria University of Wellington, all international travel on university business has been ‘‘immediately’’ suspended.

In an email to staff, vicechancellor Professor Grant Guilford said: ‘‘We are also contacting all staff who are currently offshore to discuss their circumstances and whether they should return to New Zealand.

‘‘We have facilities to manage self-isolation for students who arrive in the coming days and weeks and need a place to be for the 14-day period.’’

The University of Canterbury is reviewing whether its graduation ceremonies will still go ahead in April.

Last year graduates missed out on parading through the streets of Christchurch after police advised against it following the March 15 terror attacks.

Graduation ceremonies for four departments are set to take place on April 7 and 9.

A spokeswoman said there were currently no students in self-isolation at Canterbury.