10
UWI TODAY
– SEPTEMBER 2015
UWI LIFE 2015
The University of the West Indies
can be considered a
diverse playground exploding with opportunities for self-
growth, social interaction, professional development and
cultural integration. Amid the hustle and bustle of racing
from class to class, students genuinely seek a University
experience which is significantly different from that of
secondary school. This is where the focus shifts from pure
academics to ‘UWI Life’ which distinguishes this prestige
university from its contenders. The Guild of Students can
be seen as the heartbeat of the campus as it is made of up all
students who have various wants, needs and even offerings.
The activities of the student body are usually decided
by the Guild Council, an elected committee of 24 students,
which manages the Guild funds paid during registration at
the beginning of each academic year. The funds are used
to host small and large scaled events, subsidise student
amenities, provide students with financial assistance and
cover the daily operational costs associated with the Guild
office. The Guild council serves as a strong link between
the students and the administration of the campus and
represents the interests of all students relative to academics,
student expenses and access to services, their general
wellbeing and any form of injustice against students.
Student Government at the St. Augustine Campus,
while an important medium through which issues are
addressed, takes on the other aspect of a social experience
as well. Under the Guild, there are dozens of clubs and
associations which are tailored to the needs of all students.
You can definitely join groups relating to academic, religious,
sporting, activism, humanitarian or professional interests.
These groups host almost weekly events, ensuring that there
is always something for students and help relieve the stress
that may sometimes come while studying. Or you may
decide to start a club or association of your own- just visit
the Guild office and the friendly staff would be more than
willing to assist.
The Guild Council hosts numerous and wide-ranging
annual activities. These all start with Orientation Week,
the largest welcoming function for new and returning
University students, held in the first week of the new
semester. It offers students an opportunity to engage clubs
and societies on campus that they may be of interest to
them. Students can also enjoy products and services offered
Every year, 5,000 plus
new students are admitted to the St.
Augustine Campus of The University of the West Indies.
For several years now,
UWI Life
, a one-day event that
introduces new students to the ins and outs of campus life,
has been integral to their transition. Here, new students
aka Freshers engage key UWI faculty, staff and current
students who give them a behind-the-scenes look at life
on the campus. Tailored to the newcomer, the approach is
less formal and is aimed at facilitating greater interaction.
UWI Life
is part of the
First Year Experience (FYE)
,
a year-long orientation programme for new students. FYE
is a holistic compilation of all orientation and transition
events, which embrace every aspect of university life, and
has become one of the largest and most anticipated series
of events on the campus calendar. The objective of FYE is
to ensure that all first year undergraduate and postgraduate
students enjoy the smoothest possible transition to The
UWI way of life.
Themed
#GetInvolved2Evolve, FYE 2015
includes a
host of activities and events spread over both semesters of
the 2015 academic year (see advertisement on page 9).These
events includeMeet andGreet for regional and international
students, Campus tours,
“Check-in”
– campus support
services and cultural exposure for foreign students, Halls of
residence, library and faculty orientation,
“UWI Guild Fest”
– Student Guild activities,
“UWI Life Support”
– a forum
for parents and guardians,
“UWI Life”
– orientation for all
new students,
“UWI Clicks”
– an introduction to the UWI
website and student portal,
“Study Skills”
– workshops on
developing study habits, Career seminars, and Health and
wellness workshops.
FYE 2015
began in the first semester on August 17,
2015 and will run from January 18 2016 in the second
semester. For more detailed information on the 2015 FYE
schedule of events, visit The UWI St. Augustine’s FYE 2015
website at
/
, UWI St. Augustine on
Facebook and Twitter @UWI_StAugustine.
The Mystique behind the
Matriculation Ceremony
“I SOLEMNLY PROMISE THAT, AS
A MEMBER OF THE UNIVERSITY
OF THE WEST INDIES, I WILL
STRIVE TO FOLLOW THE IDEALS
OF ACADEMIC LIFE, TO LOVE
LEARNING, TO ADVANCE TRUE
KNOWLEDGE, TO SHOW RESPECT
TO THE STAFF OF THE UNIVERSITY
AND MY FELLOW STUDENTS, TO
LEAD A SEEMLY LIFE AND SET
A WORTHY EXAMPLE OF GOOD
BEHAVIOUR WHEREVER I MAY BE”
The Academic Vow taken by First Year Students
For first years, entrance into university is the
start of an exciting phase of life. Yet, in spite of the
all the red tape; the newness of the books purchased;
the first round of lectures and introduction to
others like themselves – it often still seems unreal.
By participating in The University’s Matriculation
Ceremony on Thursday, September 17th, students
can finally let the reality sink in.
The Ceremony
Dressed in their formal white and black,
assembled students will be grouped by Faculty,
pending their procession.
Guests will rise as the Academic Procession
enters. They are followed by the Platform Party led
by Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles,
Campus Council Chair EwartWilliams and Principal
and Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Clement Sankat.
At a point during the programme, Makesi
Peters, President of the Guild of Students, will lead
students in the reading of the Academic Vow. After
which there will be candle lighting by students.
Students have until September 11th to register
for the Matriculation Ceremony. The reply form
is available at:
index.asp.
#GetInvolved2Evolve!
B y N i k o l i E d w a r d s
by sponsors, participate in fun activities hosted by different
committees of the Guild Council and, essentially, make new
and valuable friends and connections. The week culminates
with Freshers’ Fete, an event that caters for the party animal
in all of us. It is highly subsidised by the Guild, taking into
consideration the average student budget.
Following OrientationWeek students can look forward
to the various Hall Concerts which build on the talents of
the students who reside at each of the Halls of Residence.
Each hall hosts a concert on campus showcasing singing,
dancing, acting and even fashion at its best. Speaking of
fashion…students may wish to take part in UWI Style
which is an event dedicated to the fashion designers and
models on campus. It’s the perfect platform to launch your
clothing line or try your hand at modelling. Then if you’re
motivated enough, the next step may be the Mr and Miss
UWIverse pageant. It would be remiss of the Guild not to
ensure that the pageant focuses on intellect and character
rather than simply beauty. The event is one of the more
successful activities under the Guild and continues to grow
beyond expectations.
Another important Guild initiative is Caribbean
Integration Week. Celebrating ‘Caribbeanness’ and
determining where we go as a people is an important
mandate undertaken by the Guild, given the cultural
melting pot that isThe University of theWest Indies. During
Caribbean Integration Week, the Guild’s International
Affairs Committee oversees forums, social activities, cuisine
exchanges and other meaningful events where students are
encouraged to demonstrate the best of their country and
people. This is undoubtedly a perfect lead up to Campus
Carnival, which builds upon Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival
and takes on elements of other regional Carnivals, all with
an education component prior to the big day. Open to all
students, it is held on the Campus itself and comprises
Carnival bands with music trucks and revellers in full
costume.
The University of the West Indies is bursting with
activity spearheaded by the Guild. So if you’re interested in
student politics, personal development, and determining
your future and that of your peers, toss your hat in the annual
election ring. Until then be sure to participate in all that the
Guild has to offer! #GetInvolved2Evolve!
Nikoli Edwards BA (Hons) is Secretary of the St. Augustine Campus Guild of Students
Welcome, Freshers!
