The University of Guyana has ordered urgent measures to ensure students are no longer disadvantaged by the prolonged delay in the release of Criminal Law I and Criminal Law II grades for the 2024/2025 academic year.

A statement from the institution said on Saturday that Chancellor, Sir Ronald Sanders, has directed that affected students be issued certified explanatory letters, interim academic documentation and, where necessary, direct confirmation to the Council of Legal Education and relevant law schools regarding the delay in students’ receiving their grades.

The directives come a day after the President of the University of Guyana Students’ Society brought the matter to the Chancellor’s attention. The president highlighted serious consequences for students’ academic progression and future prospects, noting that the delays caused missed scholarship opportunities, impediments to employment and difficulties pursuing further studies abroad.

Describing the situation as “completely unacceptable”, the Chancellor has instructed that all affected students be identified; particularly those facing imminent application or admission deadlines, and ensure they receive clear information on the status of their grades and the steps being taken to resolve the matter.

The University will also consider, through the appropriate academic authorities, exceptional measures where necessary to ensure students are not prejudiced by circumstances for which they bear no responsibility.

The statement said the Chancellor was informed of the delays on September 17 and immediately referred the matter to Chairman of the Transitional Management Team requesting that the allegations be investigated, the facts established and corrective action taken.

However, after being informed that the matter had only been partially addressed by the September 18 deadline, Sir Ronald directed the Registrar and Examinations Division to communicate candidly with students and make clear the distinction between the marking or submission of mark sheets and the official release of approved grades.

An administrative review has also been ordered to determine why the grades remained outstanding, why earlier assurances were not fulfilled and what changes are required to prevent a recurrence.

As part of that review, the Registrar will be required to determine whether similarly outstanding grades exist elsewhere in the University and report the findings to the Transitional Management Team and the University Council.