UG application process has left me disappointed, frustrated

Dear Editor,

The student application process at the University of Guyana is marred by subjectivity.

My recent experience with the University of Guyana application process has left me disappointed, frustrated and with only questions which officials failed to answer. I feel that the procedure for selecting students for particular programmes is highly subjective and at the whim of those who make faculty recommendations.

In early September I started the application process and on September 18, uploaded all notarised documents for my programme selection. Weeks went by and the document verification process by university officials was still not completed although I was not sought for additional documents or clarification of what was submitted.

After numerous calls and emails to the university, the relevant faculty finally entered its recommendation on October 30! I basically had to wait weeks for: “Unsuccessful (Did not satisfy basic entry requirement),” no remark was entered about what was lacking or the issue with what was submitted. As a prospective student who may be keen to reapply for this particular programme what insight does the faculty recommendation provide? And bear in mind it took about a month and a half for this line to be entered.

Previously, I – and other students – gained admittance into this very programme with the same qualifications. However, due to a number of personal issues at the time I was forced to discontinue. I feel that at least I should have been informed about the reason(s) why my qualifications didn’t meet the basic entry requirement now since nothing has changed with regard to the entry requirements for this programme on the website of the university.

I then decided to select another programme and soon after the faculty recommendation was entered: “Unsuccessful (Not suitably qualified).” I was dumbfounded by this because I more than satisfied the entry requirements. I applied to do a programme at the University of Guyana and submitted as my qualifications a Bachelor’s degree and Post- Graduate diploma both obtained from the University of Guyana with the required GPA yet I’m being told that I am not “suitably qualified!” Also, I work in the relevant field and on the university’s website no other requirement is listed.

Class size is definitely not an issue here. In 2019 only one person graduated from the programme yet it is still being offered for this academic year. The faculty is accustomed to very small class sizes. When I did my post-graduate studies there were only four persons in my class.

I requested clarification from the Registry, Admissions Division. My concerns were forwarded to the faculty officials and to date they haven’t responded.

It’s a shame that the University of Guyana treats potential Guyanese students in this manner. Imagine it’s easier to gain admittance to world-class programmes from top international universities with

our qualifications from the University of Guyana yet this institution continues to put up unnecessary barriers. The problem though for the majority who would prefer not to deal with the UG is high tuition cost; those universities cater for people who earn a living wage.

Yours faithfully, Application ID: 296842 (Name and address provided)