University of Technology, Jamaica 31 First Year Experience (FYE) Programme Mr Barry Thomas (right) Deputy Registrar, poses with a new student at Orientation 2019. Two first year experience developmental forums were held during the first semester of the academic year. The first one hosted included special guests Denyque and Alaine. The second FYE Forum held on September 19, 2019, focused on mental health, and was hosted in collaboration with Patrice White of Dynamic Lifestyle Studio and Victoria Building Society (VMBS). The forum dubbed Dynamic Mental Health School Marathon Series’ focus was to raise an awareness of and to lift the stigma associated with mental illness. Recording artiste Alaine entertains students at the first FYE forum held for the 2018/19 academic year at the Papine Campus. PEP Rally The Counselling Unit conducted it’s first Parent Empowering Parent Seminar (PEP Rally) on Sunday, October 27, 2019 with parents, students and staff members in attendance. The objective was to empower parents with knowledge and skills to support their young adults attending UTech, Jamaica. Food Packages for Students The Counselling Unit supported students in need with food items with the assistance of staff and the UTech, Jamaica Alumni Association. The Unit also also disbursed food packages during the COVID-19 school break. The packages were distributed to students at both the Papine and western campuses. Weekly COVID-19 Online Psychosocial Support Sessions In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in the disruption of regular University activities, the Unit initiated on March 18th, online psychosocial support sessions. The weekly Zoom and Instagram Live sessions not only provided coping mechanism and mental health information to the University community, but also provided an opportunity for students to have their concerns addressed. The Unit specially invited various key staff to participate to respond to the students’ concerns. Psychological First Aid (PFA) Training The Counselling Unit began the training of twenty staff as Psychological First Responders. The staff complement includes personnel from Safety and Security, Faculty, and Administrative Support. Attendees at UTech, Ja’s first PEP Rally, held on Sunday, October 27, 2019 at the University’s Papine Campus.
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