Dear Editor,
As a concerned sibling and family member of some of the 2016 graduands, I am very concerned about the seriousness with which the University of Guyana conducts business. Graduation is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and it is a shame that after 4 years of challenges, dedication and sacrifices from the graduating students, they now must endure more. At the time they paid the required $10,000 for the standard attire used at graduation ceremonies they were assured of receiving caps and gowns, in addition to diplomas and transcripts. Now to their horror over 100 of them were told the day before the graduation ceremony that they have no gowns for them. It is true that they have completed their studies and achieved the necessary grades, etc, and you may say it’s not about the attire, it’s about how far they have reached. However, there is a certain honour one experiences as one walks with head raised high, and family and friends cheer one on. It is heart-wrenching not to have the experience of the others who have their caps and gowns.
Furthermore, I was informed that Berbice’s graduation is being held next week, so was there not a possibility of renting gowns from them for those students who have none? It is clear that there was a breakdown in communication with all parties involved in the planning for this great event. I am quite sure the planning committee, which is the Bursar, Registrar and Student Affairs Officer had a count of how many students were registered for graduation. But I suppose Guyana is what it is. I really cannot compare Guyana with the US, but such planning is universal, I would have thought. In the US gown and cap fitting and photo shoots begin one month ahead of time. The students have a choice: either to borrow or purchase the gowns from the university/college. For those who borrow there is a deposit fee attached along with an agreement to return the items in the same condition they were loaned to the students. Failure to return these items after 3 days, results in the deposit being forfeited.
It is very unfair, especially for those students who live flying distance away from the city and who had the expense of flying to the city from the interior, paying boarding and lodging during this time, only to have their high expectations shattered with this gross disrespect and disappointment.
I was informed that they paid $10,000 each to cover the cost of the cap, gown and diploma/transcripts, and now they only receive excuses. Paying for an original diploma/transcript is pushing it over the edge. Diplomas and transcripts should be free upon graduation; the only time a student should pay for these two items, is when they are requesting replacement copies, not for originals they receive at graduation, especially if they were paying students who paid their tuition every semester. In the US students who get educational grants get free diplomas/transcripts, as do those in private colleges and universities.
If the Chancellor has exhausted his power of advocacy for his graduating ‘naked’ students, how soon they will be receiving their $10,000 refund? And what arrangements will be made with those who live in the interior, and have no immediate reason to return to the city? It is about time someone says something; Region 1 students have had their fair share of challenges over the last four years while attending UG.
Yours faithfully,
Cindy P Martin
