We, the undersigned students and graduates of Murdoch University Dubai, are submitting this petition to formally express our concern regarding the inadequate standard of the 2024 graduation ceremony held at the Knowledge Park Auditorium.

We believe the event did not meet the expectations of a formal academic celebration and failed to reflect the efforts and accomplishments of its graduating students.

The issues observed include:

• Overcrowded and unsuitable venue, with limited seating for both students and guests
• No visible event staff or chaperones to guide students or assist guests
• Extra ticket holders placed in an overflow room without prior notice, where the event was streamed instead of being experienced in-person with graduates
• Inadequate catering arrangements, resulting in long queues, early depletion of food, and many guests leaving without being served
• Lack of sufficient dining areas, forcing graduates and families to eat while standing or in hallways
• Absence of formal graduation elements, such as the symbolic tassel-turning
• Faculty members having to step in informally to support students due to poor event coordination

Student Testimonials

Below are statements from students who either attended or were affected by the 2024 Murdoch University Dubai graduation ceremony:

“I stood in line for over 30 minutes just trying to get food. By the time I got close, it had already run out. I ended up leaving without eating because I live far from venue.”

— 2024 Graduate

”My family bought extra tickets, but no one told us those guests would be seated in a separate room watching a livestream. If we knew, we wouldn’t have paid and watched it from home. It felt unfair.”

— 2024 Graduate

“There were no staff guiding anyone. It was chaotic, and even professors noticed how poorly everything was handled. Some had to step in just to help students get food.”

— Attendee

Multiple students, attendees, and even faculty members expressed concern at the event, and many described the experience as chaotic and disappointing.

We are formally requesting that the university administration take the following actions:

1. Secure a venue that meets the capacity, accessibility, and professionalism required for a university graduation
2. Ensure full transparency regarding guest ticketing terms and overflow arrangements before purchase
3. Improve event logistics including adequate seating, food, dining space, and crowd management
4. Restore key ceremonial elements expected in a formal graduation ceremony
5. Take student feedback into account

Graduation is a critical milestone that represents the culmination of years of academic effort. We would love if Murdoch University Dubai ensures that future ceremonies are executed with the quality, respect, and care that students and their families deserve.

By signing this petition, I support the call for urgent improvements to future graduation ceremonies at Murdoch University Dubai.