This week's question...
‘I’ve been told that I need a gown in order to attend my graduation ceremony this December. This means I have to pay £50+ to attend! Why is this so expensive?’
The University Graduation Team replied below:
'It is Goldsmiths’ long-standing convention that all graduands are asked to wear academic robes if they choose to attend a graduation ceremony. Graduands and their families and other supporters typically tell us that this adds to the sense of occasion, on what for many is key milestone in their lives.
We appreciate that hiring gowns is not cheap. However, Ede and Ravenscroft are the UK’s leading supplier for such occasions and we are not aware of any UK university that routinely covers the cost of academic gowns for graduations, or of any cheaper suppliers who could offer the same service. However, students are free to try and arrange their own academic dress if they prefer.
In terms of costs Goldsmiths can control, at £25 we believe our Graduation guest ticket tickets represent good value compared to other London universities. The price includes entry to a drinks reception with canapés. We do not make a profit from graduation ticket sales.
Our Graduation team carefully considers any requests for support with the costs involved in attending ceremonies, on a case-by-case basis. Students wishing to seek support should contact graduation@gold.ac.uk.'