Press Release – Note of clarification from the University of Guyana with regard to the difference between certification and issuance of certificates to graduates

The University of Guyana wishes to clarify the technically incorrect headline appearing in a local newspaper dated November 19,

2020 titled ‘UG fails to certify graduates over a year’. This is not factual. All UG graduates are generally certified within 3 months of their final exams.

This confusion stems from the inappropriate use of the word certify in the context of the article.

The University is therefore asking the public to kindly note the difference between certification for a programme of study at UG and collection of certificates.

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.

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 Students Records Management System (SMRS) and certificates can then be generated for release.

There are also other ways for the University to provide graduates with proof of their competed studies – for example through the issuance of Transcripts and Letters of Completion.

Public Relations, DECC

Office of the Vice-Chancellor, University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus

UG in October 2020 broke with its 57-year-old tradition of handing certificates directly to graduates upon clearance and began mailing certificates by registered mail. However, graduates must request this service and verify their mailing addresses in the 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.

CONTACT: Leisa Somrah, Public Relations Officer (ag)

UG IN BRIEF

With a current enrolment of 8,601 students, University of Guyana (UG) has graduated more than 40,000 students who have gone on to successful careers locally, regionally, and internationally. The University is also a major contributor to the national economy and to business and industry. Established in 1963 on a part -time basis with shared space at Queens College, UG moved to its own campus at Turkeyen in 1970 and expanded in 2000 with the addition of the Tain Campus. It now offers more than 129 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes including degrees in the Natural Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Forestry, Urban Planning and Regional Planning, Tourism Studies, Education, Creative Arts, Economics, Law, Medicine, Optometry and Nursing. Also, UG offers extra-mural classes at four locations through its Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE). Furthermore, UG offers the opportunity for student engagement in debating; sports; and cultural, religious, and professional activities.