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UEA bows to student P-ressure by NIKKI MALLETT
IN A dramatic U-turn, University bosses have unceremoniously dumped graduation fees following widespread student protest. The charge, introduced less than 12 months ago, saw parents suddenly forced to pay £I 0 each for the privilege of attending graduation. However, outraged students rallied against the charge last year with 1198 voting against the fee in a Union referendum, while hundreds more wrote and e-mailed their protesL~ to UEA Vice Chancellor. Vincent Waus.
Backtrack The backtrack means that it will now be free to attend the ceremony. with visitors able to choose whether they want to pay for the graduation brochure and party. Students have greeted the move with delight. "it 's great news, the fee was disgraceful,'' said Annc Blackbum (EUR 2)
Ben Wheal (EUR 4), added. "My parents have supported me all the way through university. it's great that they can see me graduate for free now." The news comes just six months after UEA's graduation supremo, Tony Flack. stoutly refused to drop the £10 fee.
Charity "We are not going to act upon student feeling, the University is not a charity." claimed Mr Flack in April. However, he has since adopted a different anitude. "In response to concerns over a
lack of choice over paying for guest tickets in 1998, attendance at the 1999 ceremonies will be free," conceded Mr Flack.
Victory Union Academic Officer. Katy Fixter, hailed the University's U-tum as, "A victory for student opinion." Said Katy, " lt was insulting, unfair and disrespectful to students that after spending three years at university their families were made to pay to see. them graduate. "If students hadn ' t mounted the campaign. it would have been very unlikely that the University would
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