If a picture is worth a thousand words, what does a QUT parchment tell us about our tertiary education?
This is what a picture worth almost $50,000 looks like at QUT, compared to an undergrad parchment from UQ:
A discussion on StalkerSpace this week has centred around students feeling that the parchments they receive at the end of their studies are not reflective of the time, money, and effort exerted while working towards completing their degrees.
A ‘parchment’ is the document you receive when you finish your studies. It’s either presented to you at your graduation ceremony or mailed to you if you don’t attend.
Students don’t need to pay for their parchment when they graduate, but they can cost up to $80 if you need a replacement.
One recent graduate, who also holds a degree from UQ, posted pictures of both parchments side-by-side.
“Got my testamur today! And wow, QUT really out here handing degrees out looking like they came out of a cereal packet? Please tell me the paper copy looks nicer than this!”
Several commenters remarked that the QUT parchment was “embarrassing” and “disappointing”.
Glass was able to track down a parchment issued by QUT in the 90s that looks substantially similar (if not a little more aesthetically pleasing) to the parchments being issued by the University today.
A Bachelor of Business parchment issued in 1995 – have our parchments become even less appealing since then?
QUT Student Guild President Aamna Asif told Glass that she is intending to discuss the issue with the University.
A spokesperson for QUT told Glass that while the university has not had any concerns about the parchments looking out of date, they are “always keen to hear feedback and act on it where needed.”
“We are happy to look at the design of these going forward.”
If you have thoughts about QUT parchments or feedback for the University, let us know and Glass can forward your perspective to the Guild President (alternatively email president@qutguild.com).
