UG now mailing certificates to graduates

The University of Guyana (UG) has started mailing certificates to graduates.

In a press release issued last Thursday, UG noted that in October 2020, it broke with its 57-year-old tradition of handing certificates directly to graduates and began mailing certificates by registered mail. However, it said graduates must request the service and verify their mailing addresses in the Students Records Management System (SRMS) before this can be triggered.

“The University is once again advising all graduates who require their documents now to use the avenues made available to them and to allow a 10 to 15 working days for processing,” it added.

The press release was issued in response to a Kaieteur News report, headlined “UG fails to certify graduates over a year.” The release noted that there is a difference between certification for a programme of study at UG and collection of certificates. It explained, “A student who has successfully satisfied the requirements for a programme of study is certified and therefore deemed a graduate of the University of Guyana. Collection of certificates on the other hand, refers to the issuance of the official document that proves that one is graduate of the University.”

It noted that in order for a certificate to be issued, clearance must be made with the Faculty, Bursary and Library, graduation fees must be paid and reading room tickets and graduation gowns returned, if issued. The graduate should also not be indebted to UG. Thereafter, clearance is automated via the SMRS and certificates can then be generated for release.

It added that there are also other ways for the university to provide graduates with proof of their completed studies, such as through the issuance of Transcripts and Letters of Completion.