Students asked to move graduation over venue space
PA MediaA university is asking students if they would consider moving their graduation ceremony dates to "create capacity".
Some students at the University of Sunderland remain on waiting lists for their preferred celebration amid high demand and space at city centre venue The Fire Station. The events had been previously held at the Stadium of Light.
Graduates have described the uncertainty as stressful and disappointing, with less than two months to go until the ceremonies at the beginning of July.
The university said all students had been advised places were limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis.
"That had been the case when graduation ceremonies were held at the Stadium of Light," a spokesperson said.
The BBC has asked the university how many people are on the waiting lists.
'Graduation I imagined'
A third year student, who asked not to be named, said being "kept in the dark" over the dates had been annoying and stressful.
The 21-year-old from Kent, who is among those who have been asked to consider moving their ceremony, said the uncertainty made it difficult to plan accommodation and transport for himself and his family.
"I'd really like to graduate with my cohort. I don't really want to move my own graduation.
"I'll still find a way, no matter when I have to book it. But to leave it this late, it's really stressful."
He added he worried if there would be enough caps and gowns by the time his graduation date was confirmed.
"I'm not sure if that will be the case, but it's always something that's going to linger in the back of my mind, whether I am going to have the graduation that I imagined three years ago.
"It's on a lot of people's minds and just to have better clarity or better communication about the situation would ease my mind slightly."
A university spokesperson said there had been a "significant increase" in ticket applications this year, with a "record" 20 graduation ceremonies being planned.
"The university has now offered options to students who may wish to move to a different time or date and so create capacity," they added.
"All students will be notified shortly of their definitive position."
