UCC accused of lack of respect for students

I WISH to complain about the disgraceful conduct of UCC with regard to student graduations.

I completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) 2006/’07. I am extremely angry and disappointed that UCC has decided not to hold a graduation ceremony for this course.

Firstly, the PGDE students were not officially informed that there would be no graduation. I found out about it by chance after ringing the education office to enquire about the upcoming date. It is appalling that our class was not informed of this.

Secondly, if UCC had no intention of organising our graduation, then prospective students should have been informed of this before they enrolled for the PGDE.

Thirdly, I believe students deserve a graduation after paying in excess of €5,000 for the course.

Fourthly, it is an intensive year and students devote an incredible amount of energy to their teaching practice, lectures and exams.

Does UCC not value the work of their students? Is the PGDE course not deemed important enough to warrant a graduation ceremony? When I rang the education department in UCC I was informed that the media and communication department had made the decision. I rang that department and they informed me it was not their decision either. A letter I wrote to the education department was also ignored. I am ashamed of UCC and its lack of respect for their students.

Aoife Lehane

Kilbroney

Churchtown

Mallow

Co Cork