Moneague College withholding certificate

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am writing to express my deep frustration and concern regarding an ongoing issue with Moneague College in obtaining my degree certificate.

I completed my associate degree in 2015 and finally received that certificate in January 2024 — almost a decade later. In August 2024, I completed my bachelor’s degree through Jamaica Theological Seminary, studying under Moneague College. However, when I went to collect my degree certificate in late December 2024, I was informed of a reported outstanding balance of $37,500, which was later amended to $32,540. This sudden discovery of a balance raised immediate concerns, as it was my understanding that all financial obligations had been met.

I received a full scholarship for the 2023-2024 academic year. This was communicated with Moneague College. Upon querying the said balance, I was told it was a “miscellaneous fee” from 2022. I agreed to pay this amount and returned on January 8, to collect my certificate. However, I was then informed by a staff member at the main campus that my balance was over $100,000. This included $80,000 reportedly owed from my associate degree, which I completed in 2015, and for which I had received financial clearance and the certificate.

I find this situation deeply troubling for several reasons:

1. I completed my associate degree in 2015, obtained financial clearance from the main campus, and am in possession of the certificate. How can there now be a retroactive balance on a programme completed a decade ago?

2.For the 2023-2024 academic year, my 100 per cent scholarship was directly communicated and honoured by Moneague College. It is unclear how additional charges could arise when the college itself confirmed the amount due.

3. Moneague College students with outstanding balances are barred from sitting exams. I have always sat my exams without issue, which strongly indicates that I had no outstanding fees at those times.

4. The reported balances appear to increase with every interaction, raising questions about the accuracy of the college’s financial records.

As a single mother with significant financial responsibilities, I have made countless sacrifices to invest in my education. This degree is crucial for my professional growth and personal advancement. It is not a luxury but a necessity, and it rightfully belongs to me. I cannot accept Moneague College withholding my certificate over unclear and inconsistent financial claims.

I have formally written to both the main campus and the Linstead campus where I studied, and while they have responded, the explanations remain unsatisfactory. I owe no outstanding balances, and I implore the administration to release my degree certificate promptly.

FRUSTRATED STUDENT