What rights do students have if their graduation is delayed because the school or university failed to issue results on time?

If a student's graduation is delayed due to the school or university failing to issue results on time, students have several rights and potential courses of action:

• Check the University’s Policies: Review the institution's rules and regulations about timelines for issuing results and graduation procedures. Delays may be a violation of these policies.
• Seek Resolution with the Institution: Contact the university's administration or student services to inquire about the cause of the delay and request a timeline for resolution. Keep a record of all communication.
• File a Formal Complaint: If informal resolution does not work, file a formal complaint with the university or the relevant student body, such as the student union or ombudsman.
• Request Compensation: If the delay causes financial loss (e.g., missed job opportunities), students may seek compensation for damages, depending on the terms of their enrollment contract.
• Legal Action: In cases of significant delay or breach of contract, students may have the option to pursue legal action for breach of contract or negligence, especially if the delay leads to financial hardship or damages to their career prospects.

Example

A student graduates from a university in June, but due to delayed grading of final exams, the official results are issued only in August. If this delay causes the student to miss a job offer or scholarship deadline, they may be entitled to request compensation for lost opportunities or pursue legal action.