-chancellor orders urgent action
THE University of Guyana (UG) has initiated steps to resolve the prolonged delay in the release of Criminal Law I and Criminal Law II grades for the 2024/2025 academic year, with Chancellor Sir Ronald Sanders ordering urgent action to ensure affected students are not placed at a disadvantage.
Sir Ronald, in a message to students, described the delay as “completely unacceptable” and apologised to the affected students, acknowledging the anxiety and uncertainty caused by the outstanding grades.
The chancellor said the matter was brought to his attention by the President of the University of Guyana Students’ Society on September 17. He subsequently referred the complaint to the Chairman of the Transitional Management Team, Professor Stafford Griffith, and requested an investigation into the matter, including the establishment of the facts and the implementation of corrective action.
However, after being informed that the matter had only been partially addressed by the September 18 deadline, Sir Ronald issued further directions. These include informing all affected students of the status of their grades and the steps being taken to resolve the matter, while making urgent arrangements to ensure that no student suffers academic, professional or any hindrance because of the delay.
The chancellor also directed that the circumstances which allowed the grades to remain outstanding for such an extended period be formally examined.
Sir Ronald further instructed the registrar and the Examinations Division to communicate candidly with affected students, stressing that the marking of examination scripts or submission of marksheets should not be confused with the official release of approved grades.
Through Professor Griffith, the chancellor has instructed the registrar to identify all students affected, including those facing imminent application or admission deadlines.
Where necessary, it was stated that UG will provide certified explanatory letters, interim academic documentation or direct confirmation to the Council of Legal Education and relevant law schools.
The university will also consider, through the appropriate academic authorities, exceptional measures to ensure that students are not prejudiced by circumstances for which they bear no responsibility.
Meanwhile, an administrative review will examine why the grades were not processed and released within the required period and why earlier assurances were not fulfilled.
The registrar will also be required to determine whether similarly outstanding grades exist elsewhere within the university and report the findings to the Transitional Management Team and University Council.
