ON behalf of Northern Marianas College, I wish to offer a most sincere apology to two NMC students who should have received the associate in arts degree in liberal arts at the commencement exercises held last Saturday, May 25.
As the result of administrative error, which the college deeply regrets, Ms. Eun Kyung S. Jang and Ms. Natalia Miassina Kwon were not certified as eligible for graduation in time for their diplomas to be printed and distributed at the ceremony. In addition, their final grade point averages were not calculated in time for these students to be recognized at the ceremony as graduating with high honors (magna cum laude).
The factors that contributed to the administrative errors responsible for these omissions have been identified, and steps are being taken to ensure that such errors do not recur. We understand very well the importance of commencement exercises as an opportunity to share with family and friends the recognition of one’s academic and personal achievement.
An apology from the college cannot restore to Ms. Jang or Ms. Kwon the pride and pleasure of those moments which they were denied last Saturday, and for this I am profoundly sorry.
I can only add my statement of personal commitment to Ms. Jang and Ms. Kwon, and to all NMC students, that the process of certifying eligibility for graduation and for honors recognition will be thoroughly scrutinized, monitored, and managed in order that this experience will not be repeated.BARBARA G. MOIR, Ph. D.
Interim President
Northern Marianas College
