The University of Guyana (UG) has clarified that it will not be demanding tuition fees from students, amid signals that the institution has been requesting payments as per normal.
TMC Chair, Professor Paloma Mohammed
The Transitional Management Committee (TMC), which oversees operations until a new Vice Chancellor is appointed, noted that these fees will be relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The TMC wishes to reiterate to students that there is currently no enforced deadline for payment of fees and the university has not and is not demanding fees at this time and in these circumstances. It is hoped that this clarification brings relief to any student for whom the situation was not clear. Students are asked to refer to the university’s HRMIS, SRMS and official website for further updates and all official notifications,” the University stated in a release to the media on Monday.
Last week, a blanket note was sent by the Registry Division via UG’s internal Students Records Management Systems (SRMS) in response to queries made and also provided an explanation on what new online procedures are now in place to facilitate payments during this period.
It went on to say that those who have the means to pay can do so while others experiencing difficulties can make use of the relaxed deadlines. In explaining a possible ‘mix-up’, the university stated that deadlines should not be read as a demand for payment of fees.
Other concerns, which were not addressed in the release, circled the need to pay supplementary fees for campus utilities as they are not using these amenities. On social media and other platforms, it was highlighted that library fees are still compulsory as UG’s gates remain closed.
This is the second time the university has clarified information leaving its communication channel. Prior to this, there was some confusion in its intended date to reopen the Turkeyen and Tain campuses.
Last Friday, the institution indicated that the TMC said that no definite date for the return to face-to-face classes has been announced. It went on to say that a ‘full-scale return’ to campus before the end of June was not envisaged at present. However, stakeholders can look forward to an update next week.
Initially, the University had considered dates in May and June for the full reopening of campus. The last announced date was June 1. In that earlier statement, the administration noted that students continued to face challenges in accessing lectures online. Initially, the institution had proposed a reopening date of May 6, but owing to the progression of the COVID-19 curve, this date was changed.
Some 30 measures were taken to enhance hygienic practices on campus for when physical sessions commence. Additionally, UG has sought to expand the range of communication mediums to offer better online engagements.
