News Releases

Increased Enrolment a Positive Shift as The UWI Welcomes New Students

For Release Upon Receipt - September 23, 2024

St. Augustine


St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago, September 23, 2024 – Despite the recent global trend of declining university enrolments, The University of the West Indies (The UWI), St. Augustine Campus has defied the trend with an increase in both undergraduate and postgraduate enrolment this academic year. This positive shift underscores The UWI’s appeal and relevance in today’s evolving educational landscape. The Matriculation ceremony is held on all UWI campuses across the Caribbean as new inductees figuratively stand shoulder-to-shoulder alongside their regional colleagues. Matriculation is derived from the Latin word "matricula," meaning 'register,' and is a time-honoured tradition that formally recognizes first-year students as valued members of the academic community.

The 2024 Matriculation and Welcome Ceremony held at The UWI Sport and Physical Education Centre (UWI SPEC) in St. Augustine, was themed Pelicans: Get Ready to Soar and celebrated the official induction of students from over 30 countries into The UWI academic community. For many successful leaders, scholars, innovators, and thinkers who have made impactful changes in the Caribbean and beyond, matriculation has been a pivotal starting point. 

With over 3,000 first-year students in this new academic year, a significant number of these new students attended the ceremony and heard Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal, Professor Rose-Marie Antoine, emphasize the importance of pursuing tertiary education during challenging global times, saying, "You are now a part of this legacy. Your choice to pursue tertiary education despite the worrying trend of decreasing enrolment worldwide means you have taken a significant step toward achieving your full potential in life. If you have any doubts about whether you chose the right path, let me assure you that a UWI degree will be one of your most valuable assets."

Affirming that a UWI degree equips students with essential skills sought after by employers across the globe, she added that, "Since 1948, The UWI has produced over 240,000 graduates, who can be found in every sector in the Caribbean and beyond – the public and private sectors, civil society, international organisations, and more."  

Dr. Dawn-Marie De Four-Gill, Campus Registrar and Chair of the event, reflected on the importance of matriculation in her remarks: "For us here at The UWI St Augustine Campus, matriculation is more than a formality, as it represents your official entry into a community of scholars, and forges a close bond between a pact with the past and a promise to the future. It’s a moment where we, as a university, recognize your potential and welcome you into a tradition of excellence." She reminded the students that this ceremony has been the starting point for many successful leaders and innovators, adding, "Today, you’re not just signing a symbolic register; you’re signalling your readiness to challenge yourself, to grow, and to contribute to a legacy."

A highlight of the ceremony was the symbolic signing of the Academic Register by the top matriculant, Ms. Keshma Rampersad, who represented the incoming class. Keshma is an extraordinary student with a passion for technology, having achieved outstanding academic and leadership accomplishments. A recipient of The President’s Medal Gold for Secondary Education 2022, Keshma excelled at Naparima Girls' High School, where she achieved 12 Grade Ones at both the CSEC and CAPE levels. Now pursuing a degree in Computer Science at The UWI, Keshma aspires to leverage technological innovation to address global challenges. Reflecting on her new journey, she shared, "I look forward to embracing challenges and seizing opportunities that will contribute to my personal and academic development."

Guild Vice President Mr. Vedanand Hargobin led the reading of the Academic Vow, a revered moment for the new cohort of students and also joined Professor Antoine for the lighting of the traditional candle, symbolising their commitment to uphold the values of The UWI. Dr. De Four-Gill closed the event by inspiring the new students with the message, "Today’s theme, Pelicans Get Ready to Soar, encapsulates this spirit perfectly. Just as a pelican soars above the ocean, masterfully navigating the winds, today you are poised to navigate your future with the skills and knowledge you will acquire here at The UWI."

Another key speaker was Mrs. Arlene Hamlin-Paul, Executive Board Member of The UWI Alumni Association, Trinidad and Tobago Chapter, who brought greetings on behalf of the Alumni Association. The event also featured captivating performances by The UWI Arts Chorale that concluded the event with an moving rendition of the University Song. These our newest Pelicans, and we are determined to see you excel, realise your full potential, and accomplish your goals."

 

Soaring to New Heights: The newest UWI Pelicans adopt a “soaring” position as they participated in the Matriculation and Welcome Ceremony at The UWI SPEC on Thursday 19th September 2024.

 

Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal of The UWI St. Augustine Campus Professor Rose-Marie Antoine and Guild Vice-President Mr. Vedanand Hargobin light “The Flame of Excellence”, at the Matriculation and Welcome Ceremony at The UWI SPEC on Thursday 19th September 2024

 

 Top Matriculant Ms Keshma Rampersad signing the Matriculation register. Looking on are Dr. Dawn-Marie De Four-Gill, Campus Registrar and Mr. Garth Jones, Senior Administrative Assistant (Student Affairs), The UWI St. Augustine Campus.

 

Members of the Matriculating Class of 2024 comprising of first-year students of The UWI St. Augustine Campus in their traditional black and white outfits 

 

The UWI Arts Chorale delivers a thrilling performance audience at The UWI St. Augustine Campus’ 2024 Matriculation and Welcome Ceremony.

About The University of the West Indies

 The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is the Caribbean’s premier, higher education institution. One of only two regional universities in the world, it comprises five campuses across the English-speaking Caribbean and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. The UWI has been consistently ranked among the best in the world by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE).

 Learn more at www.uwi.edu

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