UTech, Jamaica 2015-16 Annual Report

The premier activity for the week, the Academic Induction Ceremony, was held on Thursday, August 20, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. in the Alfred Sangster Auditorium, while the Academic Induction Ceremony for the Western Campus was held on Friday, August 21, 2015 at the Hollis Peter Lynch Auditorium, Holy Trinity Church, in Westgate, Montego Bay. During the ceremonies, the students were introduced to the University Council, members of the Executive Management team and other Administrative and Academic staff. Students received a special welcome and charge from Acting President, Dr Colin Gyles. Graduation The Graduation ceremony for the class of 2015 took place on Thursday, November 12, 2015 at the National Arena in Kingston with 700 graduates in attendance. Valedictorian was Miss Shantel Stewart who obtained First Class Honours from the Faculty of Engineering and Computing Sir Godfrey Palmer, OBE and the Hon. Lascelles A. Chin, OJ were conferred with Honorary Degrees by the University. Joint Colleges of Medicine, Oral Health and Veterinary Sciences graduated the first cohort of Doctor of Medical Dentistry. Special Needs / Disability Arrangements were made for approximately 35 students with special needs to receive academic accommodation during final examinations each semester. The Special Need Enhancement Programme meets fortnightly on a Thursday to address the various issues and concerns of students with special needs/ disability. University of Technology, Jamaica Student Leaders Providing Mentorship to High School Students The University of Technology, Jamaica with support from the Environmental Health Fund (EHF) on Wednesday, January 17, 2016 held the “Changing of the Guard’ opening for the High School Mentoring Programme for selected Grade 10 students from high schools in proximity to the University’s Papine campus. The opening held at the University’s Technology Innovation Centre was attended by students from Papine High School and Mona High School. Mrs Dorrset Gabbidon-Pottinger, University Assistant Registrar, Student Services gave the official welcome to high school students, teachers, mentors and guidance counselors. Ms Marsha Faradene, a representative from The Environmental Health Foundation (EHF) was guest speaker. On April 21, 2016, twenty-four (24) participants from the High School Mentoring Programme visited the Houses of Parliament. The group was exposed to rules and protocols guiding the Jamaica’s Parliament. Some students expressed their dream of becoming future parliamentarians. The closing reception for the programme was Hon. Lascelles Chin, OJ being conferred with the Honorary Doctor of Laws degree at the 2015 Graduation Ceremony. Page 22 University of Technology, Jamaica ANNUAL REPORT 2015-2016 DIVISION OF STUDENT SERVICES & REGISTRY (cont’d.)