The University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) has cancelled its 2020 graduation ceremony.
In a statement, the University said that it is cognizant of the hardships created by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“In response to the recent public protest of some members of the 2020 graduating class, the President’s Cabinet of the University of the Southern Caribbean has decided to hold a Conferral Ceremony on the 9th October 2020 and cancel the previously scheduled Virtual Graduation Ceremony.”
Last week, many students raised concerns over the cost of the online event which would have set them back $650.
Instead, diplomas will be distributed to all students who have satisfied the requirements for graduation without charge, from the 12th October 2020.
The University said that students who have made graduation fees payments can contact the Student Finance Office for their refund.
“Those students from this graduating class who are desirous of participating in our next graduation ceremony can contact the registrar’s office to register their interest before the end of this semester. ”
It added, “Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the tertiary education industry and USC has commissioned research to measure the impacts on our stakeholders and the various aspects of our operations. These studies will guide the university in making evidence-based decisions in our response to this Covid-19 crisis.”
The University said that it has been providing quality tertiary education for 93 years.
“As a Seventh-day Adventist Higher Education institution, we pride ourselves in providing support to all our students through a holistic tertiary education experience.”
Since the outbreak of the pandemic in March this year, the University has waived the registration fees for the summer, waived the application fees for this academic year and awarded $1.5 million in education assistance.
It said it remained committed to moulding and preparing students to become extraordinary leaders in the global marketplace.
The USC graduation exercise usually comprises three days of consecration, celebration and thanksgiving for students’ scholastic achievement.
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