Department of Management Studies

Semester 1 2020/2021: Update from the Campus Principal

Semester 1 Student Updates 

Our 10 Commitments and resources for all students to navigate the current reality 

Dear Students, 

The Campus Management Team dedicated last week to engage with you, arriving at a clear way forward to help you navigate this new normal. We kicked off our virtual student engagements last Monday, August 24 with a meeting with the Guild Executives and Councillors and this was followed by the Regional, International, and Exchange Students Town Hall on Tuesday, August 25, and culminated on Thursday, August 27 with the All Students Town Hall. 

Coming out of these engagements, I am pleased to be able to share our 10 Commitments with you that was announced at the All Students Town Hall. We will also follow up in the coming days with Advisories and further guidance to address some of the most-asked questions that were raised in these sessions. 

Additionally, please note that teaching will now begin on Monday, September 14. This represents a one-week adjustment from the initial start date of September 7. This is to allow for a smooth transition for all new and continuing students.  

If you missed it, watch the recordings of both virtual Town Halls on our UWI St. Augustine YouTube channel, as follows:  

  Our 10 Commitments 

  1. 100% Reduction in the Student Amenities Fee for Academic Year 2020/2021 ONLY: This means that students will not be required to pay this fee for this academic year only. NOTE: For students who have already paid this fee, you will be eligible for a future credit (continuing students) or a refund. Please contact your Faculty representative in the Student Accounts section via email for guidance. These emails can be found on the Registration website here.  
  2. Student Payment Plan (SPP) accessible to all: All students will now be able to utilise the Student Payment Plan (SPP) to pay fees in instalments. The SPP will no longer be restricted to T&T nationals and nationals of UWI contributing territories. 
  3. All students currently residing on halls due to the lockdown will continue to be accommodated: However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Halls will not be available for occupation by new students.
  4. Laptops and Tablets continue to be available on loan from the Campus: We will leverage our network across the UWI-17 to support those in dire need. Queries can be directed to the Office of the Deputy Principal via Deputy.Principal@sta.uwi.edu. 
  5. Library Access (Virtual and Drop-Off Service): Due to national protocols, our Libraries and on-site collections, facilities and services are currently not accessible. Staff at the Library are working both on-site and remotely to support your education and research needs. Learn more: https://libraries.sta.uwi.edu/ajl.
  6. Repatriation Support: There are non-national students currently in T&T seeking repatriation, as well as nationals abroad seeking to return. We continue to advocate for these students and work collaboratively with the relevant authorities to seek safe passage home for these students. All queries should be directed to the Office of the Director of the Division of Student Services and Development via email to studentservicesanddevelopment@sta.uwi.edu.  
  7. Virtual Health and Wellness Support: Our Health Services Unit (HSU) remains open and accessible by phone and email for emergencies. Our Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) continues to offer virtual sessions with the Counsellor. The Sport and Physical Education Centre (SPEC) will launch its online wellness sessions early in the new semester. 
  1. Recording of Lectures: In keeping with best practice, Teaching Staff will make lectures available to students while teaching and assessment continue in the virtual mode. The standard is to have lectures available on a timed basis. 
  2. Relaxation of the 75% Attendance Record: Lecturers will reserve the right to enforce this regulation, given the prevailing circumstances. Students are reminded that the attendance regulation was introduced consequent to studies that showed a high correlation between course failure and low attendance rates. Deans will be the authority on this matter, as it relates to the courses within their Faculty. 
  3. Continuation of Clinicals for Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS) Students: The Campus has support from the Minister of Health to continue clinical teaching. We have completed a clear policy which will come into effect to guide this process. Using our network across the region, we will leverage clinical opportunities for students outside of T&T at this time.  

  

Student Support Services  

The Division of Student Services and Development (DSSD) continues to provide Student Services via phone and online. These include Financial Advisory Services, support for Students with Disabilities and Medical Conditions, Counselling and Psychological Services and Career Guidance.    

Visit the DSSD website for details: https://sta.uwi.edu/dssd/https://sta.uwi.edu/dssd/.   

  

Caution Fee Refund process     

Students who have completed their studies can apply for their Caution Fee Refund online. Arrangements have been made for students to get their clearance from the Faculties as well as the Library and any other department, as necessary. Funds will be deposited (local accounts) or wire transferred (foreign accounts). Simply fill out the Refund of Caution Money form online seen in this list here: https://sta.uwi.edu/admissions/undergrad/forms.asp and scan and email to admis@sta.uwi.edu (undergraduate) or pgonline@sta.uwi.edu (postgraduate). 

The form will be signed off by the respective departments either virtually or through inter-staff mail to confirm that the student is not indebted to the University. 

 

Registration Reminders – Academic Advising & Payment of Fees 

Semester I 2020-2021 Faculty Orientation and Academic Advising sessions online are compulsory for new and re-entry students and highly recommended for continuing students.  To see your respective Faculty Advising Schedule visit https://sta.uwi.edu/registration/schedules.asp. 

Please note that there are three (3) convenient ways to pay your fees: In-Person at any branch of Republic Bank; Online Payment (Visa or Master Card) using the University's TouchNet Service (available through the Student Portal); or through Internet Banking or Wire Transfer. For more information, please refer to STEP #5 of the Registration process here: https://sta.uwi.edu/registration/procedure.asp#STEP5.  

For all registration-related matters, please visit https://sta.uwi.edu/registration/. 

   

In Closing   

Students, I want to thank you for your effort and patience as we prepare for a most unusual and challenging semester. In the weeks ahead, we will share more Semester I 2020/2021 updates. There are new developments in our communities locally and across the world daily. There is still the possibility that our circumstances can change rapidly, and the Campus may need to adjust again on short notice. You are strongly advised to continually monitor the situation from the major news outlets, our Campus’ social media platforms and critical email updates from the Marketing and Communications Office.   

Best wishes for this semester and I know, despite challenges, it will be a great one.  

   

Professor Brian Copeland 

Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal

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