More University of Otago Graduations Dropped Over Security Threat

The University of Otago canceled all graduation ceremonies and parades this week after a security threat last week.

Meanwhile, police have yet to make an arrest after a bombing and shooting threat that had already led to more than 1,000 students in Dunedin graduating without a ceremony.

Police investigations continue, a spokeswoman said today.

Vice Chancellor Harlene Hayne said the university continues to work closely with police as they conduct an investigation, and a decision was made this afternoon to postpone the four graduation ceremonies scheduled for Wednesday and Saturday.

He said he shared the disappointment everyone felt.

“I know this is an additional disappointment at the end of a year that has been more difficult than most,” said Professor Hayne.

“In the wake of Covid-19, our students have overcome enormous obstacles to stay on track and complete their degrees this year.

“In addition, many of our students and their whānau have made significant sacrifices to travel to Dunedin to be a part of these very special celebrations.”

She was sure that graduates would find alternative ways to celebrate.

All associated graduation events planned to take place on campus were able to continue. Graduates would still be able to collect their certificates and details about it would be sent directly to graduates.

Hayne said that despite last week’s graduation postponements, graduates continued to celebrate their accomplishments, with large numbers on campus last week and on Saturday.

“I have seen many, many examples of the true spirit of Otago when people took the opportunity to celebrate, marking their accomplishments in their very personal way.

“They have demonstrated these characteristics throughout this year and their response to graduation postponements is just another example of how truly remarkable they are.”

For graduates who chose not to come to Dunedin this week, or who wished to participate in a full ceremony later, the university was planning opportunities for this in 2021.

Hayne paid tribute to the police who continued to investigate the security threat.

“The police continue to take this threat very seriously and we are grateful for their expert support and guidance.”

The specific and detailed threat against the graduation ceremonies of the University of Otago first forced an abandonment in the last hour of the official procedures for the students last Wednesday.

Since then, hundreds of students have settled for informal celebrations only when graduation ceremonies have been successively canceled.