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HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES
PAGE 2
INTRODUCTION...................................................................1
TRANSITIONING TO THE UWI........................................................2
Dealing with Homesickness...............................................................................3
Accommodation Options.....................................................................................3
Managing Self..........................................................................................................4
MAKING THE ACADEMIC TRANSITION.............................................5
Getting Academic Guidance...............................................................................5
Coping with Academic Demands......................................................................5
Managing the Workload.......................................................................................6
Time Management.................................................................................................6
Preparing for Assignments and Examinations..............................................6
Know your Library...................................................................................................6
Computer Access and Information Technology Assistance.....................6
BALANCING LIFE AT UNIVERSITY....................................................7
MY.UWI.EDU ONLINE VOCABULARY...............................................11
IMPORTANT FACES.........................................................................13
EMERGENCY NUMBERS..................................................................14
sta.uwi.edu
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Welcome to The University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine Campus community. As supporters, The UWI appreciates your presence and involvement in our students’ university experience and invite you to be a part of their academic journey. We believe that transitioning to university life may present specific challenges for new students so your support is critical at this time.
This handbook is designed to support parents, families and spouses of new students entering university for the first time. It will address some of your concerns about the significant changes new students undergo as they become involved in campus life.
It covers issues pertaining to transitioning, homesickness and culture shock, accommodation options, and presents a guide to useful resources and information at the UWI, St. Augustine Campus.
Please feel free to use this handbook as a resource as you explore the many support services available to students on campus. You may also find it useful throughout this academic year as a guide to important campus dates and events that will be beneficial to you and our new students.
We acknowledge that we may not have addressed all your concerns in this document. If you have any questions, comments or feedback, please feel free
to contact:
Office of the Director Division of Student Services and DevelopmentThe Lloyd BraithwaiteStudent Adminstration BuildingLewis AvenueThe University of the West IndiesSt Augustine, Trinidad WI1 (868) 662 2002 Exts: 82096/[email protected]
INTRODUCTION
HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES
PAGE 1
New students who enter the University community experience a process of transition and undergo a tremendous and intense amount of change. During their first week, new students are likely to feel alone, anxious and clueless largely because they may not know anyone and may be unfamiliar with the campus. Each student will cope differently with the changes associated with university life, but all new students will need support during their transition period.
• Some students may have lifelong dreams of pursuing certain
career goals but upon entry into the University many find and
develop new career interests. Do not be worried about these
impulses to change their programme of study, to transfer to
a different faculty or to adopt a different specialisation. Your
main role as a support person is to ask questions about these
changes and to support the student as he or she explores new
and changing academic interests and potential career paths.
• As students progress through their university years they will
develop new relationships. You may also notice a growing
sense of independence, and the closeness you once shared
may change. Supporters may be concerned about this change,
but it is inevitable as students interact with new people as part
of their university experience.
• The University’s environment is very dynamic and vibrant,
and this will expose students to activities and events that are
outside of their comfort zones. Their interests will grow and
worldview may change. This may in turn influence the ways
that students begin to interact with their families and, in some
cases cause tension, especially if their changing views are
conflicting. Supporters should remain open to these changes
as they become part of the student’s holistic growth and
development.
• Supporters should be observant, understand the student’s
development and provide them with the necessary guidance.
While students will probably experience the best years of their
lives at The UWI, they will inevitably have some challenging
times.
Additionally, here are some more specific issues that you andthe new student may deal with as part of his or her transition to The UWI.
TRANSITIONING TO THE UWI
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Dealing with Homesickness
Some new students will miss the comforts of their home. If you believe that the student is showing signs of homesickness, here are some remedies to help him/her overcome it:
• Keep in touch. A familiar voice always works to cheer up and
rejuvenate a homesick soul. Thanks to technology, it is much
easier to stay in touch. If you are unable to call, try instant
messaging, emailing or making video calls so that the student
can interact with you. Remember to keep conversations light,
positive and motivational so that you can help ease the stress
of missing home.
• Keep students up-to-date with developments at home.
This helps to keep them in touch with family and friends but
also creates awareness of substantial changes that may be
occurring while they are away from home.
• Encourage meaningful involvement in campus activities.
Sometimes involvement in activities can help new students to
get over homesickness. They eventually make new friends
and become so occupied with classes, assignments and other
things that there is no time to be homesick.
• Encourage students to go out and explore. Trinidad and
Tobago offers exciting activities. A night out with friends, a trip
to the mall, or an adventure trip around the island are some
remedies for homesickness, so encourage students to venture
out and have fun away from the hectic campus environment.
• Provide reassurance; be there for the student. Build a
relationship where the student can come to you for advice
and encouragement. University life can sometimes become
stressful, so students may need some encouragement
especially when assignments are due and examinations are
around the corner.
HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES
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Accommodation Options
On Campus Accommodations
There are five halls of residence at the St. Augustine Campus.
These include:
• Freedom Hall (Male/Female)
• Canada Hall (Male/Female)
• Trinity Hall (Female only)
• Sir Arthur Lewis Hall (Male/Female)
• The Joyce Gibson Inniss Hall (Medical Sciences students only)
Living on one of the halls affords students an opportunity to live
independently, in a safe environment among their peers. Students
get to live and learn in a dynamic environment that exposes them
to different cultures and nationalities as hall residents are from
different parts of the world. Students interested in residing in
hall for the first time should apply by mid-March prior to the new
academic year.
Off-Campus Accommodations
Students may also opt to live off-campus. There are many off-
campus housing options available to students within walking
distance of the University. As a means of helping students
with decisions and procedures surrounding living off-campus,
the Office of Student Advisory Services provides a listing of
available off-campus accommodations ranging from TT$1200
to TT$6000 per month. The University strongly recommends
that students seek advice about off-campus accommodation
options. Students interested in accessing this listing can visit the
Office of Student Advisory Services or the online database at
sta.uwi.edu/oasis
For further information, contact the Student Accommodation
Office, DSSD at 662-2001 extensions 82387/ 82251
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Managing Self
University life can become stressful for many students. If you notice
signs of undue stress please feel free to remind the student that the
Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS, DSSD is available on
campus, offers a range of services, including crisis intervention,
diagnostic assessment, and therapy for individuals, couples and
families. These services are managed by skilled professionals
who are ready and willing to assist students in need of help. All
registered students are eligible for services offered by CAPS. These
services are free and confidential.
The Health Services Unit (HSU) opens all year round from Mondays
to Fridays (except public holidays). Opening hours are from 8:30am
to 8pm. Please contact the Health Services Unit at 662-2002,
extension 82491 for appointments.
MAKING THEACADEMIC TRANSITIONNew students at The UWI are about to embark on an exciting
journey of academic success, self discovery, friendships and much
more. As students grow they continue to rely on their support
persons for continued guidance and motivation. Given the nature
of the transition to university life, it is important that supporters
understand that each student adapts and learns in unique and
different ways. Your support is important.
The first-year of university is a crucial time in the personal and
academic development of our students that will also affect
supporters. For some supporters, it will be an exciting experience
to observe the student beginning university life. Be assured that
the University will do its part to support the student and we urge
you to partner with us as students begin to broaden their horizons
and plan their futures.
New students will face many challenges in their first-year including
making decisions about academic issues, making friends,
maintaining a good Grade Point Average (GPA) and creating an
HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES
PAGE 5
effective co-curricular balance. The following pages are intended
to help you and the new university student with this transition
• Getting Academic Guidance University students are expected to choose courses from a
wide range of possibilities. This can be a daunting task for the
newcomer. Students should use the academic guides and
regulations available online at the respective faculty websites.
These documents are useful and outline in detail programme
requirements, and how courses should be selected. Start at
sta.uwi.edu
• Coping with Academic Demands The workload for courses in each programme varies and
changes during the semester. Assignments for one course
may clash with class projects for another, and perhaps with co-
curricular activities. In addition, students may be overwhelmed
by new teaching styles, along with new subjects and courses.
In order to stay on top of things, students are free to access
academic support services across campus. These include
informative sessions at the library, department resources,
and a number of programmes and services. For example, the
Student Life and Development Department (SLDD) offers
support to students at all levels of their academic careers,
including tutoring, time management, workload management
and academic workshops. They also ensure equal access
(academic/ infrastructure) to all students that enter The UWI
with a disability.
Students who require special aids or devices, special
accommodation on campus for classes and exams, or special
arrangements for parking should contact the Student Life and
Development Department (SLDD) at 662-2002 extensions
83866, 83921, 83923 and 84254.
• Time Management Students will be faced with decisions about how to spend
their time. Our campus has a vibrant social community with
activities and events all year round. The key for new students
is to manage their time wisely. Strike a balance between
academic and non-academic activities but do not get
distracted.
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• Preparing for Assignments and Examinations Many programmes at the University require students to
complete coursework assignments and projects in addition to
their usual end of semester examinations. Students will know
by the beginning of the semester if they have to meet such
requirements when course outlines are distributed. They
should remember to pay attention to the instructions about
how, when and where assignments should be submitted. Here
are some useful tips for assignments and examinations:
• Develop a systematic approach to studies by creating a study schedule.
• Prepare for assignments in a timely manner.• Find a comfortable place to study.• Use free time wisely.
• Know Your Library New students are especially encouraged to become familiar
with the network of campus libraries as they are an invaluable
resource that will make their UWI experience fruitful. At the
St. Augustine Campus there are ten libraries spanning all
disciplines. Each is equipped to cater to the needs of our
students. They are generally open every day during the
semester and from Monday to Saturday during breaks.
• Computer Access and Information Technology Assistance There are many computer labs available to students. New
students may not have their personal laptops when they
begin classes so completing assignments can be tedious for
them. Students have free access to computer labs around the
campus, including those within the libraries. Some of these labs
are also equipped with printing and copying facilities.
Using their UWI ID, students can log on to the internet, check
email and browse online using hotspots available on campus.
Additional wireless zones are offered by some food outlets
on campus. Campus IT Services can also help students meet
computing needs by facilitating the purchase of Dell personal
computers and laptops at reduced prices.
For more information contact CAMPUS I.T. SERVICES via their Service Desk at [email protected], or 662-2002 extension 84357.
HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES
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BALANCING LIFE@ THE UWIThere are many programmes and services available to all students
at The UWI, St. Augustine Campus. Below you will find dates for
the First Year Experience (FYE) programme, which is managed
by The Office of the Director, Division of Student Services and
Development (DSSD). First Year Experience is The UWI’s official
student orientation and transition programme, which targets all
incoming undergraduate and postgraduate students. It includes
workshops, tours, discussions and seminars designed to enable
a smooth transition to campus life. New students should be
encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible.
DATE FYE EVENT
Aug 20 – 27 Meet & Greet: Airport greeting for all regional and international students
Aug 24 – 30 Campus Tours: Faculty tours for all new first year students
Aug 23, 27-28, 30 UWI Clicks: An introduction to the UWI website and student portal
Aug 25 – 26 Check-In: Weekend orientation activities for regional and international students
Aug 26 Welcome Home: Orientation events for students residing on Halls
Aug 27 – Sept 06 Know Your Faculty: Orientation events for faculties
Sept 03 - 07 UWI Guild Fest: The Guild of Students Orientation activities
Aug 29 UWI Life Support: UWI administration forum for parents and families
sta.uwi.edu/fye
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DATE FYE EVENT
Sept 21 The Postgraduate Experience:Postgraduate Orientation workshops
Oct 04 & 18, Feb 07
Career Advice Programme (CAP): Guide to career planning and development
Oct 11, Feb 21 Study Skills: Workshops ondeveloping practical study habits
Nov 20Co-curricular Awareness Day: Introduction to co-curricular activities and courses
Jan 25 Exchange Orientation: Orientation for exchange students
DATE FYE EVENT
Aug 29 UWI Life Student: UWI administration orientation
Sept 03 - Sept 22 Know Your Library: Library Orientation sessions
Sept 06 MY SAC: Forum to expose commuters to services available to them
Sept 13Orientation for Students with Disabilities: Introduction to the services at ASDLU
Sept 15Community Engagement Activity: A community service initiative for first-year students that fosters the spirt of volunteerism on the campus
Sept 27, Oct 25- 26,Nov 15, Feb 7 - 8, Feb 25 - 28
Health & Well Being: Health Services Unit workshops
Sept 20Matriculation: Formal recognition and induction of new students as members of the University’s academic community
HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES
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MY.UWI.EDUONLINE VOCABULARYStudents will begin using new terms relating to various things on
campus. Below are some popular terms that you should become
familiar with.
ACADEMIC ADVISING: This refers to the process where the faculty dean or his nominee
provides information on courses and assists, where necessary, in the
selection of courses for which students must register. The purpose of
academic advising is to help students, particularly new students, in
planning, monitoring and successfully managing their chosen field
of study, in relation to clear career objectives. Students are guided to
accept responsibility for their learning, to be informed of the services
provided for them, to access information and to be managers of their
time.
ADD/DROP: This is the period during which students may add or drop a course
without penalty.
ACCEPTANCE PACKAGE:Once students are accepted, they will be notified via email of
their acceptance. This email will direct them to download all
acceptance/offer/registration material online from our website at
sta.uwi.edu/admissions/track
CRN (COURSE REFERENCE NUMBER):This is the number assigned to designate a specific class and the
specific time/format in which it will be offered.
CO-REQUISITE: A course which must be taken along with another specified course
in order to ensure the attainment of complementary and/or
interdependent competencies.
CORE/REQUIRED COURSE(S): Courses that students are required to complete in order to be awarded
a major or a minor.
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COURSE LOAD:The number of credit hours carried each semester.
CREDIT/CREDIT HOUR: A unit which represents the number of hours a student spends in
a class each week over the course of the semester. E.g. A student
enrolled in MGMT 2003 (3 credits) will spend approximately 3 hours
per week in class, for approximately 13 weeks.
DEGREE AUDIT: A computerised summary of progress toward completion of degree
requirements to be used with academic advising and registration.
DEPARTMENTS:Units that make up a faculty and have a specific specialisation under
the broader area represented by the faculty. For example, Food
Production is a department in the Faculty of Food & Agriculture;
Management Studies is a department in the Faculty of Social Sciences;
Modern Languages & Linguistics is a department in the Faculty of
Humanities & Education.
ELECTIVE(S): Any course not required as part of a major. Courses which students
may choose from are provided by each department/faculty, and are
listed in respective faculty regulations and syllabuses booklets.
FACULTY: Departments are grouped into divisions called faculties. For
example, the Faculty of Social Sciences consists of the Departments
of Management Studies, Economics and Behavioural Sciences;
the Faculty of Food & Agriculture consists of the Departments of
Agricultural Economics and Extension, Food Production, and the
Geography and Business Development Unit. Lecturers are known as
faculty members.
FEE INVOICE: A printout of the courses for which students have registered that
lists each specific course. The amount of tuition and fees due for all
courses registered and the payment deadline date is also indicated
on the printout.
HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES
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FINANCIAL CLEARANCE: This refers to the approval given by bursary officials when the student
has paid all the fees for which he/she is liable.
GATE FORM: An official document provided by the Government of Trinidad and
Tobago for all citizens that provides government funding for tertiary
education expenses. The GATE programme is ONLY applicable to
citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.
HOLD: A hold is a block placed on a student’s record for failure to comply
with obligations to the University. Examples of holds are: transcript
holds, advising holds, immunisation holds, accounts receivable holds
etc.
TRANSCRIPT: An official record of coursework and grades housed at the Office of
the Campus Registrar.
PRE-REQUISITE: A course that needs to be taken before a student can register for
another course or a more advanced course. my.uwi.edu: The UWI
Student Web Portal serving students on all four campuses. The portal
provides access to online registration as well as information on student
accounts, final grades, degree audits and personal information.
UWI STUDENT ID CARD: The University’s identification card. The UWI Student ID card has many
functions aside from identification; it serves as a library card and an
access card to other buildings on campus.
UWI STUDENT REGISTRATION NUMBER: A 9-digit or 8-digit identification number in the format YYMMDD. This
number, which can be found on the offer letter, is used to gain access
to the St. Augustine on-line system, and to identify students while at
The UWI.
(Adapted from the “How To” Guide & University Regulations)
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CAMPUS PRINCIPALProfessor Brian Copeland
DEAN, FACULTY OFENGINEERINGProfessor Edwin Ekwue
SENIOR ASSISTANTREGISTRARADMISSIONMs. Patricia Brown
TRINITY AND CANADA HALLSDr. Jacqueline Bridge
CAMPUS BURSARMs. Andrea Taylor-Hanna
DEAN, FACULTY OFHUMANITIES & EDUCATIONDr. Heather Cateau
SENIOR ASSISTANTREGISTRAREXAMINATIONSMs. Jessie-Ann George
THE JOYCE GIBSON INNISS HALLDr. Farid Youssef
DEPUTY PRINCIPALProfessor Indar Ramnarine
DEAN, FACULTY OFFOOD & AGRICULTUREDr. Wayne Ganpat
DIRECTORDIVISION OF STUDENTSERVICES & DEVELOPMENTDr. Deirdre Charles
FREEDOM HALLDr. Michael Sutherland
CAMPUS LIBRARIANMr. Frank Soodeen
DEAN, FACULTY OF LAWProfessor Rose-MarieBelle Antoine
DIRECTOR, OFFICE OFINSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT AND INTERNATIONALISATIONMr. Sharan Singh
MANAGER STUDENT ACCOMMODATION ON & OFF CAMPUSMr. Kevin Snaggs
DEAN, FACULTY OFSCIENCE & TECHNOLOGYDr. Brian Cockburn
MEDICAL OFFICERDr. Neil Singh
CAMPUS REGISTRAR (Ag.)Mr. David Moses
DEAN, FACULTY OFMEDICAL SCIENCESProfessor Terence Seemungal
MANAGERSTUDENT LIFE &DEVELOPMENTDr. Jacqueline Huggins
DEAN, FACULTY OFSOCIAL SCIENCESProfessor Ann Marie Bissessar
ACCOUNTANTSTUDENTS & RECEIVABLESMr. Kevin Kalloo
SPORT & PHYSICALEDUCATION CENTRE (SPEC)Ms. Grace Jackson
FACES TO NOTE
HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES
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UWI ESTATE POLICE SECURITY
Hotline - 662-4123Office Line - 662- 4783
662-2002 Exts. 83510 | 82121 82120 | 83497 | 83512 | 83335
ST. JOSEPH POLICE STATION
662-2522 | 662-4038
EMERGENCY POLICE
999 | 555
EMERGENCY AMBULANCE
990 | 811
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
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THE UWI PBX NUMBER - 662-2002This preceeds any extensions listed below
UWI STUDENT COUNSELLOR
Ext. 82151
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR, DSSD
Exts. 82096 | 82097 | 82360 | 84187 | 82098 | 82325
HALL SUPERVISORSJoyce Gibson-Inniss Hall, 645-3471 | Ext 85319(Mount Hope)
Trinity Hall Ext. 82608
Freedom Hall Exts. 82479 | 82247
Sir Aurthur Lewis Hall 663-0075
Canada Hall Exts. 82469 | 82497
STUDENT LIFE AND DEVELOPMENT
Exts. 83866 | 83921 | 83923 | 84254
SPORT & PHYSICAL EDUCATION CENTRE (SPEC)Director 82307
Facility Supervisor 83555
Sports Coordinator 84381 | 83810
HEALTH SERVICES UNIT
Exts. 82149 | 82153 | 83584 | 82149 | 82152
OFFICE OF THE EVENING UNIVERSITYExt. 84331