UB Under Fire From Former Professor
Is the national university, the University of Belize, in complete academic disarray where students go through programs without learning anything, but still getting straight A’s? Former lecturer Marcio Augusto has written a scathing article that was published in today’s edition of the Amandala Newspaper which he makes that assertion. In the editorial, the Portuguese professor questions the level of professionalism and standards at the national institution. Augusto and his wife both lectured at UB from September 2015 to mid-March, before leaving abruptly a little over two weeks ago. In his letter, Augusto harshly criticizes the faculty and speaks of instances where the couple’s lives were threatened for not passing students who were not performing satisfactorily. He goes on to say, “We were often told by students that we were being disrespectful, but my point here is that the true disrespect comes from an institution that, while trying not to upset students in any way, deeply disrespects them by not having standards, by making it virtually impossible to fail, by not preparing them properly and not promoting a strong work ethic.” 
Augusto goes on to say, “That we were left unprotected, all internal rules were disregarded, and the burden of proof was ours.” In the open letter, Augusto also says that “There is something very wrong within the University of Belize. There are power games going on that revolve around everything except the students’ interests. There are those whose main interest is their own personal ambitions, those who keep their heads down, and those who don’t accept it and are either pushed out or are dying to leave.” News Five attempted to get a comment from President Alan Slusher today, but he declined comment on the allegations.
Sadly, this is the same scenario at several high schools around the country. The caliber of student reaching UB are already conditioned to think that they are entitled to passing just by showing up. There is no standards and very few truly caring teachers have stood up for what we believe and have informed the education department but they cannot do anything. Look at the workforce. Ive seen many UB graduates who cant pen a proper letter, lack in vocabulary and you have to wonder how did they managed to get a degree. A sad state indeed.
Being a past student of the said university, I can honestly corroborate what Mr. August has made public in his letter. It is not only the lecturers who feel disheartened by this, but also the students who work hard. I know of instances where outstanding students are given understated grades while the obviously low level achievers boast excellent grade reports. It is an issue that goes back well over two decades and is now seemingly getting worse! Many who have entered the work force with degrees from UB cannot and do not perform well in their jobs!
Letter speaks nothing but the truth. Education is worst it has ever been! Teachers are being forced to scale grades, pass students so school looks good, or teachers keep their job. Students cannot be given zero, if they don’t submit work you have to beg them for it. If they fail it is not them to blame. Give alternative assessments and group assessment, extra credit for students to be passed. Students are no longer earning passing grade but believe they are entitled to it. Thanks to the minister of education copying US educational system which is not even working for the US.