February 2013


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Message from the Principal: The humanity of the university

When we speak about a new workforce agenda, we must be aware of those attributes which our workforce must possess in order to propel our region forward in a globally competitive and challenging environment. Today’s competitive world demands that our workforce be made up of lifelong learners. This is how Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean region will stimulate growth and development, by having a workforce that can think creatively, innovatively, and analytically.

We are careful to ensure that there is a balance between those students enrolled in Science and Technology (in Faculties such as Engineering, Science and Technology and Medical Sciences) and those enrolled in Social Sciences, Humanities and Education and Law. In fact, in the last academic year (2011-2012), statistics show that students enrolled in Science and Technology accounted for 49% (8,995) of total enrolment, while students enrolled in Social Sciences, Humanities and Education and Law accounted for 51% (9,711) of total enrolment. While we recognize that science, engineering and medicine have pivotal roles to play in the advancement of technology and innovation for our country and region, we also recognize the valuable contribution which our graduates in Humanities and Education, Law, the Arts, Social Sciences and our Business School, the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business have made and continue to make to society. Teaching, learning and research in these areas contribute to our cultural and intellectual well-being as these areas help us to understand our heritage, our culture, and those of others. The humanities, law and social sciences also play an important role in developing critical and independent thinking, nurturing tolerance and respect for human rights, all of which are key to building a healthy and vibrant democracy. Researchers in these fields have helped to change the way in which society views itself. The research conducted in humanities and education and the arts has also contributed to important sectors of the economy, such as the creative and cultural industries, cultural heritage and tourism and most importantly training the educators for future generations. Our graduates from these faculties are finding new ways of self-expression: journalists and writers, graphic artists, film producers, painters, musicians, and so on; young professionals who enrich our literary and cultural landscape – they brighten and illuminate our lives.

Academic disciplines collectively help to shape the type of society we wish to be a part of, to anticipate, and respond to challenges and change, and to build a nation in its fullest sense. So while it is important to collect and analyze the data and to anticipate labor market trends, let us always keep in mind that the role of our higher education institutions and particularly our research units, goes beyond the training of a qualified and adaptable workforce. It is also about enriching our societies.

Pro Vice Chancellor & Principal

EDITORIAL TEAM

Campus Principal: Professor Clement Sankat
Director of Marketing and Communications: Mrs. Dawn-Marie De Four-Gill
Director of Marketing and Communications (Ag.): Mrs. Wynell Gregorio
Editor: Ms. Vaneisa Baksh

Contact us:
The UWI Marketing and Communications Office
Tel: (868) 662-2002 exts. 82013, 82014
Email: uwitoday@sta.uwi.edu