AUGUST2013
A PUBLICATION OF THE UTECH STUDENTS’ UNION
Meet the Council Hear what the Council has to say.
Time Management Advice on managing your time while at UTech
PLUS
s Gift Card nt “Representation Beyond Expectations....Endless Service” & Discou Vouchers1
the FREE official mobile app for students studying at the University of Technology, Jamaica
The application will allow you to access a wide range of information and services including bus information events and much more You can download the application before you arrive but you will need to have completed your University registration before you can register to use it. You’re also able to suggest ideas for other services that you think would be useful to have on the app. Download the app now for your phone or tablet device through the App Store, Google Play Store, or BlackBerry App World. For students with other web enabled devices, a version of the app will soon be available for you.
WHAT’S INSIDE? Presidents’ Address The Executives
07 08 - 12
Making That Grade
14
Western Campus
15
Faculty/ School Representatives
20 - 27
Know Your Rights
32
Time Management
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Acknowledgement I would like to acknowledge Corporate Jamaica for their kind participation by placing advertisements between these pages of our Handbook. I would also like to acknowledge the generous contribution by Mrs. Lucille Dixon, Ms. Loriann Letts, Ms. Marsha Holness, Ms. Anelia Nelson and many more. Special thanks to past editor Mr. Romel Palmer for his support. I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to select members of the Students’ Union Council 2013-2014 whose help has proven invaluable to this publication.
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR
Mr. Dwayne T. Brown EDITOR IN CHIEF
I would like to remark that the publication is complete, the ink is dry and you hold in your hands the fruit of my labour. But I can’t, not because the ink is still wet but because at the time of writing this message my vision of the long term is severely impeded by fatigue. There has always been an unfortunate perception attached to the new kid on the block. No one really knows who he is, and no one is particularly interested in finding out. But out of the new kid’s anonymity comes one of the greatest opportunities of a lifetime: the chance for personal rediscovery and re-identification. The ability to re-evaluate who you want to be, and the chance to be that person to the world. I was once the new kid on the block, I was challenged by the new environment to get involved in the numerous activities around me. I was dared to become a holistic student. Now, here I sit in my second term as the Students’ Union Editor in Chief, penning a message to you the new, “New Kid” on the block. Now as you begin your journey, the new kid, one of 3,000 students in this Concrete City you’ll call home for the next four years. No one here knows who you are or what you’re all about. And maybe, like so many others, you don’t either. Here, stretched out before you, is your perfect opportunity to find out. That’s the true beauty of the next four years; not the riveting coursework, or the crazy water parties, but the gift of a chance to look at yourself in the mirror and decide who you want to be, and the liberty to become that person. God bless you.
WHAT IS UTECH STUDENTS’ UNION COUNCIL ABOUT? “Representation Beyond Expectations....Endless Service”
UTech Students’ Union is designed to be run by you. By becoming a UTech student, you are automatically a member of your Students’ Union, and we couldn’t be happier to welcome you.
The Students’ Union is independent from the University, so although most of the time we work positively and collaboratively with UTech, we also work on keeping UTech in check. University life is much more than just getting a degree. Through clubs and societies, sports and other student groups, opportunities are provided for you to have an enjoyable holistic University life and increase your networking.
RT O P P U S & E IC V D A CLUBS & SOC IE
REPRE SENTA TION
TIES NG I R E E T N U VOL
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Welcome! I believe IN you Yo u c a n d o i t
PRESIDENTS’ ADDRESS
It is a great honor and an esteemed privilege as the President of the UTech Student’s Union, to welcome all new and returning students both locally and internationally to the University of Technology, Jamaica for the academic year 2013/2014. The University of Technology, Jamaica is the platform for the total edification of the individual as a social being and seeks to develop the whole person in terms of personal well-being and social and intellectual competence. It promotes life-long learning, personal and professional development, and service to the community. University of Technology, Jamaica, Students’ Union is a non-profit organization which “Welcome to The serves and represents a cohort of approximately thirteen thousand (13,000) students. The mission of the Students’ Union is: “to effectively serve and protect the rights of students the University promoting their academic, social, cultural, spiritual and physical development, while fostering relations with the wider community.” of Technology, As the President, my duties include ensuring that all aspects of your academic journey this University are of paramount excellence. I am here to advise you in areas Jamaica” within that I am quite competent. Most of your learning experiences will take place outside the classroom and as the UTech Students’ Union, we are here to ensure that we offer holistic developmental opportunities and ensure that every aspect of your well being is catered to within the confines of our capabilities. I assure you that as the President of the Students’ Union, I will make myself available to offer Representation Beyond Expectation… Endless Service in all regards. I implore you, make the best of every opportunity and never regret a moment, learn from it.
Greaville Smith 7
VICE PRESIDENT ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
JOVAN CODLING
As we begin a new academic year, let me warmly welcome new and returning students to the University of Technology, Jamaica. The excitement of being a new student and the renewed enthusiasm of staff, faculty and students prepares us for an exciting year ahead. In spite of the challenges, the UTech Students’ Union will continue to stand for the rights of the students. I, Jovan Codling am privileged to be your 1st Vice President, Academic Affairs for the academic year 2013/2014. New students you will find that the learning environment is quite different. We often say that students at school are taught whereas students at university learn. What it means is that university students drive their own education. You decide very much about the pace of your work and what you want to learn. But that does not mean there won’t be a great deal of support and guidance. I eagerly look forward to meeting all new and returning students, to welcoming everyone, and to working with all of you for a successful year. Encouraged by the motto of the Students’ Union “to serve and to represent” I will ensure that my service is readily available. I am here to stand for your issues and concerns relating to school life and your education. The portfolio of 1st Vice President, Academic Affairs is equipped with the responsibility of lobbying on your behalf, as such I will be doing my best to represent on each student’s behalf. If you believe you have a reasonable argument take it to us, and let us examine and proceed to serve and represent you to the best of our ability. Yes! We came here to study for a degree and I wish you every success in that endeavour, but I hope your experience at university is much wider than that, that you’ll make life-long friends, you’ll develop new interests and hobbies. Good luck and best wishes for a successful academic year.
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VICE PRESIDENT PUBLIC RELATIONS
DELTA WRIGHT
A famous man once said, “A relationship requires a lot of work and commitment.” One of the major responsibilities of the Vice President of Public Relations is to build and maintain a meaningful relationship between the students, the Students’ Union Council and external entities. This person is the communication bridge that links the students to the Students’ Union Council,and is the face of the Students’ Union Council who is responsible for speaking on behalf of the Council and the student body. The duties of the V.P Public Relations includes the aforementioned but is not limited to the statement above. With that said I am happy to introduce you to “A Fresh Approach to Public Relations” for the UTech Students’ Union Council 2013-14. I am Delta Wright, Vice President Public Relations and I am elated to start building a wonderful and engaging relationship with you. For this academic year you can expect a lot of previously established events as well as new and exciting ones geared towards engaging, you the student. Some initiatives to look forward to are: 1. Intellectually engaging Public Forums (Biweekly beginning September 5, 2013) 2. Electrifying Student/Mass Meetings (Monthly beginning September 19, 2013) 3. A tantalizing Debate Competition (October 14- 28, 2013) 4. Informative Newsletters (biweekly) 5. Entertaining Online Radio and Streaming Station 6. An Empowering Public Speaking Workshop (January 2014) Welcome to the University of Technology, Jamaica. Have a fun filled and productive year! Remember participation is key!
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VICE PRESIDENT FINANCE
DELROY STENNETT
It is a pleasure to welcome all new and returning students to the University of Technology, Jamaica. You have taken a great step by choosing this institution, a step that will prove to be one of great opportunities. During your tenure at the University of Technology, Jamaica, you will face challenges however how you view and overcome these encounters make the defining moments in your university life. The Students’ Union Council is here to represent you and work towards making your time spent at University a memorable and empowering experience. My fellow students I implore you to work hard, stay true to yourself and achieve your goals against all odds. Visit the Students’ Union business office opposite the Caribbean Sculpture Park for any inquiries you may have, as we are here to serve you.
VICE PRESIDENT STUDENT SERVICES
OSHANE HALL
The mission of the Student Services department is to enhance the overall experience of students at UTech and to provide activities that cater to the welfare, development and success of our students during their tenure. As per job description outline at section 15 of our constitution, the office of student services offers support through the following programmes, but is not limited to: Love Lunch, Love Bus, Love Book, and Love Bursaries. LOVE LUNCH: This is a programme whereby the Students’ Union subsidizes the cost of lunches, at selected food outlets, for students that are in need. LOVE BUS: In order to further ease some of your financial burden to travel to and from campus, the office of Student Services operates a subsidized bus service to all students of UTech. Currently, our areas of operation are: Half-WayTree, Downtown, Spanish Town, Greater Portmore and Gregory Park. For the 2013-2014 academic year, the following routes will be introduced to meet your needs: Duhaney Park, Harbour View, Stony Hill and Old Harbour. LOVE BURSARIES/SCHOLARSHIPS: Annually, the Students’ Union through the office of Student Services distributes several grants and scholarships for those who are in financial need and meet the required criterion. The target of student services portfolio 2013-2014 is to witness every student’s success on campus and my team and I will do everything humanly possible to assist you during difficult times. For more information please visit our Facebook group at UTech Students’ Union: Student Services Committee 2013/2014, Email at: studentservices@utechstudentsunion. com, cell: 847-4149 or Twitter: @ oshanemhall.
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EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
ANELIA NELSON
It is with great pleasure that I welcome both NEW and RETURNING students to the University of Technology, Jamaica for the academic year 2013-2014. To all new students, WELCOME!! … To what I believe is the best University one could attend – The University of Technology, Jamaica; a place where holistic development is fostered and long-lasting friendships and bonds are created. To all returning students, you know what it has been like; you now know your strengths and weaknesses. It is now time to capitalize on your strengths and improve your weaknesses. In keeping with our theme: “Representation beyond Expectations…Endless Service”, this year’s Students’ Union Council looks forward to representing you in all capacities possible. We are here for you and as such we look forward to working with you and voicing your concerns. Throughout your tenure, I implore you to capitalize on the opportunities available here in order to truly grasp what this noble institution has to offer in its entirety. Don’t be afraid to take part in activities that will positively impact your life. Like I always say, “Do all you can, while you can”. Have a productive and fulfilling year.
Managing School + An Intimate Relationship A few tips on how to be successful in striking the balance.
W
hether you’re a first, second, third or final year student, there will be certain challenges throughout your school tenure that you might face. One such challenge is the balancing of school work along with an intimate relationship.
2. Respect each other. This would mean that you are on par with each other’s situation and understand that your studies come first. This would ensure that you do not put pressure on nurturing your relationships.
Whether it’s your first time or this is you’re umpteen time in a relationship, without dedication and planning this activity will cause huge problems in your school life or relationship. Typical problems faced by individuals causes poor performance in school work and it may lead to failure of module(s) and eventually drop out. If you decide to focus mostly on your academics while in a relationship, it can cause your partner to feel a need for more attention which may lead to them cheating.
3. Study with each other if you can manage to do so without “interference”; by doing so you can quiz each other on the subject material that you are studying .
4. Be Spontaneous. Often times throughout your school tenure, you are programmed in a particular way that complements your studies but it neglects your significant other. By doing small things such as a nice dinner or engaging in a getaway activity you will To avoid these disastrous events I will be outlining keep your partner’s feelings for you alive. a few tips from various “gurus”/experts to help in 5. Plan your work and work on your plan. alleviating these problems if they occur. Scheduling when you will do what and how 1. Balance your time; simply choose the thing you will do it will assist you in organizing which has the highest priority. Work on finishing your time and lowering the possibility of the that, when that’s done, start on the next one. By stress that comes with the last minute work. setting short term goals, you’ll find the task isn’t 6. If you can’t manage both, simply drop that bad after all. one.
Robert Grant
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MAKING THAT GRADE TIPS
FOR
MAKING
Establish a system for homework assignments and studying, and you’ll see better results with less hassle. Set a definite time for study. That means sticking to a routine and planning around the other things in your life like meals, chores, time with friends, and TV. Even when you don’t have homework due, use the time for reading and reviewing. Stake out a good place to study. A quiet place with good lighting and no television is your best bet. Try to keep materials you need close by (dictionaries, paper, pencils). If there is no such thing as a quiet place in your home, the University library may be a good choice. Keep track of your assignments. Try using a loose-leaf notebook with sections for each class you take. When a teacher gives a homework assignment, write it
T H AT
GRADE
down, along with any examples or special instructions. Think about study partners. If you can stay on track, you and your partners can keep each other motivated and give each other help solving problems, too. One caution: don’t let someone else do your work for you. Be sure when you get help that you understand how to complete the work by yourself. No matter how much you have to do, there are still just 24 hours in a day. And, you’ve got to eat and sleep, not to mention hang out with your friends and family. So, until a magician somewhere pulls more hours out of his hat, you’ll just have to juggle the time you have. Develop a plan of action. List what has to be done and how long you’ll need to complete each item on your list.
WESTERN CAMPUS Western Campus Students’ Representative
- Jenardo Walker
It is with great pleasure that I welcome each and every one of you, new and returning students, to another exciting academic year of learning, socializing and fun at the University of Technology, Jamaica Western Campus. As your representative, I will act solely on your behalf ensuring that your rights are protected at all cost. With that said, any support, advice, aid or demand in regards to your academic, social, cultural and spiritual development at the Western Campus I will make myself available to assist.
Myself, along with the Team at UTech West will be here to assist you. Not only will you be provided with the best in teaching, but you shall receive the best for your holistic development while you’re here at UTech West. Be a part of the movement and embrace the future, for this is just the beginning of a life time experience
here
at UTech West; where we say that,
“Determination is the only way forward.”
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SCHOOL OF BUILDING & LAND MANAGEMENT
DARRIAN MCGHAAN STUDENTS’ REPRESENTATIVE
I would like to extend a warm welcome to all new and returning students of The University Of Technology Jamaica. It is my utmost pleasure to sincerely serve in the post of Student Representative for the School of Building and Land Management. The School of Building and Land Management is the only school in the Caribbean to provide a well-organized and comprehensive package of construction and environmental related disciplines. We are a set of students who are strong, resilient and ambitious. We are the future engineers of Jamaica’s landscape. You are today where the thoughts of yesterday have brought you and you will be tomorrow where the thoughts of today take you. You will successfully attain any goal that you set out to attain only if you are ambitious enough. They say that all dreams can be made into reality and so if you dream for success then you surely will reap such desired rewards. Being a Dreamer carries responsibility, most people are not willing to accept this responsibility. Re-
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sponsibility implies that one cannot blame another person for their actions, effectively avoiding causality. However, this is futile and childish to consider. If you are a Dreamer, you are creating the Waking Dream around you. Life is what you make it. No one else is responsible for your life other than you. So I encourage you all to dream big and be responsible for your actions. As we look forward in the direction of the new academic school year, I implore all students to look and continue in the direction of success. Success is most often achieved by those who don't know that failure is inevitable. Let us aim for academic, social, cultural and spiritual developments as students so that in the end we can reach a desired level of self-actualization.
CARIBBEAN SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
ANDREW BLACKWOOD STUDENTS’ REPRESENTATIVE
The Caribbean School of Architecture (CSA) is the only English based architecture school in the Caribbean, providing undergraduate and professional degrees in Architecture and Design. Established in 1988, CSA celebrates 25 years of producing Architect’s Assistants and Architects in developing local, regional and international terra firmas. We are home to some of UTech’s finest lecturers providing their warm service to aid in the academic welfare of student development. The Caribbean School of Architecture has a body of student leaders that coordinate and make manifest ideas into activities for the social, academical and spiritual welfare of the populous. We have our annual forums, drinkups, parties and academic affiliated activities which include Faculty orientation as stipulated in the orientation handbook along with our annual end of year exhibition. The latter showcases the work of Architecture students for the entire year and is always known to be an informative and thoroughly enjoyable event.
ed indelibly in our hearts for years to come. Home away from home is what we consider our Design Studio space to be and consider all CSA students members of the loving family we have. Our years at this school have cemented patriotism in us, becoming advocates of what we do and what we intend to offer to Jamaica and by far the rest of the world, rest assured that the Caribbean School of Architecture is the school to be.
Design Studio, which is our main core module, is a cut above the rest. It helps us to form a close, cohesive and concrete relationship with our fellow classmates that is cement-
Never tell us the sky is the limit when there are footprints on the moon!!!!
We boast the winners of the annual Inter-faculty swimming competition for the academic year 2012/ 2013 and we intend on keeping this accolade for many years to come. Moving forward we plan to broaden our participative horizons to other events, including the Inter-Faculty Quiz competition. Welcome to CSA, whose stairwell is the second pavilion to the front field and as such we boast to have one of the best school locations on campus. Come prepared for the year of your life as we strive to make it the most exemplary, memorable and fun.
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FACULTY OF EDUCATION & LIBERAL STUDIES
MONA LISA ROBERTS STUDENTS’ REPRESENTATIVE
The Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies (FELS), through the School of Technical and Vocational Education, provides the highest quality teachers and trainers with technical specializations. This is done by promoting academic excellence through skill mastery and competency development in critical areas of need. The faculty is divided into two sections: Department of Liberal Studies and Technical and Vocational Education. As a result of this we are one of the most diverse faculties in the university. This diversity of the faculty prepares students for the world of work in every possible way. I am Mona-Lisa Roberts a fourth year Computer Technology Student, The Faculty of Education students’ representative and a proud Fellionian. My vision for FELS is not one that is easily put into words, as there is so much I want for my faculty. I will briefly outline some aspects of my vision: • Bringing awareness of students’ rights and the power we hold as students. • Improving communication between academic staff and students. • Familiarizing students with the students’ representative committee and the Student Union Council 2013-2014. • Promoting unity between students, which will increase Faculty spirit. My vision did not just come about due to “word of mouth”, I have experienced it all, being a student of this faculty has shaped me and is still shaping me into a well rounded individual. I love this faculty and the family I have made whilst here. Each of us has had our own personal battles and victories here as returning students, and for the new students your scrap book is currently empty. Draw away.....I am imploring you to work with me to bring about these changes. Let us move as a united front, one FELS together.
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SCHOOL OF COMPUTING & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
MONIQUE CHEN STUDENTS’ REPRESENTATIVE MONIQUE CHEN STUDENTS REPRESENTATIVE
A warm and hearty Bulldog welcome to all new and returning students to the School of Computing and Information Technology, (SCIT). I am happy that you have chosen SCIT to be the garden where you will sow your seed and bloom brightly for all to see. The School of Computing aims for the professional development of all students and as such there are programs available to facilitate this, one such program is the SAPNA initiative. I implore all students to get involved for the office of the SCIT Representative has a packed calendar of events for this academic year that deals with all aspects of your development while here at UTech. I hope that all students will come and support. As it relates to the upcoming inter-faculty sport, quiz, debating and cheerleading competitions, we are the mighty BULLDOGZ; we will definitely not be intimidated, we will show, this year, the true spirit of sportsmanship, diligence and discipline and become victorious. Welcome again, and may your years at SCIT prove to be productive, rewarding and fun!
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SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
SCHOOL OF COMPUTING CORY PHIDD AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS’ REPRESENTATIVE MONIQUE CHEN CORY PHIDD STUDENTS REPRESENTATIVE
I, Cory Phidd, along with the entire SOBA/JDSEEL Student Representative Committee would like to welcome all new students to the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech). We are even more enthused to welcome you to the School Of Business Administration (SOBA or BIZAD).We are also happy to welcome all students that are apart of our sister school: Joan Duncan School of Entrepreneurship Ethics and Leadership (JDSEEL). You are now not only part of this school but you are now apart of a “tradition.” The School Of Business Administration is envied by all other faculties and schools for our school spirit, our pride and our numerous achievements in the inter-faculty competitions. SOBA has amassed several accolades over the past academic year, 2012-2013. Inclusive of such accomplishments are: • 1st Place – Burger King Inter-faculty Quiz • 1st Place - Female Basketball • 1st Place - Female Football • 1st Place - Male Basketball • 1st Place - Sports Day/Week of Sports • 1st Place - Volleyball • 2nd Place - Cheerleading • 3rd place - Male Football • 3rd place - Netball And for my JDSEEL students you are the current Futsol champions. University education is not only about lectures and tutorials. Learning outside classrooms is also of paramount importance. How colourful your university life will be depends on how much you get involved; so we implore you to take part in the various co-curricular activities offered at UTech. We look forward to assisting you as you are on your path to achieving your educational aspirations. Best of luck to you all and it is our hope that you have a productive and propitious school year.
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SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
PHILLIP HUGG STUDENTS’ REPRESENTATIVE MONIQUE CHEN STUDENTS REPRESENTATIVE
Let me take this opportunity to welcome all new students to the University of Technology, Jamaica and a special welcome to the students who will be a part of the family at the school of engineering. It is indeed a pleasure to welcome you to this noble institution. I am truly honoured to be your representative for the School of Engineering for the 2013/2014 academic year. I vow to work assiduously to fulfill the mandate with which I am charged and I encourage us all to play our part in ensuring that 2013/2014 academic year, is one to remember for years to come. Here at the School of Engineering, we are a family! I implore you to keep the spirit of togetherness alive. Teamwork is what we encourage; united we stand, divided we fall. Our unity is our strength, let’s keep that tradition alive. The School of Engineering boast a great record in inter-faculty competitions, dubbed the “ENGINE WARLORDS” .We have been dominant in events such as Football, Quiz Competition, Cheerleading where we were the 2011/2012 champions and place third in the last academic year’s competition. Not only do we excel in sports but also academically. Our students are well known for their creativity and ingenuity both locally and internationally. So my ENGINE WARLORDS, I say to you, strive for excellence, never give up and most importantly, always believe in yourself. Remember “Education is a better safeguard of liberty than any standing army” (Edward Everett).
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FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND SPORTS
SCHOOL OF COMPUTING RASHAWN MARTIN AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS’ REPRESENTATIVE MONIQUE CHEN STUDENTS REPRESENTATIVE
The year 2012/13 as Faculty Representative was a good one. The Faculty, though young, made great strides. Some of our achievements were: the title of Netball Champions in the Interfaculty Sport Competition, second in male inter-faculty football competition, Cheerleading 2013 Champion as a combine SCIENCE team , participated in the Inter faculty Debate and Quiz. As the student representative of Faculty of Science and Sport my team and I were able to assist a lot of students with grants and bursaries and also scholarship from the Faculty as well as the Students’ Union. Additionally students were assisted more effectively with academic issues that arose throughout the year. This year you can look for more victories from the Faculty of Science and Sports as I am sure more students will come out and participate for the 2013/14 academic year. We are the FOSS PHOENIX: Rising from the ashes Activities to look forward to this year are: • FOSS Jersey party 2nd semester • Soda machine fridays @ the soda machine on the SCIENCE block • Gospel concert
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HALL CHAIR
SCHOOL OF COMPUTING ROCHELLE FERGUSON AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS’ REPRESENTATIVE MONIQUE CHEN STUDENTS REPRESENTATIVE
I extend a warm welcome to all new and returning resident students to the Hall Community here at the prestigious University of Technology, Jamaica. I am honoured to serve as the Hall Chair Person for the academic year 2013/2014. It is no doubt that living on hall is one of the best experiences a University student can have. Being a resident student, you are very privileged as many students have applied to live on hall but were not successful. You are special and as such I implore you to make the best of hall life. I challenge you all to become actively involved in your respective hall and adopt positive values and attitudes while living on campus. Tertiary students who reside on campus are always well rounded and ready for the real world as dorm life teaches everyone to be strong, mature and to be tolerant of others. Indeed the experience is very humbling. Do not take the opportunity you have received for granted, work hard, pray and trust in God. Though hall life has numerous fun activities, I encourage you not to neglect your academics, time management is very important. Resident Students are very brilliant and so I wish you all the best in the academic year to come and for the rest of your journey here at University. It was Audrey Hepburn who said “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says, “I’m possible!” Nothing is impossible!! God bless!!
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FACULTY OF LAW
SCHOOL OF COMPUTING JEVOUGHN SMITH AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS’ REPRESENTATIVE MONIQUE CHEN STUDENTS REPRESENTATIVE
It is with great honour that I extend a warm welcome to all new and returning students of the Faculty of Law. Law lions and lionesses when we roar, we will be heard as we all work together to strive for the best and this, my colleagues, will require hard work, determination but more importantly dedication and commitment. I urge you all to support and assist each other, to participate in all the activities and events, share your views, communicate and be active; these are the essential elements which will not only help to uplift the Faculty of Law but it will assist in your personal development which will indeed make you more competitive and desirable for work in the legal community. Being the representative of this noble faculty and working alongside a competent team I will ensure that your needs and wants are satisfied and I truly look forward to working with you all and assisting in my full capacity, with the desire for growth and development. “A winner is a dreamer who never gives up” Nelson Mandela
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INTERNATIONAL
COLE DEBIQUE STUDENTS’ REPRESENTATIVE
MONIQUE CHEN STUDENTS REPRESENTATIVE
I want to take this opportunity to welcome all new and returning students to the University of Technology, Jamaica(UTech). Welcome is extended especially to all International Students. The fact that you are here means that you have been afforded the opportunity to further your education and you should make good use of such. I know that university life is one in which it is easy to lose track of what is important as there are a lot of activities happening. However, I urge you to stay on track and concentrate on your work, of course with a little time for extracurricular activities. The UTech International Students Association (UTISA) has a lot of activities planned for the International Students. This is aimed at enhancing your experience here at UTech and by extension Jamaica; I urge you to participate in these activities. However, in order to maximize your university experience you must strike a balance between your first priority, that being attaining your degree and your social life. All the best in this academic year 2013/2014 and in the further pursuit of your degree!
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JOINT COLLEGES
SCHOOL OF COMPUTING DIMITRI MCGREGOR AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS’ REPRESENTATIVE MONIQUE CHEN STUDENTS REPRESENTATIVE
As elected Joint Colleges Students’ Representative for the Academic Year 2013/14 I understand that a tremendous amount of work needs to be done seeing that I am the first Joint Colleges Students’ Representative. Therefore I have no predecessor, hence no specific guidance in terms of faculty tradition. A lot of foundation and ground work is necessary before any good building can be constructed. With that said and with the little work that I have started so far it is therefore manifested in me with intricate details, the strenuous task that lies ahead as the new Joint Colleges Students’ Representative. As the Joint Colleges Students’ Representative it is my intent to: 1)to lobby the rights and needs of the students within the Joint Colleges 2) create a face, legacy and Tradition for the Joint Colleges making other faculty aware that we are a standing faculty and one to be reckoned with. 3) as it stands the Joint Colleges encompasses two Campuses , the School of public health Campus and the College of Oral Health Campus, it is in my interest to form a bridge between the two existing Campuses where students from both Campuses will consider themselves as one. 4) to lobby for the creation or Implementation of a Student friendly Administration tending to the Joint Colleges. 5) to enforce the prescribed environment for an excellent facilitation of the Clinical Health Sciences. 6) to build a level of patriotism within the Joint Colleges, one in which there is full student participation in the events and activities. 7) to Create a Strong voice for the Joint Colleges one which is very effective when spoken .
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OFF % 0 2 IS H T H WIT CHER VOU
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INTER-FACULTY CHEERLEADING
INTER-FACULTY SPORTS
FRESHERS FETE
TEACH THE YOUTH SUMMER OUT REACH
NATIONAL TAG DRIVE
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Director of Entertainment & Cultural Activities The Director of Entertainment and Cultural Activities plans and coordinates the major entertainment activities of the Students’ Union. ( Fresher’s /Final Fete and even Gospel Concerts )
Editor -in- Chief The Editor in Chief Plans and co-ordinates the production of a Students’ Union Handbook. He also maintains the Students’ Union web page, www. utechstudentsunion.com
Director of Sports
BOARD OF DIRECTORS & ADVISORS
The Director of Sports plans and co-ordinate the sporting activities of the Students’ Union. He mobilizes the students to become involved in friendly rivalry. He facilitates and provides sporting activities as an extra-curricular activity to the students.
Director of Health & Safety The Director of Health and Safety assists students in understanding emergency procedures and thus enabling them to properly handle disasters. She also acts as the security liaison for the Students’ Union and attends to all security matters of the University.
Advisor to the President
The Presidents Advisor is responsible for assisting the Students’ Union President on various matters that may arise, attend meetings and may act on his behalf if requested by him.
Director of Spiritual Development The Director of Spiritual Development facilitates spiritual orientation on campus. She coordinates the Students’ Union prayer breakfast, assists with the coordination of spiritual events in the various Faculty/Schools, and host at least one Major Spiritual event per semester.
Director of Community Service The Director of Community Service organizes the Annual Teach the Youth outreach programme during the summer session. In semester one he coordinates the National Tag Drive. Generally he represents the Students’ Union in areas of community service.
Academic Advisor The Academic Advisor works very close to the 1st VP Academic Affairs with any academic issue that may arise between the student populous and the University.
Director of Elections
The Director of Elections main role is to conduct the General Election of the Students’ Union Council and the elections of the clubs and societies at the appropriate time(s). He also sits on the Disciplinary Committee.
Director of Health & Safety The Director of Health and Safety assists students in understanding emergency procedures and thus enabling them to properly handle disasters. He also acts as the security liaison for the Students’ Union and attends to all security matters of the University.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS & ADVISORS
Director of Special Projects The Director of Special Projects does logistics for all major events. He also makes input, on behalf of the Students’ Union, on matters pertaining to infrastructural development within the University and relevant external projects that will in turn sell the Student’s Union and the University.
Executive Assistant
He works very close to the Executive Secretary to ensure for the optimal performance of the Executive Body.
It’s about our History
The University of Technology, Jamaica has celebrated its Fifty Third Anniversary, between March 1824 of this year. The University was established in 1958, originally under the name Jamaica Institute of Technology. In 1959, the name was changed to the College of Arts, Science and Technology, and became incorporated in the College of Arts, Science and Technology scheme of 1959. It was validated by Parliament by 1964. In 1986, the CAST scheme legally empowered the institution to conduct its affair under two governing bodies; namely the council and the academic board. The University was formally accorded University status on September 1, 1995, under the name, the University of Technology, Jamaica and was approved by Parliament June 8, 1999. Academic offerings and development are modeled on the English Polytechnic System with emphasis on flexibility of approach, working-based learning and professional linkages. According to the University’s Philosophy, it is committed to the total education of the individual as a social being and seeks to develop the whole person in terms of professional well-being and social and intellectual competence. It promotes life-long learning, personal development and service to community. The Students’ Union has been a part of the University since its establishment in 1958. The Students’ Union provides opportunities for participation in all campus activities, academic freedom, students’ rights and promotion of students’ culture as well as social and physical welfare. The Students’ Union council is made up of 46 members - 31 elected and appointed members and 15 elected and appointed members of the Western Sub-Council - who oversee the affairs of the Union. The Union represents the students’ opinion on both the academic board and the governing council.
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MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY VOLUNTEERING Volunteering is great. It can be fun and very rewarding. But did you know that it can also help to make you more employable? Volunteering can equipt you with new skills & experiences, thus increasing your confidence & adding to your resume.
So what are you waiting for?
Som Proj e of ou ects r inclu Teac h d
Nati the Yo u o Beac nal Tag th h D 5K W Clean u rive p alk/ Run
Make yourself stand out from the crowd, start volunteering and have a great time while A l l thes you’re doing it! e pro char ject ity. s are in ai d of a
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s t n e v E P O T Our SEPTEMBER 5th - Forum for 1st Year Students 23rd - Sports Launch (Papine) 26th - Sports Launch (Western Campus) 27th Freshers’ Fete
OCTOBER 14th-28th Inter-Faculty Debate (Papine) 28th –Nov 8th Inter-faculty Quiz
NOVEMBER 4th-8th Inter-Faculty Debate (Western Campus) 10th-16th Tag Drive 22nd Salvation PHD
JANUARY 17th Union Free Day & Financial Awareness Day
FEBRUARY 6th Health Fair 7th Union Culture Day 13th Praise in the Park 14th Religion/Spiritual Day
MARCH 7th Cheerleading 9th—14th Week of Sports 14th Sports Day 15th 5K Run (Charity) 20th Election Day 28th Handing Over Ceremony
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Thanks to all The sponsors
that have been with us thus far U-MAGAZINE www.utechstudentsunion.com