Graduation ceremonies postponed at Mary Immaculate College due to industrial action

In an email, the college announced to students that their graduation ceremonies would be deferred to the spring semester due to industrial action by public service unions. MIC said the decision had "not been taken lightly". 

Graduation ceremonies at Mary Immaculate College (MIC) have been postponed until next year.

Graduation ceremonies at Mary Immaculate College (MIC) have been postponed until next year.

In an email, the college announced to students that their graduation ceremonies would be deferred to the spring semester due to industrial action by public service unions.

A number of ceremonies in Limerick and Thurles in Tipperary, as well as a PhD dinner, were due to take place in the coming weeks.

MIC announced they had taken the “difficult decision to postpone” the ceremonies until the “spring semeter/later in the academic year”.

“We fully appreciate how disappointing this news will be. 

“Graduation represents a significant milestone, and we recognise the anticipation and planning that many graduands, families and friends have already invested in these celebrations. 

“We understand that many of you were looking forward to marking this important achievement in the coming weeks,” said a spokesperson for the college.

“This decision has not been taken lightly. 

“However, due to the uncertainty arising from the recently announced industrial action, the college cannot be confident at this time that it would be in a position to deliver the ceremonies to the standard that our graduates deserve. 

“In reaching this decision, the college was also mindful of the need to respect the rights of all staff and to ensure that no colleague is placed in a position where they may feel under pressure to act contrary to union guidance or instructions,” they said.

They added that because of the significant preparation required in the weeks ahead of the ceremonies, they cannot provide graduands and their guests with certainty around new dates. 

“We know this news will come as a disappointment and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused. 

“We firmly believe, however, that postponement is the most responsible course of action in the circumstances and will allow us to deliver the high-quality graduation experience that you have earned through your hard work and achievement,” they said.

They congratulated the students on their achievement and thanked them for their understanding and patience.