Getting a certified transcript at Makerere a nightmare when abroad
SIR – I am dismayed at the painful process of obtaining an official certified academic transcript from Makerere University. Since last November, I have been trying to speak with somebody in the Academic Registrar’s office concerning information on obtaining a transcript.
SIR – I am dismayed at the painful process of obtaining an official certified academic transcript from Makerere University. Since last November, I have been trying to speak with somebody in the Academic Registrar’s office concerning information on obtaining a transcript.
I stayed up late (due to the time difference between the US East Coast and Uganda) and called twice in November and twice in December. Nobody answered. I sent an e-mail to the academic registrar but nobody responded. A friend in Uganda helped me to get the rules and requirements from the transcript office.
Not only do they require an original copy of the academic transcript but also clearance from all university departments, two passport-sized photos, previous university identity card and transcript fees. If you are abroad like I am, you also need to send a letter of authorisation to the person who will obtain the certified transcript copies on your behalf.
Some of these regulations are so ridiculous that I wonder whether Makerere is committed to building for the future. If one graduated in 1999 like myself, does the university expect us to keep an identity card todate? Secondly, how would one clear with the departments when one is not in the country?
I propose that Makerere at least institutionalises an online system that would make it possible for us to send online transcript requests. We can also send our photos via e-mail as well as e-signed application letters. There are several ways of paying fees online, such as paypal and Makerere could sign up for a free account. Despite all this, I am proud of the university and committed to supporting its programmes.
Last year when I was a graduate student at Tufts University in Massachusetts, I initiated a fundraising drive within my university where we raised money and purchased library books for Makerere University Department of Women and Gender Studies, even though I was not a member of the department. Makerere, please take my concerns seriously not just for me but for many of us seeking to further our education while abroad.
Doreen Lwanga
Boston, USA
I stayed up late (due to the time difference between the US East Coast and Uganda) and called twice in November and twice in December. Nobody answered. I sent an e-mail to the academic registrar but nobody responded. A friend in Uganda helped me to get the rules and requirements from the transcript office.
Not only do they require an original copy of the academic transcript but also clearance from all university departments, two passport-sized photos, previous university identity card and transcript fees. If you are abroad like I am, you also need to send a letter of authorisation to the person who will obtain the certified transcript copies on your behalf.
Some of these regulations are so ridiculous that I wonder whether Makerere is committed to building for the future. If one graduated in 1999 like myself, does the university expect us to keep an identity card todate? Secondly, how would one clear with the departments when one is not in the country?
I propose that Makerere at least institutionalises an online system that would make it possible for us to send online transcript requests. We can also send our photos via e-mail as well as e-signed application letters. There are several ways of paying fees online, such as paypal and Makerere could sign up for a free account. Despite all this, I am proud of the university and committed to supporting its programmes.
Last year when I was a graduate student at Tufts University in Massachusetts, I initiated a fundraising drive within my university where we raised money and purchased library books for Makerere University Department of Women and Gender Studies, even though I was not a member of the department. Makerere, please take my concerns seriously not just for me but for many of us seeking to further our education while abroad.
Doreen Lwanga
Boston, USA