Ann Watt’s graduation ceremony should have been one of the proudest days of her life. Accompanied by her husband, her two sons and her mother, the mature student was so keen to treasure the memory of the day that she paid for a photograph capturing the moment she went up to collect the envelope containing her degree certificate.

Unfortunately for Mrs Watt, 52, when she opened the envelope it did not contain a degree certificate. Instead there was a bill for overdue library books and a note from Bucks New University saying that she would not be getting a certificate marking her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and sociology until she had paid the bill in full.

“What they did ruined my day,” said Mrs Watt. She told the Bucks Free Press that university officers told her the bill was for overdue library books but she said that she has not been given a final bill despite repeated calls.

The letter read: “The student finance department records that you are a financial debtor to the university. Therefore, your certificate will not be issued until the matter is resolved.”

Like many students, Mrs Watt paid £20 in advance for a photograph of her receiving her degree. “I have paid for a photograph of me receiving a rude letter,” she said. “I can never relive that day. My mum was devastated. All the other students were celebrating.”

Mrs Watt, who made 80-mile round trips from her home in Turweston, near Buckingham, to attend classes, funded her three-year studies by working in a care home in the evenings. After the ceremony at the Wycombe Swan Theatre Mrs Watt queued in her gown at the university’s student office to try to repay the debt, only to find that the person she needed to see was out to lunch.

David Gay, provice-chancellor, academic services, planning and enhancement, told the Bucks Free Press: “We cannot comment on specific circumstances relating to an individual graduate. As a publicly-funded body, we have a duty to recover any outstanding debts, and this can prove difficult once students have left us.”

He said many universities would bar students from attending graduations over debts. “We want all students to be able to enjoy their graduation day, and permit students with debts to attend, but withhold their certificates until their debts are paid. Whilst it may be disappointing for a student, they are able to take a full part in their ceremony alongside their peers, in every other way.”

He said the university’s student handbook made this clear.

He added: “Students with debt are given every opportunity for discussion and to clear their debts before they finish their studies.”

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