Student Outrage at Conferring Levy

UCC students were left wondering if they were being hit by a bad April fool’s joke from college authorities last night following an email sent to all students informing them of a new €65 conferring fee to be introduced from April 1st. The charge of €65 will apply to each student and their two guests choosing to attend their conferring ceremony. The email stated that any student who did not pay the required fee will be conferred In Absentia and will not be able to attend their graduation ceremony.

Massive student anger has erupted following this surprise announcement. UCC Young Fine Gael Chairperson, Robert O Sullivan stated “The introduction of this fee is disgraceful. In a year when UCC College registration fees have already increased to a massive €1,650, this fee cannot be justified and should be reserved. Students are already facing massive financial pressure and the idea of sneaking yet another charge onto students just as they finish is simply wrong and will be opposed strongly by students.”Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Laura McGonigle supported YFG as she condemned this decision by UCC. "What other fees and charges will they make up next?"

Additional charges are needed to help the college get through this difficult period but students have already contributed enough towards this effort and a line must be drawn on what levies are necessary and which ones are simply unfair.