Passed: November 2024 (18th)

What is the current problem, and how does it affect students?

There is currently a cost of living crisis, in addition to generally difficult financial conditions across the UK. Graduations are an unexpected expense, which can either prevent some from attending or cause further financial difficulties. It is currently compulsory to rent a gown to attend graduation, which costs between £45-58 or £55-65 if renting on the day. Travel costs are also likely to be a highly significant obstacle,  with notoriously high train tickets for many students, such as those who are unlikely to live in Leeds anymore after finishing their studies, and their families. This is also likely to be a key deterrent for loved ones who are unable to afford to join. Graduations also involve other hidden costs, such as accommodation if needed due to timings of graduations, and professional photos (minimum £30), which can result in an unaffordable day for many, often with the onus on the student.  There are also unexpected time restrictions regarding renting a gown which again highlights the extortionate cost of gown hire. For instance, those who have ceremonies late in the day only have a short amount of time  to wear their gown before they have to return it at the cut off time, which leaves them with less than two hours to not only graduate but also take their own pictures. Other universities and unions have recognised these issues. Those such as the University of Essex, UCL Student Union, LSE Student Union and Manchester Students’ Union, provide clear and comprehensive options of specific financial support for graduation, yet at the University of Leeds this is yet to be adequately seen. 

Reportedly, the university offers approximately 50 subsidised gowns. However, this is insufficiently publicised, and with over 4,000 students graduating each year, this is also insufficient. This will exclude many others who need the financial support to graduate, which include multiple groups, but most specifically those with relatively lower incomes and/or those who are disabled. Graduations may involve increased costs for people with both visible and invisible impairments or disabilities (for instance, due to more expensive access requirements in hotels, needed increased travel such as taxis due to impaired mobility, or flexible travel tickets if an individual is living with an unpredictable condition).

What is your proposed change? How will it benefit students?

This proposal therefore encourages the University to go beyond providing a limited number of subsidised gowns, and encourages the University to provide widely publicised financial support to help with other hidden costs so that all can enjoy their graduation. Whilst the University of Leeds does offer a range of fantastic programmes that seek to encourage access to higher education, such as the Plus Programme, these do not extend specifically to support graduation related costs. Therefore, another option to deliver this motion could be via the Plus Programme (for instance in a similar manner to the Opportunities Fund), or the creation of a general Graduation Fund. The latter would be particularly vital for students who may not be in the Plus Programme as they were not initially eligible, but have found that their circumstances have changed financially. Ultimately, other universities importantly ask students to explain why they’re applying alongside provision of certain information. I believe any change implemented by the University of Leeds should not be solely based on family income (as undergrad students loans are), or academic performance as many other financial support by Leeds is based on. Instead, it should be based on individual circumstances, like the initially mentioned universities/unions, to fairly provide support to those who need it most. This should evidently be kept confidential where possible.

It is understood the University currently has a five year contract with Ede and Ravenscroft, who provides the University’s current graduation gowns. However, considering the recent protests regarding the University and climate change, another option alongside the above could be to encourage, support and pay students to create reusable gowns, potentially out of recycled or sustainable materials. These gowns should also be considered from an accessibility perspective, such as considering how easily they can be worn by people using wheelchairs. This could be supported by specialists in design, for instance by professors in the School of Design. Graduation photographers could also be replaced by students in a similar manner. This would most likely save costs long term, in addition to meaning the above suggested Graduation Fund could be used for other additional costs such as photos, transport, and accommodation. This would put the Fund under less perceived strain considering the extortionate amount of gowns as highlighted at the beginning of the proposal. Moreover, this would not only place students at the centre of all stages of their academic journey, including the ending or celebration of their academic milestone, but also potentially improve University relations with students by ‘enabling responsible investment’ and ‘reorienting research and teaching’ as key principles in the Climate Plan. 

Overall, all students should feel empowered throughout their entire academic journey, and the University of Leeds should ensure that all students have the option to celebrate their academic course via graduation in a fully positive and supported manner. Providing and expanding graduation funding support for those who need it would be extremely beneficial for both the University and students.

Have you considered the impact of the proposed change for traditionally underrepresented student groups?

Yes, this is particularly relevant to all of these groups, but most specifically those with relatively low incomes in addition to disabled groups or individuals with additional needs. Graduations are also highly likely to involve increased costs for people with both visible and invisible impairments or disabilities (for instance, due to more expensive access requirements in hotels, needed increased travel such as taxis due to impaired mobility,  or flexible travel tickets if an individual is living with an unpredictable condition).