Welcome by the Pro Vice Chancellor for Graduate Studies

There has probably never been a time when the need of Caribbean society for a strong cadre of persons educated at the graduate level has been more pressing. The world is no longer (and probably never was) dominated by those who have the raw materials, but by those who have the wherewithal to convert any and all opportunities into useful innovation, to meet the needs or wants of significant segments of our societies. But make no mistake – whilst societies which excel at this are referred to as “Knowledge Societies”, the simple accumulation of knowledge of “the facts” is in no way the key to advancement in this global milieu. Facts are more readily available and freely accessible than ever before. It is rather, the ability to gather and use the pertinent facts creatively to generate and implement desirable innovations that will mark excellence in any field, and will govern the success and advancement of our societies. The School for Graduate Studies & Research (SGSR) is dedicated to offering you advanced education which will allow you to compete in this demanding scenario – but we also urge you to help us by bringing to bear upon your studies the attitudes and practices which will resonate with our objectives. We laud your choice of the UWI SGSR for advancing your studies and look forward to working with you to enhance your personal, national, regional and global competitiveness in your chosen discipline. Welcome to the School for Graduate Studies & Research, UWI.

Ronald E. Young
Pro Vice Chancellor
School for Graduate Studies & Research
The University of the West Indies

Dear New and Returning Students

We have just completed our new Strategic Plan which covers the period 2012-2017, in which we have re-committed ourselves to the attributes we would wish our graduates to possess. These include critical and creative thinking, effective communicating with good inter-personal skills, globally aware and well grounded in our regional identity, socially culturally and environmentally responsible, and guided by strong ethical values. We wish this, not only because of the value that such attributes bring to you, but also because of the value they can bring to our University when you join us as graduate students. As graduate students, we need you to ensure that UWI increases its role as a player in the international pursuit of knowledge, generates the knowledge base needed for sustainable regional development, and produces the regional leaders that the Caribbean needs. It is critical that you understand the importance of your role in our academy and in the development of our region, and that you acquire the commitment, industry and self confidence necessary to execute this role. Our responsibility is to provide you with the enabling environment and guidance necessary to achieve this. Whenever you need our support and assistance, please let us know.

I welcome all of you, both new and returning graduate students, and wish you an academic year that is exciting, engaging and productive.

Professor Wayne Hunte
Pro Vice Chancellor

Welcome by the Principal

I welcome you wholeheartedly to graduate studies and research at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus. You are joining the UWI at a very important juncture in its history. This year the UWI celebrates 50 years as a full degree granting institution in its own rights. As we reflect on our many accomplishments over the period, the positive impact of our research on society, the successful stewardship of our graduates in positions of national leadership, in business, in academia, to name a few, I feel truly proud of the rich legacy we have created and still continue to create. Rest assured that you are joining a family with a rich heritage and a firm commitment to academic excellence.

The decision to engage in graduate studies can be an exciting and ultimately rewarding one. The process equips us with the specialist skills and knowledge required to tackle many of society’s greatest challenges. It enables innovation and the creation of new knowledge, the benefits of which can impact society for generations hence. Ultimately, it enables the attainment of dreams, of career goals and the associated personal and financial rewards.

It is, however, equally true that this decision can come at great personal sacrifice for many. Without question, the process will require dedication to successfully overcome the challenges you might yet face. By taking this first step towards graduate certification, you are demonstrating your full commitment to this process.

Here at the UWI, we are committed to providing you, our students, with the best possible graduate experience. Demonstrations of this commitment can be readily seen in many areas of campus life. For example, our process of continuous review of offerings allows us to expand or revamp programmes as necessary to ensure their greatest quality, relevance and currency. The creation of state-of-the-art dedicated graduate spaces outfitted with first-rate amenities, foster peer-to-peer academic exchanges, as well as individual and group study. Presently we are nearing completion of a 400 rooms graduate housing complex, which will boast features on par with the best such facilities to be found anywhere in the world.

I wish for you, during your sojourn here at Mona, a most stimulating, culturally diverse and rewarding learning experience.

Gordon Shirley
Pro Vice Chancellor & Principal
UWI, Mona Campus