Many students from Stellenbosch University (SU) feel that the hiring of graduation attire is unreasonably priced. 165 graduates have indicated their absenteeism for April’s graduation season but the reasons are unclear as to why this is the case. Some students are unable to afford graduation expenses and end up not attending this milestone.
Graduates walking to the hall for the ceremony with their attire on. PHOTO: Jessica Josephs
A four-year undergraduate degree, on its own, averages to R160 000. Once students are able to graduate, the paying isn’t over. A fee still needs to be paid to hire basic graduation attire for two hours – R530 up to master’s level and R830 for doctoral.
“There are a lot of costs associated with Stellenbosch’s graduation. We have to provide staff for the events, as well as dry-clean attire after use – R100 per outfit,” comments Xander van Zyl, Managing Director of Dippenaar & Reinecke, SU’s current supplier of academic attire.
Although a deposit fee is returned for master’s level (R300) and doctoral (R500) when the graduation-wear is safely returned, the money still needs to come from somewhere.
A survey conducted with 55 SU students of whom 45 have graduated and 10 are undergraduates. GRAPHIC: Jessica Josephs
Tshepo Modiri, a Bachelor of Science (BSc) graduate says, “I think it’s unreasonably expensive to attend graduation, especially considering the fact that there are already so many other costs involved such as travel and accommodation for family members to witness this moment.
“Graduation is about celebrating a milestone, it should be an inclusive experience for all students, regardless of their financial background.”
Van Zyl adds that “while we are a business that needs to deliver profits to our shareholders, we have made exceptions where we provide attire to economically disadvantaged students – whose bursaries do not cover the expense.”
Graduation gowns at ‘Die Stal’ ready for hire. PHOTO: Jessica Josephs
This month’s graduation season sees 165 graduates that have indicated their absenteeism to SU. When asked whether the amount of absenteeism has anything to do with the fact that many students cannot afford to attend their graduation, SU spokesperson, Martin Viljoen says:
“It is very much doubtful whether the cost of renting the gowns can be viewed as the main or even one of the main reasons for not attending the ceremony. Many factors play a role – in some cases it could be related to travel and other expenses but some students cannot get leave from work, travel abroad or simply have other commitments.”
Another graduate – a masters student who wishes to remain anonymous – states that she got her own graduation gown made. Her family members and friends have also used this gown for their graduation, as the cost ends up being cheaper than when hiring from academic attire suppliers.
According to SU graduation rules, students are allowed to wear their own hoods and gowns, as long as these items adhere to the prescribed dress code and faculty colours of SU.