The plan by several universities to scrap the system allowing students to defer graduation and maintain their enrollment status without paying fees is facing vocal opposition from students.

It has become common practice these days, with low employment opportunities, for students who have already earned the required credits to delay graduation by not submitting their thesis or not fulfilling other requirements. This way, the undergraduates are able to maintain their enrollment status without paying any fees.

These students use the extra time to apply for jobs and prepare for the job market ― bolstering their “spec” in popular parlance.

Under a new system about to be introduced, undergraduates who have fulfilled the credit requirements will not be able to maintain their enrollment status unless they register for at least one-credit class for a fee.

Students, already under pressure to find jobs, complain that universities are making money from their unfortunate plight. Universities, however, do have legitimate concerns. There is the growing administrative costs to consider as more students exploit the system while they enjoy the privileges of enrolled students ― such as the use of the library ― without paying. Another concern is that the students who delay graduation inflate the student-to-teacher ratio, which forms an important part of the government’s evaluation of universities.

The current situation has been created by businesses’ hiring practices. By preferring those fresh out of college in hiring entry-level employees, businesses are encouraging students to stay in school as they apply for jobs. The fact that large-scale recruitments occur only once a year means that students try to maintain their enrollment status until they are hired, which could be a number of years.

Internships and various competitions organized by businesses are open only to current students, providing further incentives for undergraduates to stay enrolled.

Companies hold the key to solving the knotty problem. By expanding their recruitment pool beyond new graduates, they will relieve the pressure on undergraduates to maintain their student status for better job prospects. Universities will also be unburdened from additional administrative costs.

Perhaps more importantly, Korean society should not rob those unable to land jobs right out of school of opportunities to find employment.