Voices Magazine Vol3 Issue 5

5 May – August 2020 | VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica Professor Colin Gyles, Acting President, in his charge to new students affirmed the University’s commitment to its mission to advance and disseminate knowledge through teaching, scholarship and research, even as the University navigates an extraordinary time in history and faces unprecedented challenges. Professor Gyles noted that despite the difficulties, the University is able to maintain its standards and has made adjustments to provide students with the best experience of university life and learning. While indicating that most courses of study were shifting to online platforms, Professor Gyles noted that the University’s reputation for producing work-ready graduates with practical, hands-on training would not be sacrificed, adding that teaching and learning will be done in a safe environment, with appropriate COVID-19 mitigation procedures and protocols. The ceremony concluded with Mr. Khalil Hutchinson, President of the Students’ Union, leading the Students’ Pledge, and with the University Registrar leading the University’s response. T he University of Technology, Jamaica gave a warm, virtual welcome to new and returning students at its annual Academic Induction Ceremony held on August 21, 2020 at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium, Papine Campus and streamed live on the University’s YouTube channel. The annual ceremony marks the culmination of a week of orientation activities, when all undergraduate students are formally welcomed and introduced to the University Council, members of the Executive Management team and other academic and administrative staff. Safety measures surrounding the mitigation of the spread of COVID-19 necessitated the live streaming of the ceremony online, but the change of format did not diminish the commitment of the University to provide new and returning students with the best possible start to their tertiary education experience for Academic Year 2020/21. The week of orientation dubbed W.O.W (Week of Welcome) was held from August 16 to August 21, 2020 with a number of virtual events and activities aimed at familiarizing students with policies and procedures for the new academic year. These activities included “Meet the Deans”, “Getting to Know Your Services” “WOW Clubs and Societies Fair”, “Getting to Know Your Students’ Union Council”, “Getting to Know Your Colleges and Faculties”, a Community Service Conference and a Fresher’s Social. The Western Campus also held a New and Transfer Students’ Orientation via Zoom on August 20, 2020. Professor Colin Gyles, Acting President, welcomes new students at the Academic Induction Ceremony on August 21, 2020 at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium. Mr. Khalil Hutchinson, President, Students’ Union carries the Mace of Knowledge during the processional. New Students Receive Virtual Welcome Cont’d on page 6