Although in-person degree ceremonies were not planned to resume until September 2021, the event took place at the Sheldonian Theatre on Saturday 10 July. The one-off COVID-secure graduation celebration took place as an exception, and was held for departing medical students who needed their degrees conferred before they could start work in the NHS.
Graduates and Sheldonian staff followed strict government and University guidance including social distancing and face coverings in order to protect themselves, the wider University and the local community. All were asked to take a Lateral Flow test in the days ahead of the event, and to refrain from attending at all if they experienced any Covid-19 symptoms ahead of the big day.
The ceremony was led by Professor Chas Bountra, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Innovation) and Professor of Translational Medicine. Although guests were not able to attend, friends and family were able to watch the proceedings live online.
Despite significant alterations, the ceremony was still a very special time for the students and their families.