July 2011


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A tour that changes a way of seeing

By Rayna Maharaj

When I first heard about Campus Tours at The UWI, St. Augustine, I thought, what better way to learn about the premier academic institution of the Caribbean, not to mention the largest main campus of the three physical ones? Filled with beautiful architecture, almost every building has a history behind it, from a story of a great Professor (Sir Arthur Lewis) to a former U.S. President (JFK) to the first UWI Librarian (Alma Jordan). The list is long.

Established in 2010, UWI Campus Tours seeks to provide an insight into student-life, facilities, campus culture, and of course, academics and programmes. In addition, it gives a glimpse into the history behind the University, its buildings, its people, resources and future.

When you get there, there is a bit of a briefing before the tour begins. You can take the tour, either by walking for approximately 90 minutes, or driving – a shortened version that takes anywhere over 30 minutes using the UWI Shuttle Service. The driving tours also cater for persons who are differently-abled. The Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) also facilitates tours for the Faculty of Medical Sciences, so too does the Department of Creative and Festival Arts and The UWI Field Station in Mount Hope.

To guide these tours well, only after rigorous training and preparation can one hope to qualify as an Admissions Student Advocate (ASA). These personable ambassadors must do an examination first and at the end they are fully equipped with the knowledge to educate the ‘tourists,’ who range from primary to secondary school students, as well as exchange visitors and academic professionals.

“UWI have everything!” This was the phrase I heard the most as I walked along on some of the tours. From the dorms, mini mart and eateries offering different cuisines, to the SPEC, pool, tennis court, and Zoology museum, The UWI offers a great mix of both academic and social life. UWI Campus Tours provides the perfect opportunity for anyone to gain knowledge of the St. Augustine Campus and the numerous amenities, services and resources they offer.

Gaining knowledge is invaluable. Meeting new people and visiting new places also falls into the same category. It can either be for your benefit or to your detriment; you choose.

	Name: Jonathon Julien Age: 13 School: Arima Central Secondary Most memorable moment: Seeing the Co-Ed dorms. How did the Campus Tour change your perspective of The UWI, St. Augustine? It helped me to understand UWI more. What would you tell your friends about The UWI, St. Augustine? It is a place to visit.
	Name: Kadesha Noreiga Age: 15 School: ASJA Girls’ College, Tunapuna Most memorable moment: Being in the Zoology Museum. I found it to be very interesting. How did the Campus Tour change your perspective of The UWI, St. Augustine? Well, first I thought UWI was very stern but it is very comfortable. What would you tell your friends about The UWI, St. Augustine? There are a lot of opportunities at UWI and most of everything is free.
	Name: Brandon Brathwaite Age: 18 School: Swaha Hindu College Most memorable moment: My most memorable moment was in the museum [Zoology Museum]. How did the Campus Tour change your perspective of The UWI, St. Augustine? Well it was more than I expected and it was also very fun. It is a good place to come and learn new things. What would you tell your friends about The UWI, St. Augustine? I hope that they attend UWI and become the future of tomorrow and make a change in the country.
	Name: Jabari Holloway Age: 18 School: University of South Carolina Most memorable moment: Visiting the Biology Lab [Zoology Museum] where I saw a snake moving around in a cage. How did the Campus Tour change your perspective of The UWI, St. Augustine? This Campus Tour changed my whole perspective of UWI because I didn’t know the Campus was as beautiful as it is. What would you tell your friends about The UWI, St. Augustine? I would tell my friends that they should definitely take a visit to UWI.
	Name: Michael Alexis Age: 16 School: Arima Central Secondary Most memorable moment: I like the Quadrangle and also the different types of assistance UWI offers. How did the Campus Tour change your perspective of The UWI, St. Augustine? I was always told that UWI is full of vibrant people. Being educated about UWI on this tour helps prepare you for the future. What would you tell your friends about The UWI, St. Augustine? I would tell my friends that UWI is a highly educated place, good for learning, and also that it assists you in various aspects, especially financial.
	Name: Kezia-Marie Alexis Age: 17 School: Arima Central Secondary Most memorable moment: Visiting the “whisper wall” and the sporting facility. How did the Campus Tour change your perspective of The UWI, St. Augustine? I learned that it’s not only about studying and working hard every day, but the Campus helps you to relax. What would you tell your friends about The UWI, St. Augustine? I would tell my friends what I learnt and about the great opportunities UWI offers, and most of all, it has no cost.
	Name: Leshana Brathwaite Age: 7 School: Arima Girls’ Government School Most memorable moment: Visiting the museum [Zoology Museum]. How did the Campus Tour change your perspective of The UWI, St. Augustine? I want to come here because I want to be a doctor What would you tell your friends about The UWI, St. Augustine? UWI campus is a nice place and very big.
	Name: Dominique Thompson Age: 16 School: ASJA Girls’ College, Tunapuna Most memorable moment: Seeing the wall [near the mini-mart] where the sound travelled from one end to another – the “whisper wall”. How did the Campus Tour change your perspective of The UWI, St. Augustine? It is much safer than I thought. What would you tell your friends about The UWI, St. Augustine? It is really and interesting place to gain knowledge from. UWI have everything!

WANT TO TAKE A TOUR?

If you interested in having a Campus Tour of The UWI, St. Augustine, please send your email to campus.tours@sta.uwi.edu OR visit Student Advisory Services at the New Administration Building, UWI, St. Augustine. Tours accommodate persons of any age and nationality, and are done in small or large numbers, depending on availability of space on the day.