UB Ebulletin Volume 3 Issue 7
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UB Ebulletin Volume 3 Issue 7
UB and BSU: Stronger Partners U
B’s President Alan Slusher led an official visit to Bridgewater State University (BSU) accompanied by Ewart Robateau, Special Assistant, Inter-institutional Collaboration and International Programs and Carol Babb of the Ministry of Education (MOE) from October 19th to 23rd. Dr. Dana MohlerFeria, President of BSU, extended a special welcome to the UB President as Various meetings were held, seeking ways to strenghten well as an offer of friendship, goodwill the partnership between the Universities and a promise to strengthen the collaboration between the two institutions. During the three day visit, the UB delegation had meetings with key offices and departments of BSU so as to learn how the BSU system operates and to agree on specific collaborations to be considered. The intensive schedule of meetings included visits with the Office of the President at BSU, their Provost, the BSU College of Education and Allied Studies, the Minnock Center for International Engagement (MCIE), the Information Technology Department, the Academic Quality Department, the Budget and Finance Department, the Book Store, and the office of Alumni Relations. The UB delegation also met with four graduate students from Belize who are on scholarships at BSU. The discussions focused on ongoing collaborative efforts including the five undergraduate one semester exchange scholarships and four graduate scholarships being awarded to Belizeans. These scholarships are in education and include tuition, housing and, in certain cases, meals. The Ministry of Education (MOE) of Belize also coordinates an annual BSU teacher training experience program in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. The MCIE conveyed their desire to develop a broader variety of study abroad programs with UB in the Sciences, Geography, BSU Honours, Art Education and other disciplines. The Information Technology discussion was centered on current and best IT options and practices available for academic institutions for storing and processing data and information. BSU’s approach to academic quality control was discussed, with special attention given to the definition and assessment of learning outcomes.
President Slusher with Belizean students
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The memorandums of understanding for both the UB/BSU and the BSU/MOE collaborations were reviewed, and it was agreed that a three party MOU would be drafted to forge an agreement for collaboration and will clearly outline the terms and conditions and the responsibilities of all three parties.
UB Ebulletin Volume 3 Issue 7
BNE Contributes Towards STEM T
he University of Belize gratefully received a donation from the Belize Natural Energy Charitable Trust (BNECT) on October 6, 2014. The donation is seed funding granted to develop a funding proposal to institutionalize academic programs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and to build institutional research capacity at the higher education level in Belize. The proposal will be spearheaded by the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST). The funding proposal will then be submitted to the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) President Alan Slusher signing on behalf of through its Norwegian Program for Capacity the University Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED). The first draft of the proposal is scheduled to be completed by November 28, 2014. To accomplish this task, a partnership has been formed among the University of Belize; Galen University; the Belize Natural Energy Charitable Trust; the Ministry of Energy, Science & Technology and Public Utilities (MESTPU); the Ministry of Education, Youths and Sports (MoEYS); the Arctic University of Norway (UiT); and the University of Texas at Austin. Daniel Gutierrez, trustee, presented the donation on BNECT’s behalf while President Alan Slusher received it on behalf of the University. Other persons present at the handing over were Interim Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Dr. Pio Saqui; BNECT General Manager, Victor Alegria; and BNECT Projects Administrator, Elswyth Patnett. Thank you, BNE!
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The visits to BSU’s bookstore and Office for Alumni Relations also proved invaluable for strengthening those two areas at UB. Upon his return to Belize, President Slusher said that the visit was rewarding for all parties and that the relationship between the two institutions can serve as a model for other COBEC institutions. The BSU President and a delegation of faculty members are planning a visit to Belize in January, 2015, and President Slusher looks forward to reciprocating a warm welcome to the BSU group when they visit. The Memorandum of Academic Cooperation between UB and BSU had been signed in January of 2014.
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Stimulating Computational Thinking in Students
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he Department of Math, Physics and Information Technology (MPIT) hosted another successful Computational Thinking (CT) course intended to stimulate high school students’ interest in computing science. This semester’s course was delivered over a period of six weeks by lecturers Manuel Medina and Farshad Rabanni at the Jaguar building, with the objective of introducing learners to computing science using Blockly by Google. Students were able to create interactive games, placing blocks of code together. At the end of the course each student was awarded a certificate and the most outstanding student, Josette McGann, was given a prize. Josette showed great potential in computational thinking and problem solving. The chair of the department, Dalwin Lewis, believes that courses such as this one are not only a great opportunity to introduce computing science and computer programming at the high school level, but they also give participating students an insight into UB’s IT program, helping them to decide if IT is a career path they would like to pursue. Every year Code.org hosts an hour of code wherein students of all ages can choose from a variety of self-guided programs. This year it will be held during Computer Science Education week-December 8-14, 2014-and the Lecturer Manuel Medina assisting MPIT department will be hosting the event in Jossette McGann one of the labs at Central Campus (Belmopan). The UB community is invited to come and experience it. Anyone interested in trying it at home can go to www.code.org and learn more. www.ub.edu.bz
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Students Proudly Represent the University at Conference in Atlanta, Georgia T
Written by Devon Saldano, Jané Salazar, Stacey Cayetano B.Sc. Natural Resources Management
hree University of Belize students attended this year’s Applied Geography Conference in Atlanta Georgia. Here is what Devon Saldano, Jané Salazar, and Stacey Cayetano wrote about their experiences: Beyond a doubt, the opportunity to present alongside Georgia State University (GSU) student Heather Brissley at this year’s Applied Geography Conference in Atlanta, Georgia was thrilling! As we stood in front of our audience to present on Using GIS to Map Sugarcane Agriculture in Orange Walk District, Belize – how GIS can be Jane Salazar and Heather Brissley presenting used to capture local knowledge from farmers to better measure and understand sugarcane productivity – the adrenaline from the excitement of representing not only our universities but also our countries filled us with pride. For students coming from a developing nation, the Applied Geography Conference was a huge eye opener to the vast potential and substantial uses of GIS. The conference helped introduce project/research ideas – by students – that could very well be implemented at the University of Belize. It showcased many concepts of simple and complex practices that most would easily overlook in trying to apply and link GIS. UB students can benefit from Georgia State University’s GIS program as it has a great magnitude of research and applied practices. Hence the benefit of GSU’s Belize Geosciences Exchange. Aside from the obvious collaboration and culture sharing, other benefits include the expansion of knowledge on this growing technology and increased student awareness of the potential of GIS and the vast technology and possibilities that accompany it. Furthermore, going from a developing nation to a developed one, it was easy for us to understand the attraction that the Geosciences Program (GSU) has for present and prospective students. We hope that it can also become alluring to other University of Belize students as GSU and UB work to grow together to become a part of an exciting new chapter at the University of Belize. We extend a heartfelt thank you to all faculty and students who welcomed us with giant smiles and open arms and all who graciously took time out to ensure our week’s visit was bustling with activities. Dr. Timothy Hawthorne and Mr. Antonio Cano, we especially appreciate your support and assistance in this venture. We would also like to highlight our partners which included the Sugar Industry Research & Development Institute (SIRDI), Belize Sugar Industries Ltd (BSI), students from both Georgia State University and University of Belize, and most importantly, the sugar cane farmers. Their input played a crucial role in this project.
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Saving the Frogs T
Written by Denver Cayetano B.Sc. Natural Resources Management
here has been such a massive decline in amphibian populations around the world that nearly one-third of the world’s amphibian species are on the verge of extinction according to AmphibiaWeb. This is not normal! Why is this happening? What is causing this amphibian extinction crisis? How can you help? On Thursday, October 23, the University of Belize, in collaboration with the Caribbean Youth Environment Network – Belize Chapter (CYEN Belize), welcomed herpetologist and Chairman of the Save The Frogs Advisory Committee, Michael Starkey to its central campus in Belmopan to answer these questions. After a brief welcome by Denver Cayetano, the National Coordinator of the CYEN Belize, and Program Coordinator for Michael Starkey raising the Natural Resource Management Program Joaquin Magaña, awareness of the threat to frogs Mr. Starkey, a frequent visitor to Belize, shared the grim news that up to 200 amphibian species have completely disappeared since 1979. He attributed this to many issues including deforestation, pollution, climate change and diseases such as the chytrid fungus. He called for action from the attendees to help to address these issues and SAVE THE FROGS! In Belize, not much focus is put on herpetology and much less frogs, but Mr. Starkey was keen on pointing out how important amphibians are in our natural environment in maintaining balance. A simple example is mosquito control; frogs help to keep these under control. During the event the Jaguar Auditorium was transformed into a midnight jungle scene with the croaking of different species of frogs from all over the world echoing off the walls. Vivid pictures of frogs made the experience even more interesting. The turnout was impressive, the event attracting not only students of the university but also students from the nearby Belmopan Comprehensive School. UB expresses its sincere gratitude to the Caribbean Youth Environment Network – Belize for making the arrangements and inviting Mr. Starkey and of course, Mr. Starkey for his willingness to share this important information. Founded in 2008, Save the Frogs! is America’s first and only public charity dedicated to amphibian conservation. Save the Frogs aims to protect amphibian populations and to promote a society that respects and appreciates nature and wildlife.
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UB Staff Member Goes to Trinidad With CARPIMS R ecords Department Senior Technician Michael Link recently went on a one-month staff mobility exchange to the University of West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago. This move was possible through CARPIMS which offers the opportunity to staff members of Universities in the Caribbean and Pacific Islands to experience working in another University. Michael highlights that “through the Staff Mobility Module lies the opportunity to attain knowledge from a prestigious university to bolster our system policies and practices and enhance the experience for not only our Master’s Program but for our Associate and Bachelor Programs as well.”
Michael Link by the UWI student advisory service
The CARPIMS Programme is a cooperation and mobility programme in the area of higher education, implemented by the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) of the European Union (EU). Currently, the CARPIMS partnership comprises 10 Caribbean and South-Pacific Higher Education Institutions (HEls) which act as host institutions. The University of Porto and UNICA are additional partners who provide technical and other assistance. CARPIMS is currently offering PhD scholarships as well. Interested persons can apply online at http://www2.sta. uwi.edu/carpims/
Avian Conservation through Enforcement and Rehabilitation D
id you know that having a parrot without a permit is illegal? That is what students who attended a colloquium hosted by the Chemistry and Biology departments of the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) learned. The colloquium entitled Avian Conservation through Enforcement and Rehabilitation, held on October 8, was aimed at making students aware of the importance of conserving our avian species.
Victoria Cawich of the Forest Department emphasized the importance of controlling poaching and the role of administration and regulation of the Captive Wildlife Victoria Cawich from Program for Parrots already in captivity. Belize Bird Rescue’s Forest Department representative Celisha Guy spoke on the process of rehabilitation and release of confiscated and surrendered parrots. Sarah Mann of the Belize Raptor Centre made the students aware of the threats to avian species in Belize and the challenges facing conservation efforts.
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Nursing Students Recognize World Food Day A
nnually, October 16 is recognized worldwide as World Food Day which focuses on malnutrition, hunger and poverty. This year it was held under the theme “Family Farming: Feeding the World, Caring for the Earth.” Fourth year nursing students celebrated the day by raising awareness of healthy and unhealthy foods, checking of weight and height to determine Body Mass Index (BMI), health education, and nutrition related chronic conditions. Students participated in various ways including: i. Educational Booths under the UB White Tent and at Belmopan Comprehensive School ii. Food Drive within Belmopan after which food items collected were presented to Marla’ Children Home. iii. Participation at the Health Fair organized by Central Health Region and PAHO.
Thank you, UB students, for raising awareness.
Wil Maheia Donates to the UB Punta Gorda Campus T he University of Belize, Punta Gorda Campus received a $500.00 donation from Mr. Wil Maheia, Director of Toledo Exposure Documentary Films (PGTV) during the annual Student Government Retreat which was held on Saturday, October 11, 2014. The purpose of the donation is to support the on-going painting projects on the Punta Gorda Campus. This project is intended to increase student involvement in Campus-based initiatives.
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Wil Maheia (l) hands over donation
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Informed Opinions on Territorial Integrity and Guatemalan Incursions T
he University of Belize (UB) through the Office of Student Affairs and the Belmopan Campus Student Government hosted another Divergent Discussion entitled “Informed Perspectives: Chiquibul Forest Reserve, Territorial Integrity and Guatemalan Incursions� which was held at the Bookstore Porch, Central Campus, Belmopan. Speakers at the event included attorney Audrey Matura-Sheppard, activist Wil Maheia, radio and TV show host Mose Hyde and Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) Coordinator Rafael Manzanero. In addition, poetry performances were presented by Lillian Allen, Dub poet from Canada.
The objective of the discussion was to inform students about situation related to the BelizeGuatemala dispute and the ongoing incursions that are occurring in the Chiquibul. Participants were encouraged to analyze the relevant laws, ask questions and make comments in an effort to encourage dialogue. Divergent Discussions provides opportunities for students to share and receive informed opinions on current issues.
Dub poet Lillian Allen
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UB Ebulletin Volume 3 Issue 7
Students Learn Cancer how to Write Awareness: Proposals Check Regularly T he
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he Faculty of Education and Arts, through the students enrolled in the Technical Writing and Communication Skills courses, and in collaboration with BELTRAIDE and SBDCBelize, hosted a proposal writing workshop on October 31, 2014. The workshop was facilitated by Ms. Gabriela del Angel and Ms. Monique Usher from SBDCBelize.
Welcome to UB
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University of Belize in support of ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month held an informative forum on October 30th 2014. The aim of the forum was Nurse Delone Pascasio to inform the UB community about cancer, the preventative measures that can be used and the benefits of early detection. The keynote address was given by Nurse Delone Pascasio, a founding member of the Dangriga Cancer Center. Commenting on her experience, Nurse Pascasio advised that cancer does not discriminate and that even young people battle the disease. She spoke about her experiences with dealing with cancer patients and how gratifying it is to help others through the Center. She also highlighted that the fight against cancer is a collaborative partnership. The facilitators emphasized the need for prevention, because a doctor can detect cancer at its earliest stages during physical exams or with routine tests - even if a person has no symptoms. For this reason, Nurse Longsworth advised students to do yearly physicals and to try live a healthy lifestyle.
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First Finance and Accounting Symposium T
he Faculty of Management and Social Sciences (FMSS) held its first Finance and Accounting Symposium on October 22, 2014. Harith Moralez and Antoinette Barrera of Scotia Bank presented on Banking Career and Services. They emphasized the importance of leaderships and positive attitudes in the banking (L-R) Emil Pinelo, Antoinnette Barrera, and Harith Moralez environment. Emil Pinelo of Mena Group of Companies presented on A Perspective in Pursuit of the Modern Accounting Practices he emphasized that accounting is a competitive career and that the responsibilities for accountants have increased in the modern age. Students who were top achievers in the Finance and Accounting courses were recognized at the event.
Against Human Trafficking T
Emily Fitchpatrick
he University of Belize and the United States Embassy hosted a workshop entitled Help End Human Trafficking on October 16, 2014. The presenters were Amena McShea and Emily Fitchpatrick of On Eagles Wings Ministries (OEWM). The presenters highlighted the fact that although Belize enacted Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Act in 2013, the country is currently on the Tier 2 Watch List which means that the absolute number of victims of severe forms of trafficking is very significant or is significantly increasing. Areas of emphasis in the presentation included: indentifying the victims, vulnerabilities, and stages of change. The presenters also emphasized that fighting against human trafficking cannot be done by one individual or one organization; it requires the effort of everyone.
Amena McShea
OEWM seeks to prevent females from falling victim to sex trafficking, offer assistance to those still trapped, and restore those who have survived by offering hope, empowerment, and a brighter future. The organization focuses on prevention, outreach, aftercare, and empowerment. It plans to open an office in San Pedro, Belize in the near future.
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UB Ebulletin Volume 3 Issue 7
Black Jaguars Retain ATLIB Volleyball Championship O n Sunday, October 19th, the University of Belize Black Jaguars (male) retained the Association of Tertiary Level Institutions in Belize (ATLIB) National Volleyball Tournament championship for the ninth consecutive year. The males won all games leading up to the championship match against Independence Junior College (IJC). They dominated IJC scoring 25-14 in the first set and 25-18 in the final set, which made them once more the undefeated Volleyball Champions.
Meanwhile, the females won their initial games but unfortunately lost to St. John’s Junior College in the final match. UB Girls won the first set 25-23; however, in the subsequent sets our Lady Black Jaguars fell 18-25 and 13-15, making them sub champions. The tournament was hosted by Sacred Heart Junior College in San Ignacio. The Recreation and Sports Department thanks all those who supported the athletes and congratulates the UB Black Jaguars volleyball team. Indeed, congratulations to our Black Jaguars! Males Raluni Bernardez Marlon Salazar Yserri Palacio Evir Aranda John Paul Alvarez Wilfred Usher Darion Cayetano Derron Cayetano Alwyn Mahung Victor Pacheco Abimael Godoy Dwayne Neal Albany Correa
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Females Leyia Hernandez Kimanie Flowers Marcie Jones Maegan Contreras Balyn Gordon Justine Myvett Alvree Mortis Jhonique Anderson Tasha Shaw Skylyn Bradley Anahi Solorio Shanaye Casimiro Shynelle Glenn Zaire Garbutt