Updates on Operational Plans for Semester 1, Academic Year 2020/21

Updates on Operational Plans for Semester 1, Academic Year 2020/21

The University Community is being advised of the following updates regarding operational plans for the start of for Semester 1, Academic Year 2020/21.

Academic Calendar 2020/21

a)     Classes commence on August 24, 2020.

b)    Special provisions will be made during the first week to enable full integration of students in the use of the online teaching and learning platforms:  Blackboard Collaborate, Moodle and other electronic platforms for the delivery of online classes. 

c)     Semester 1 will run from August 24 - December 11, 2020. All assessments are expected to be completed by December 11, 2020. 

d)    Guidelines and protocols to follow, in keeping with the current and emerging health and safety guidelines outlined by the Government of Jamaica are available for lecturers and students as the University seeks to maintain measures to stem the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Campus Accommodation

a)     The University will be restricting dormitory accommodations to one person per room. Physical distancing will be observed as in keeping with protocols set by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

b)    Accommodations for international students, students from rural Jamaica and students with peculiar difficulties in accessing the Internet will be prioritized. 

c)     Cost of accommodations will remain as was previously communicated for 2020/2021.

d)    Students whose courses of study require face-to-face and the use of laboratories and clinical activities will be allowed short term accommodations on designated halls of residence.

e)     New and returning international students will be required to observe the requirement to be quarantined for a period of 14 days in keeping with Government of Jamaica COVID-19 protocols.

Reminder re: Physical Distancing Protocols On Campus

  • No more than twenty (20) persons will be allowed to meet at any one place on Campus.
  • Mask wearing is mandatory prior to entry and the duration of time on Campus.
  • Please expect a mandatory temperature check to be conducted on each person at the gate before entry to the Campus. Persons with abnormal temperature reading will be referred to the University’s Medical Centre/Environmental Unit.
  • Hand sanitizing stations are located at the entry to buildings.  Please utilize them.
  • Any room to be used for events must be of a capacity to observe 6 feet distancing between persons.
  • Physical distancing is to be maintained at all times for the duration of your stay on the Campus even while traversing the Campus.
  • Gathering outside meetings/events, including the car park, is prohibited.

 

Yours Sincerely,

Professor Colin Gyles, PhD
President (Acting)

 

Contact:
Michelle Beckford (Mrs.)
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: 876 970-5299 
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm