When will UG return the deposits of these “naked” students?

Nov 16, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,
As a concerned sibling and family member of some of your “Fall Graduates 2016,” I have great concerns over the seriousness your University (UG) conducts business, respect for self and others more so their fellow Guyanese. As you know, graduation is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and I was speaking with my brother and sister-in-law the other night, and it was appalling to hear their disappointment and their pains as they share them with me. Of course, as the eldest of my mother’s children, education always was an important tool in my life, which I tried to share with those that followed me.
It is with great sadness and shame that after 4 years of challenges, dedication and sacrifices from your graduating students, now they 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 such attire, caps and gowns not forgetting Diplomas/Transcripts for this grand day of their lives. Now to their horror over 100 of them were told the day before their graduation ceremony that they have no gowns for them. It is true that they have completed their studies and made their grades etc. that’s why this day has arrived, and you may say it’s not about the attire, it’s about how far they have reached. However, can you remember how it felt when you experienced such a great achievement for the first time? There is a certain honour one experiences as you walk with your head raised high, your family and friends cheering you on, as you and many of your peers stand out and look special for this day.
Do you know how heart-wrenching it is not to have that experience like the others who have their caps and gowns? Furthermore, I was informed that Berbice’s graduation is being held next week, now is there a possibility of you renting some 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 Department 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 should believe. In the US Gown/Cap fitting and photo shoots begin 1 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, the deposit is forfeited and the items remain with the students.
It is very much unfair especially to those students who live flying distances away from the city and had to endure the sacrifice and expense of flying to the city from the interior, paying boarding and lodging during this time again, with great expectations and high hopes only to have them shattered with this gross disrespect and disappointment. I think it is really unfair that they have to incur such injustice. The event was held at approximately 3:00 p.m. on November 12th. Is it possible that the Chancellor can make things happen by reaching out to Berbice for some gowns? Additionally, I was informed that they paid $10,000 each to cover the cost of the Cap, Gown and Diploma/Transcripts, and they only received excuses. Paying for an original Diploma/Transcript is pushing it over the edge. Diplomas and Transcripts are free upon graduation, the only time a student pays for these two items, is when they are requesting replacement copies, not for ORIGINALS they receive at graduation, more so they were fee paying students; they paid their tuitions every semester. For those of our students who get “Educational Grants” their graduation Diplomas/Transcripts are FREE, and also those of private colleges and universities.
If the Chancellor has exhausted his power of advocacy for his graduating “naked” students, how soon will they be receiving their $10,000 refund? And by what means, 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 say something. Region 1 students have had their fair share of challenges over the last four years while attending UG. Is there a DISCRIMINATION factor that is causing all of these hurdles?
Cindy P. Martin
New York

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