Welcome to the home of World Class people. You are a part of history. Can you imagine years from now when your children ask “Mom, Dad, where were you when Jamaica made Olympic history?” You can say to them that you were enrolled in the same university that those athletes attended.
To our overseas students, a warm welcome. We know you could have gone elsewhere but you chose to be here with us at UTech. Thank you for making us your number one choice in this life changing decision. We will endeavour to make your tenure at UTech a worthwhile experience.
You are all part of a unique history called UTech. You are here at a time when we are celebrating our golden anniversary. This makes you a part of our golden future. Like Asafa, Sherone and Shelly-Ann, you are here as you prepare to be the best in your field:
Construction,
Land Surveying,
Quantity Surveying,
Architecture,
Urban and Regional Planning.
The team of lecturers, administrative support staff, and technical staff, among others, stands ready to assist you in being the best you can be. Let me be very clear, we are not only preparing you to “get a work” we are helping to prepare you for life. Yes, grades and GPA are important, but I want you to keep your eyes on the prize. What is the prize? The prize is to leave here more knowledgeable than you came and ready (and that includes being both competent and confident …) to be a productive member of society.
As members of the Jamaican society you are our golden assets; the society is investing in you. I know, I know, you are all there saying that your mother, or aunty from the USA is sending money by Western Union, but the truth is, you are only paying 35% of the cost of the programmes here at UTech. The rest is being subsidized by tax payers. In return for this privilege, you have a very clear obligation to the rest of us (and to yourself), and that is to do your very best. Here are some simple things you can do:
- know the hand book, and ensure that your status with the University (such as registration, student loan, course diet, etc) is what is required of you
- meet with your advisor; periodic meetings may be valuable; please consider this…
- network to create positive work relationships with stakeholders
- attend classes regularly
- work diligently and consistently on your assigned tasks
- practice proper time management; do not leave critical things until the last minute!
- do not hesitate to ask for help from your advisor or other appropriate faculty members; do not let things reach crisis state before getting help
- participate in sports; maintain a balanced lifestyle
- enjoy your stay here at UTech.
Dr. Carol Archer
Dean, Faculty of the Built Environment
carcher@utech.edu.jm