Voices Magazine Vol3 Issue 2

5 August - September 2019 | VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica U Tech, Jamaica continues to maintain its commitment to recognize and reward high academic achievement among its students and to support needs for financial assistance, through various forms of scholarships and financial aid arrangements. These include tuition scholarships, sponsorship, bursaries, book grants, the Earn and Study programme and welfare assistance have all seen increases in the last few years. Scholarships and Bursaries For the 2018/19 fiscal year, the University awarded a total of 1,402 scholarships and bursaries valuing just over $228 Million Dollars ($228,557,586.93), donated by approximately 140 public and private sector donors. These scholarships and bursaries were awarded to students from across the University at all campuses; and represented an increase of $32.2 Million Dollars (16%) over the previous year. The University is grateful to its many partners and donors who remain dedicated to supporting our students in their journey to excel and to complete their courses of study. Welfare Assistance In the 2018/19 fiscal year, a total of 1,953 students benefited from welfare assistance in the form of grants, lunch and bus subsidies representing a total expenditure of $20.2 Million Dollars ($20,215,092.43) on welfare support programmes. During the period, a total of 337 students were employed on the Earn & Study Programme across the three semesters. The current combined cost of the programme is approximately $32.6 Million Dollars ($32,600,874.50). This represents a marginal increase of (4%) in the amount of money spent on the programme over the previous year; and a 2% increase in the number of students engaged. A comparative analysis between 2018/19 and 2017/18 indicate a significant increase in overall sponsorship levels of $187.6 Million Dollars (16%) in value of sponsorship support provided for students. the SLB provided the largest level of sponsorship, representing 86% of total sponsorship income for 2018/19. Other governmental sponsors provided approximately 7% while international sponsors provided 4% of total sponsorship income. Acknowledging that pursuing tertiary education “is not an easy road” with myriad challenges including financial and work and study commitments, Professor Stephen Vasciannie, President of UTech, Jamaica applauds high achievers for making the special effort in pursuing and achieving academic excellence.The President encourages students to seek assistance in the pursuit of their studies, noting that scholarships based on academic merit and need, represent the University’s recognition of hard work, commitment and dedication to learning. For more information on scholarships and financial aid, contact the Student Welfare Unit, Student Services Building. *Data provided by the Office of Student Financing Mrs Pauline Madourie Scholarship Officer Mrs Garcia Green-McLennon Director – Student Financing the Chapel, 6 additional rooms in the Dennis Johnson Hall, repainting of some buildings including the FENC Building and the Library, and the full opening up and use of the Shared Facilities Building (from December 2017). • Continued good access to the latest scientific and other material through the Library. 7-day opening for the Library. • The opening up of the University Press as an avenue for publications by persons associated with the University. • Extended opening hours for student interaction with the University’s administration (up to 7 p.m.) • ID Cards that should last for the duration of each student’s time at the University. • Installation of cameras and enhanced lighting at various parts of the Papine Campus. • Speedier delivery of transcripts, now delivered by express service in 3 days. • University fees have been kept at the minimum rates compatible with our budgetary requirements. Students may enter into payment plans to facilitate their studies. • There have been increased activities for students to broaden their horizons through work/study arrangements, community service options and travel in some cases. Last year students travelled to China, the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, among other places. • I hope you have a wonderful year, and that you take advantage of the various opportunities open to you to contribute to the progress of the University and to your personal development. Sincerely, Professor Stephen Vasciannie Cont’d from page 4... UTech, Jamaica Welcomes New Students The Value of Scholarships at UTech, Ja.