Unprofessional Handling of Dissertation Appeals and Concerns

My recent experiences with MANCOSA have been nothing short of disheartening, highlighting a deeply concerning lack of professionalism and accountability. Following my initial Hellopeter review regarding the unacceptable delays in my MBA dissertation appeal, I received a dismissive response claiming that the assessment process was complete and my final mark was 64%, a reduction from the initial 66%. This response was not only harsh in tone but also offered no meaningful explanation or transparency regarding the evaluation process.

What is even more troubling is that I had to resort to posting on Hellopeter to elicit any response from MANCOSA. Prior to this, I had sent multiple follow-up emails, including one to Tracy, the Postgraduate Supervisor, none of which were acknowledged. It is deeply concerning that the institution prioritizes damage control on public platforms over addressing genuine student grievances through appropriate channels.

Further compounding this frustration, I was explicitly asked to remove my initial review, a request that underscores MANCOSA's apparent focus on protecting its reputation rather than addressing systemic issues affecting its students. This approach is unacceptable for an institution that claims to uphold academic excellence and student support.

Adding to my dismay, I learned about ********* practices involving the appointed supervisor for the dissertation. This individual created a WhatsApp group for supervisees and repeatedly pressured us to pay R1,000 to attend a private event he was hosting. I refused to participate in this, as it was entirely unrelated to the official academic process. To my astonishment, those who attended the event appear to have completed their dissertations with distinctions, while those who refrained, myself included, have been sidelined. This raises serious questions about fairness and integrity in the grading and support process at MANCOSA.

As a student who has dedicated significant time, effort, and financial resources to this degree, I feel utterly let down by MANCOSA. The institution's lack of responsiveness, unprofessional communication, and questionable practices undermine the trust and credibility it claims to uphold.

I urge MANCOSA to:

Provide a detailed and transparent explanation of how my appeal was handled, including the specific steps taken during the re-evaluation process. Investigate the conduct of the appointed supervisor and ensure that no student is penalized or rewarded based on external events unrelated to their academic performance. Address the broader issue of responsiveness to student queries and appeals, ensuring that communication channels are efficient and respectful.

These issues not only tarnish the institution's reputation but also have a direct impact on the careers and futures of its students. I sincerely hope that MANCOSA takes this feedback seriously and implements the necessary changes to restore trust among its student community.