As we went to press, the university was anticipating a visit "war permitting" from John Simpson, the BBC world affairs correspondent to give a public lecture, sign copies of his latest book and receive an honorary degree.
Mr Simpson, who was recently awarded an Emmy for his reporting on the fall of Kabul, was prevented by world affairs from appearing at the university’s July graduation ceremony 2002 where he was first scheduled to receive the honorary degree of LLD in recognition of his unique contribution to broadcasting.
University Deputy Principal Geoff Ward, who will deliver the laureation address said: "When you decide to honour someone like John Simpson, who has a reputation for being on the spot wherever conflict breaks out in the world, you have to accept the risk that the university platform stands a chance of being upstaged by a full scale war zone on the day in question. However we sincerely hope that peace will reign and John Simpson’s visit will take place according to plan!"