Allow OU Students a Mortarboard for Graduation

I can't believe the OU doesn't permit mortarboards during the graduation ceremony!! Crazy!

100% agree

Current OU student

please allow it

1 year ago Featured

The mortarboard should be allowed at Open University degree ceremonies as it is a key part for all students and their families who want photos and memories of this special day. These students have worked very hard for their degrees and want to follow the tradition not to be told we don't do this here for some ridiculous non-conforming reason!!

It’s a special occasion. We are all adults, let’s us wear the hats.

Let me wear the hat it’s discrimination

I want to wear one in my ceremony

After all your hard work - why can’t you graduate like other degree students from other unis?

Yes, we need to wear the mortar board. I will be getting my photo taken with one on at the photograph part.

Totally agree, it should be down to choice!

4 years ago Featured

Completely agree - my family are shocked and disappointed that as an OU student I am not allowed to wear a Mortar board during the Graduation ceremony.

Why would you not allow this? Pathetic.

Did not know we were not allowed to.

I agree!

Make it so

I didn't get to attend my degree graduation. Loads of people kissed thiers due to covid.

4 years ago Featured

The lack of a mortar board only reinforces stigma surrounding OU degrees as well as the common misconception that OU degrees are somehow ‘easier’ to complete and, once achieved, are less legitimate than brick uni degrees (I assure you this misconception is alive and kicking, not only within the general public perception but even some employers. We (graduates of the OU) deserve fair recognition and due credit, and something as central to graduations as the mortar board being missing serves (albeit falsely) as a visual representation or reflection that something is missing in terms of an OU degrees legitimacy.

Please !!!

Totally agree. We’re uni students just as much as brick students.