Students with developmental disabilities will be allowed to take part in convocation ceremonies at the University of Victoria starting this June.
The university’s senate on Friday approved a recommendation that students in the STEPS Forward program be recognized with certificates of completion during the ceremonies.
Student Nathan Bodie had been pushing to be included in the ceremonies since November, when he learned the university’s policy prevented him from taking part in the ceremony because his courses do not count for credit.
Bodie, 32, has autism and is part of the B.C. Initiative for Inclusive Post-secondary Education, which helps people with developmental disabilities access post-secondary education. He has spent the past five years studying political science and social justice.
According to the university, the school will issue a certificate of completion to students in the program who have completed a minimum of four years of study and 12 courses. Students will participate in the convocation ceremony for the faculty in which they have taken most of their courses.
“We are so pleased to work with STEPS Forward to create this opportunity for recognition and to join Nathan and his family in celebrating his accomplishments,” said Grace Wong Sneddon, adviser to the provost on diversity at UVic.
The change means the university is now in line with the seven other post-secondary institutions that take part in the program.
