University staff told to attend degree ceremonies
Attending one graduation day ceremony and applauding until your hands are red raw is enough to put anyone off going out of their way to make it to another one. It seems this mentality has crept into the minds of academics at Birmingham University, who have been warned by their vice-chancellor that action may be taken against them for not attending graduation ceremonies.
In an e-mail sent to staff, Professor Michael Sterling outlines what he called a "disappointing level of attendance", something which he feels is detrimental to the university's image and the confidence potential students place in student and staff relations. Professor Sterling reiterated his point further, adding:
"There is a real danger that messages from graduating students and their families will find their way back to prospective students."
Heads of departments are asked to report back to the vice-chancellor regarding staff who fail sign up for attendance, asking each and every absentee to provide a valid reason for non-attendance.
A spokesman for the Association of University Teachers said: "We cannot quite believe he [Professor Sterling] thinks that attending degree ceremonies is a more important activity than, say, marking student assessments.
"We also find it slightly bizarre that the university intends to spend precious time and resources setting up and maintaining a rolling list of degree non-attenders"
Whilst most university staff attend degree ceremonies to celebrate the achievements of students they have taught themselves, Professor Sterling, in his capacity as vice-chancellor, is expected to attend every ceremony. Speaking to the Education Guardian, Professor Sterling said: "There is an element that one has had enough of seeing students walk across the stage - but the event is for students, not the staff. It is their day."
Perhaps that's why some staff don't feel a need to attend.
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