Dear Signatories,

I hope this message finds you well.

I am writing to update you on the status of the petition for improved degree certificates at the University of Guelph. The petition was submitted to the University Secretariat’s Office via email on April 18th, 2024. After a considerable delay, I received a response letter on July 2nd (I have copied the original letter at the very end of this message). Also, I apologize for not updating you sooner; I have been managing a full course load this semester and was busy with assignments and midterms. 

The Senate’s Honors & Awards Committee reviewed the issues raised in the petition. The committee also consulted the Registrar's Office and other relevant parties involved in the graduation process. Despite the strong student support and detailed rationale provided, the university has decided not to proceed with changes to the degree certificates at this time. Their response letter cited several logistical, financial, and procedural challenges, such as the need for larger certificates, updates to printing software, new printing equipment, and adjustments to storage facilities. They deemed these changes too resource-intensive to implement currently.

These logistical and resource concerns are not new revelations. It is unsurprising that updating a process unchanged for decades presents challenges. The university's response letter concludes with a vague assurance that our “feedback” will be considered during the next review of the degree certificate. However, no timeline was provided for this review. The last serious consideration was in March 2004, and it required significant advocacy and financial backing from the Student Senate Caucus to even initiate a pilot project. Therefore, unless another student or campus organization advocates for this issue, it is highly unlikely to be addressed again in the near future.

Regarding the above-mentioned pilot program, during my initial correspondence with the University Secretariat’s Office, I learned about this cost-recovery pilot program conducted from June 2004 to February 2007. This pilot offered students the option of buying a degree certificate that included their major/specialization. Uptake was limited, which is unsurprising given the optional nature and extra cost. After evaluating the pilot, the Senate Committee decided not to continue the initiative, determining that the trade-offs required to include additional detail on the parchments were not feasible.

With this history in mind, my goal with this petition was to demonstrate significant student demand and convince the university that the resource investment is worthwhile, benefiting current and future graduates. However, the university's response, citing logistical and resource constraints, seems to reiterate past excuses. It appears the university did not take this petition seriously, as it does not offer any concrete steps towards accountability for future changes to the degree certificate.

Additionally, it is worth noting that an “enhanced” form of the University of Guelph degree certificate is already standard for University of Guelph-Humber graduates, whose certificates include their major/specialization along with their program name. Search #GHgrad on Instagram to see pictures of the enhanced degree certificate. This raises the question: Why are Guelph-Humber students offered these enhanced certificates while Guelph students are not? It appears the administration applies the "University of Guelph philosophy" selectively, based on convenience.

I, obviously, am deeply frustrated and feel anger on behalf of the entire student body who deserve appropriate recognition for their accomplishments. The proposed improvements to the degree certificate are long overdue and I remain committed to making this change happen. I have consulted with the CSA and we hope to start a conversation with the University Administration. I am determined to hold the university accountable and will continue to pursue this issue. I will provide further updates as we make progress. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Your Bestie,

Prathamesh S. Chalke (any pronouns)

Email: pchalk01@uoguelph.ca

Response Letter From the UofG University Secretariate’s Office (Copy Pasted)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

University of Guelph 

University Secretariat University Centre, Room 426 

Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1 

Email: univsec@uoguelph.ca

Phone: 519-824-4120 x56934 

Date: July 2, 2024 

To: Prathamesh S. Chalke 

Email: pchalk01@uoguelph.ca

Subject: Response to Petition for Improved UofG Degree Certificates 

Dear Prathamesh S. Chalke, 

We would like to thank you for your petition advocating for the enhancement of the University of Guelph's degree certificates to include majors, minors, and distinctions. The Senate Honours & Awards Committee has been apprised of the petition and the rationale provided, noting the support received. We acknowledge the importance of recognizing academic accomplishments and appreciate the compelling arguments presented in your petition. 

While it is the philosophy at the University of Guelph that the details of a graduate’s studies are thoroughly outlined on the transcript, at the request of the Chair, representatives from the Registrar's Office and others involved in graduation were consulted on this matter. They provided a comprehensive analysis of the logistical, financial, and procedural implications of implementing the proposed changes. Key considerations included the need for a larger certificate size or a change in orientation to accommodate additional information, and the associated costs and time required to develop new templates, update the printing software, and possibly purchase new printing equipment. Furthermore, adjustments to storage facilities and other elements associated with a change to the degree certificate would be required. 

While your reasoned rationale was given careful review, given the various elements that may need to be adjusted, it was concluded that it is not feasible to resource such changes at this time. The extensive modifications required to our processes, equipment, and supplies would require a substantial investment of time and resources that we are currently unable to proceed with. 

We appreciate your understanding and the initiative shown in bringing this matter to our attention. The University of Guelph remains committed to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of our students, and we will continue to explore ways to enhance the graduation experience within our current capabilities. Additionally, we will keep your feedback on file and consider it when the degree parchment is next reviewed. 

Thank you again for your engagement and dedication to our University. 

Sincerely,

Joanne Emeneau 

Associate University Secretary (Senate) 

University Secretariat 

On behalf of the Senate Honours & Awards Committee 

University of Guelph

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~END OF LETTER~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~