Can UB Offer Other Options to Students Instead of Withdrawal?

On April twenty-second, the University of Belize issued a three-page press release to update students about steps being taken as the university navigates these uncertain COVID-19 times. There are some students, however, who are not happy about the university’s recommendation to voluntarily withdraw from courses where they are not able to “access online instruction or where the courses cannot be fully and successfully delivered by this mode.” The release noted students will not face any academic or financial penalty if they withdraw, saying they can re-register for the course whenever it is offered next. Now, many students are not happy with this recommendation because they believe that no other solid alternative was given to accommodate them for courses they have already paid for.  Some students are also concerned that withdrawing will affect when they complete their degree.  When we caught up with Chief Education Officer Doctor Carol Babb this morning, she told us that another member of the Ministry of Education sits on the board of directors of U.B., but they weren’t made aware of these concerns.

Carol Babb

Dr. Carol Babb, Chief Education Officer

“I haven’t heard the complaints but I will talk to our representative to try to address this issue.”

Andrea Polanco

“If students don’t have the access to technology, in some cases they don’t have computer or internet at home, what can be done or is there anything the Ministry looking at in terms of assisting these students in this kind of way?”

Dr. Carol Babb

“Well, I would hope that UB would do what the Ministry of Education is doing. We are providing hard copies so that students don’t have access can have access. So, I can only hope that UB will ensure that every teacher has access or every student has access. So, maybe they will revamp the way they are doing things. But I really can’t comment because I am not on the board.”