A significant academic pathway agreement between Sacred Heart Junior College and the University of Belize is facing operational challenges, creating substantial obstacles for students attempting to transfer credits. Despite a Memorandum of Understanding established in 2023 that was designed to streamline academic transitions, numerous graduates report encountering unexpected bureaucratic barriers and academic redundancies.
The agreement, which enabled UB to offer bachelor’s programs on SHJC’s Cayo campus, has failed to deliver the seamless credit recognition that students anticipated. Hazel Tut, a Business Management major who recently transitioned from SHJC to UB, exemplifies the difficulties. She reports being required to retake over ten courses despite having completed equivalent coursework at the associate level, creating both financial strain and academic frustration.
“I genuinely expected a smooth transition, but reality has proven otherwise,” Tut explained. “While I appreciate UB’s educational quality, the implementation of this agreement has created unnecessary complications. The fundamental purpose of the MOU was to establish course equivalency, yet I cannot secure proper credit transfer.”
The situation has created cascading effects for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who specifically selected Sacred Heart Junior College to minimize transportation costs and financial burdens. Tut emphasizes that many families remain unaware of these transfer complications when enrolling at SHJC.
Both institutions acknowledge the ongoing challenges, with advisors and administrative staff reportedly working to resolve the credit evaluation process. However, students like Tut continue to face delayed graduation timelines and duplicated educational expenses, calling into question the practical implementation of the inter-institutional agreement.