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Dream Big, Dream Bold:UWI Launches STAR Programme to Support First-Generation Students

For Release Upon Receipt - October 11, 2024

St. Augustine


 

 First Generation students of The UWI St Augustine and Division of Student Services and Development(DSSD) staff pose for a photo following the ceremony 

ST. AUGUSTINE, Trinidad and Tobago. October 11, 2024 – The University of the West Indies (The UWI), St. Augustine Campus launched its Successful Transition and Academic Readiness (STAR) initiative, aimed at alleviating the challenges faced by first-generation students. The programme, under the Division of Student Services and Development (DSSD), is designed to provide targeted support and guidance to students who are the first in their immediate families to attend university. The STAR programme was officially launched on September 12th, 2024, at the Learning Resource Centre Auditorium.

The STAR programme operates alongside the First Year Experience (FYE) initiative but offers additional support tailored specifically for first-generation students. At the launch, UWI psychology lecturer and featured speaker, Dr. Katija Khan, highlighted the many opportunities available for students to thrive on campus. She encouraged students to embrace their challenges and explore their options at The UWI. Dr. Khan remarked, “Dream big, dream bold, and let The UWI help you find the way and the means to achieve it.” She also emphasised that first-generation students have the potential to inspire future generations through their “vision, ambition, determination, and tenacity.”

Acting Director of the DSSD, Ms. Kathy-Ann Lewis, highlighted that the STAR programme complements existing student support services. She encouraged students to explore all aspects of campus life and take advantage of the various resources The UWI offers, from counselling to financial advisory services and career advice. Ms. Lewis stated, “If you you need advice, or just a listening ear, visit our Counselling and Psychological Department (CAPS). If you you need additional financial support, visit our team at Financial Advisory Services (FAS).”

Manager of Student Engagement at the DSSD, Mr. Jarell Alder, explained that the STAR programme pairs senior students with new ones. He noted that the benefits of this peer mentorship are numerous, as first-generation students will receive guidance on “setting goals for the academic year, preparing for lectures, group assignments, and exams, getting involved on campus, navigating the university environment, and becoming socially integrated into The UWI Family.”

The STAR programme represents a collaborative effort between UWI’s administrative units and the student body. The UWI remains committed to addressing the needs of all students and fostering a supportive and inclusive campus environment.

 

Ms. Kathy-Ann Lewis, Acting Director, Division of Student Services and Development (DSSD) deliver remarks during the First-Generation Recognition ceremony

 

Dr Katija Khan, Lecturer, Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, delivers the feature address at the First-Generation Recognition ceremony

 

Manager of Student Engagement at the DSSD, Mr. Jarell Alder addresses the audience

 

 First Generation students ask questions during the Q&A segment at the First-Generation Recognition ceremony

 About The University of the West Indies

 The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development, residing at the center of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region for over 75 years.

 From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with nearly 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Global Campus, and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

 The UWI offers over 1000 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and the wider world.

 The UWI has been consistently ranked among the best in the world by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). Since The UWI’s 2018 debut in THE’s rankings, it has performed well in multiple schemes—among them including World University Rankings, Golden Age University Rankings (between 50 and 80 years old), Latin America Rankings, and the Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Well-being; Gender Equality and Climate Action.

 Learn more at www.uwi.edu    

 

Abridged boilerplate

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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