BY SIMONE KEALY
Monash University students are calling for better quality graduation certificates after many were left disappointed by the inadequate pieces of paper.
This outcry was prompted by a post on Monash Stalkerspace by alumni AV Nguyen which highlighted the discontent she felt when she and her friend were given a “cheap quality” graduation certificate.
“It is so thin to the point that at the end of the ceremony the paper is already scrunched no matter how carefully you carry that delicate proof of your sweat and tears,” Ms Nguyen said.
“We deserve well-designed and high-quality certificates.”
The enormous reaction from the post provoked a petition which has since reached more than 950 signatures, with many signatories feeling disrespected by Monash University.
Monash University alumni Kaila Brown-Toogood, who has signed the petition, said she did not want other students to experience the same disappointment she felt at the time she was given her graduation certificate.
“I don’t think it’s fair that future students should have to go through what we went through with our graduation,” Ms Brown-Toogood said.
“[Students] should feel special, they should get a decent certificate.”
Ms Brown-Toogood said it was clear to her there was a lack of student input regarding the decisions involved when deciding on the nature and design of the graduate certificates.
“The best thing you can do is actually have a committee of students behind [the decisions],” she said.
“None of this is hard, it isn’t complicated.”
Current Monash University student Ariel West said she was not happy about the quality of the graduation certificates as she had a “very different picture” of what they would look like.
“I always put in 110 per cent and for that to be recognised with something I wouldn’t be happy to display on my wall, it’s just a bit of a disappointment,” Ms West said.
Ms West said she signed the petition with hope to make a change so that future graduates can receive a certificate that accurately reflected their hard work and dedication throughout their respective university course.
“I don’t just want to complain about it, and not actually have anything changed and then be disappointed that I didn’t say anything about it when there was an opportunity to,” she said.
“I need to say something about this, it’s so bad.”
Monash Student Association (MSA) president Marni O’Connell has contacted Monash staff, along with the organisers of the petition, to discuss potential changes to the graduate certificates.
“[Monash University] has been receptive to hearing about and working through the solution,” Ms O’Connell said.
“However, MSA will be sure to continually push for action on this issue,” she said.
“Making a change as simple as seeking and contacting alternative paper suppliers, modifying printing operations and including specialisations and majors may be potential solutions.”
Ms O’Connell said it was “imperative” MSA acted in Monash students’ interest.
“For those that value physical mementos, it is important that such mementos last, and reflect an appreciation for the hard work that they have put in,” she said.
A Monash University spokesperson said the Graduation Working Group at Monash University was established to rectify issues such as these.
“The group is open to feedback and suggestions from all stakeholders, especially students and alumni,” the spokesperson said.
