UTech, Jamaica launches Student Ambassador Programme
Professor Stephen Vasciannie (centre) President, University of Technology, Jamaica is flanked by the new group of student ambassadors at the launch ceremony for the University of Technology, Jamaica Student Ambassador Programme on March 25, 2019 held at LT50, Shared Facilities Building, Papine Campus.
Twenty nine (29) students from across all colleges and faculties at the University of Technology, Jamaica have been selected to participate in the Student Ambassador Programme. The newly appointed student ambassadors were formally welcomed to the programme at a special launch ceremony held on Monday, March 25, 2019 at the Papine Campus. As positive youth leaders, these students will be expected to promote the values of the University, enriching its impact on the community and building the University’s brand.
The Student Ambassador programme is led by the Marketing Unit, Advancement Division. Mr Hector Wheeler, Associate Vice President, Advancement Division, who chaired the launch ceremony explained that the criteria for selection include full enrolment, a minimum GPA of 2.5; ability to commit to the programme for at least 1 year and a willingness to commit at least 25 hours each semester to the Programme. Additionally, selected students must demonstrate the highest level of discipline, be a good communicator and be an active member of a school club or community group. Student Ambassadors will participate in University events and activities including promotional campaigns in print, television, radio and social media, lead tours of the Campus and receive visitors, as well as assist new students in transitioning to university life; and participating in student recruitment activities on and off the Campus.
The student ambassadors were nominated by either by their lecturer, a staff member or peer and were selected following a round of interviews in which they demonstrated their suitability for the programme.
In welcoming the student ambassadors, University President, Professor Stephen Vasciannie expressed gratitude to the Advancement Division and representatives from colleges and faculties who participated in the selection process. Underscoring that “our students are our best ambassadors,” the President commended them for their willingness to give back and their commitment to playing an active role in building the UTech, Jamaica brand, its values and reputation. Professor Vasciannie noted that UTech, Jamaica’s recent award of institutional accreditation should serve to make the ambassadors jobs easier as they sell UTech, Jamaica to prospective students and the wider public.
The President also noted that the Student Ambassador Programme will offer a mutually beneficial experience, providing opportunities for “personal development, networking, and gaining or building a range of skills you already have.” He implored the ambassadors to help the University with instilling discipline and discouraging misconduct such as cheating on exams, and marijuana smoking.
Miss Neethu Manianghattu, first year BSc in Actuarial Science student, Faculty of Science and Sport responded on behalf of the newly minted UTech, Jamaica Student Ambassadors. Neethu shared that it has been her childhood desire to attend her “dream university” since she was an infant at the University’s Cynthia Shako Early Childhood Education and Day Care Centre. She thanked the University for the honour and opportunity to serve and expressed assurance on behalf of her fellow first cohort of student ambassadors, that they will “ represent the University exceptionally well, exemplifying its core values, enriching its impact on the community and building the University’s brand.”
Professor Stephen Vasciannie, President, presented each University of Technology, Jamaica Student Ambassador with a congratulatory letter at the launch ceremony. A happy Neethu Manianghattu, first year BSc in Actuarial Science, Faculty of Science and Sport accepts her congratulatory letter from the President.
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Contact:
Michelle Beckford (Mrs.)
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: 970-5299
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm