U.B. Responds to Graduation Crisis
Earlier this year, we reported on the concerns of some students from the University of Belize, who had completed their programs at the institution in July and December 2017, but would have to wait until June 2018 to receive their degrees. This was as a result of the U.B. making strategic changes to carry out a single commencement exercise ceremony once a year. It didn’t bode well with those who say that they were unable to acquire increments at work or even apply for online education programs because they didn’t have their certificates in hand. Today, the University of Belize in a release chose the option put forward by Information Technology student, Alberto Matus. He explains the process where students who have completed their programs can now apply to get their certificates ahead of the graduation exercise.
On the Phone: Alberto Matus, Student, University of Belize
“It wasn’t really about the graduation but the attainment date for the degree itself. However, Professor Sankat was very quick to deal with the matter and he was patient enough to listen to the concerns that people had out there on social media. And he actually made a change that they are going to facilitate the process for people who are in my position to be able to attain their degrees. So from what I understand there will be an application process for students who wish to attain their degrees—whether it be those who finish in summer or December. So this process will allow people to apply and they will be able to get it four weeks from submitting their request. And that’s really good cause the degree is what we need.”
Duane Moody
“I know you had said that in your case you wanted to apply for a scholarship as well as in terms of getting your increment and you wouldn’t have been able to because you didn’t have the degrees.”
On the Phone: Alberto Matus
“Exactly. So with this, I know some people might be set back a little; now they can actually move on, remove those roadblocks and actually do what they want to do now.”
Duane Moody
“So basically the university came through for you guys?”
On the Phone: Alberto Matus
“Yes, I feel that they listen to our concerns and they hit it right on the head with this facilitation process that they are implementing. Again it is a win-win for both parties, the university and the students.”
The university is also extended the deadline payment for those who students who have not met their financial obligations.
