On the afternoon of Tuesday, 26th July, the University of the West Indies Open Campus (Anguilla) hosted another annual recognition ceremony at the Rodney McArthur Rey Auditorium, in honour of its valued students who are pursuing their studies at the institution.
The evening was marked by the issuing of several certificates to students who had been engaged in Continued and Professional Education and those who had attained the coveted Honour Roll. In addition, an induction of the local 2022/2023 Executive Members of the UWI Open Campus Guild of Students was conducted.
The ceremony got underway with the singing of the National Song by Mrs. Veneshaw Richardson and prayer by Mrs. Tracelyn Hamilton. Open Campus Manager, Dr. Phyllis Fleming Banks, then issued a cordial welcome to those in attendance, as well as those viewing via live streaming. She also acknowledged the presence of the Honourable Premier, Dr. Ellis Webster. In addition, she recognised local education officials and the UWI adjunct faculty.
She gave a special welcome to the executive leadership of the UWI Open Campus, including Principal and Pro Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Francis O. Severin; Director of Open Campus Country Sites, Dr. Cheryl McDonald Sloley, as well as Dr. Beverly Shirley, Programme Officer for the British Overseas Territories.
As the ceremony proceeded, Dr. Fleming-Banks explained the purpose of the evening’s event: “Annually, we close out the academic year by celebrating our students. Our academic year runs from August to July. We do this with a certificate presentation and a recognition ceremony, where we recognise our Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) students, as well as those who have achieved the Honour Roll.”
In keeping with UWI’s mandate, the CPE seeks to facilitate lifelong learning and workforce development frameworks and consists of a range of credit and non-credit programmes. Included among the non-credit programmes are professional development short courses, workforce development programmes, personal enrichment programmes, and customised workforce solutions.
The UWI Open Campus Honour Roll recognises undergraduate students in the Bachelors’ programmes for their outstanding academic performance during (Semester 1 and Semester 2) each year. It is one of the ways in which The UWI Open Campus (UWIOC) recognises excellence. Students must achieve a minimum semester Grade Point Average of 3.6. and must have taken a minimum of 3 courses for a total of 9 credit hours during the semester.
There were 73 certificates issued to some 60 students for Continuing and Professional Education; and certificates of recognition were presented to a total of 61 students who attained the status of Honour Roll for Semesters 1 and 2.
In their responses on behalf of the students, Ms. Teisharn Harrigan and Ms. Johnessa Harrigan highlighted their positive learning experiences and expressed appreciation to the Tutors and the Staff of The UWI Open Campus Anguilla for their guidance and support.
The Guild of Students is the official body for student representation in the University of West Indies. The Guild is entrusted with promoting, fostering and developing the educational, social, cultural and economic interests of Guild members to the University community on a national as well as the international level.
The Induction of the new Executive Guild of Students was conducted by former Chair of the Guild and UWI STAT Ambassador and current President of the UWI Alumni Association – Anguilla Chapter, Ms. Kemoloy Murphy. The new Executive is chaired by Ms. Jahnesha Jones and includes Stephanie Ryan, Marva Smith, Khadijah Muhammad, Raheem Williams, Sari-Lee Benjamin, Sherine Brooks and Tasia James, who will serve for one year.
During her remarks, outgoing Chapter Chair, Ms.Melissa Harrigan congratulated the new Executive and made special presentations to the outgoing team.
According to Dr. Fleming Banks, registration for Continued and Professional Education courses and online degree courses is currently ongoing at The UWI Open Campus.
