Voices Magazine Vol3 Issue 2

VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica | August - September 2019 4 Dear Colleagues, Students and Friends, As we embark upon a new Academic Year, I write to thank everyone who worked to guide us through the past year, and contributed to the progress of the University of Technology, Jamaica. I extend a warm welcome to new students of the University, and to extend greetings to returning students. The University continues to try to overcome our challenges, some of which stem from limited funds, some from bureaucratic complexities, and some from interpersonal issues. As we start the year, however, I wish to mention some positive matters from the recent past. These include: • A more successful method of obtaining student feedback: by relying on paper, we have enhanced our ability to review student views on their teachers. • Enhanced Wi-Fi facilities – these are improved, but still not optimal. • Greater access to computers for students and some staff members. • 60 Scholarships based exclusively on academic merit to commemorate the University’s 60th anniversary. These are in addition to the more than $20 million in scholarships awarded to our students from diverse sources. • Improved infrastructure in certain areas, including: the Sculpture Park, the Graduate Students Lounge, improvement in some laboratories, renovation of Cont’d on page 5 N ew, transfer and returning students participated in a week of welcome orientation activities held August 18- 23, 2019 at the Papine and Western Campuses. Led by the Department of Student Services, the orientation exercises included a Commencement Service for parents, guardians and spouses, introductions to the various University services, College/Faculty orientation, and campus tours, introduction to the Students’ Union Council, clubs and societies and a ‘Fresher’s Social’. A Community Service Day, the annual Community Service Conference and the culminating Academic Induction Ceremony also formed part of the orientation package. UTech, Jamaica Welcomes New Students University President, Professor Stephen Vasciannie (1st left), Professor Colin Gyles (2nd left), Deputy President, Mrs Mercedes Deane(3rd left) University Registrar and members of academic staff and the Students’ Union executives extend warm welcome to new students at the Academic Induction Ceremony held on Friday, August 23, 2019 at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium. President’s Welcome Message