Nearly three months following the spring 2018 Colorado Mesa University graduation, people of the graduating class have noticed a spelling error on their diplomas.
Beneath the signature of Doug Quimby’s name, instead of the title “Chair—Board of Trustees,” several diplomas read instead “Chair—Coard of Trustees.” This error seems to have affected several, if not all, of this year’s diplomas.
2018 graduate and former Editor in Chief of The Criterion Alec Williams said in an email to Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs for Assessment and Accreditation Morgan Bridge, “It has come to my attention that my diploma, the diploma that cost me $30,000 in debt and four years of my life, has a spelling error.”
Bridge replied to Williams’ email, saying, “We appreciate you bringing this to our attention and sincerely apologize for the error. We have corrected the mistake and have reprinted your diploma.” According to the email, the diploma will be sent to Williams by mail.
“I wish they’d try as hard to make this document right as they do to make sure I paid my tuition,” Williams said.
Following a tweet from Williams on Twitter regarding the mistake, in which he warns other recent graduates to take a look at their diplomas as well, Colorado Mesa University responded. “Immediate internal quality control review is underway,” the reply said. “Assessment will reveal how mistakes were made and where future controls will prevent future errors. Follow @ColoMesaNews to learn how affected alumni will receive corrected diplomas.”
According to the linked letter by CMU President Tim Foster, the Diploma Replacement Program is a way for CMU graduates dating all the way back to 2012 to replace their diplomas with ones that are free of typos.
“While some have found light-hearted humor in the revelation, I take the matter seriously,” Foster said in the letter. “A diploma is, among other things, a symbol of your investment in personal and intellectual growth as well as your financial investment in education.” He concluded the letter to say, “Our University is using this learning moment as a reminder to be extra diligent on your behalf in the future.”
Hello…I photographed that photo and no recognition is given, also no permission was asked. That’s a personal photo that I have right to.
We got permission last semester from the model in the photo, that we could use it if we credited you. For some reason our website changed everyones name to “Crite Staff.” You are credited in the printed issue and I will fix it on the online end as well. We will stop using the photo and we are very sorry! We thought the model mentioned it to you. Have a great day!