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NEWSLETTER S T U D E N T E X P E R I E N C E U N I T SEPTEMBER 01, 2026 Annual Issue | 2025-2026 | # 01 Compiled By : Afeefah BeharryA Y e a r o f M e a n i n g f u l C o n n e c t i o n s S t u d e n t A c h i e v e m e n t I m p a c t f u l I n i t i a t i v e s a n d T h e P e o p l e W h o M a k e T h e S t u d e n t E x p e r i e n c e E x c e p t i o n a l
MISSION To bolster the Strategic Pillars of Agility, Access and Alignment by fostering the type of holistic student experience which would result in positive, engaged, committed, satisfied and successful students who easily interact with us and become energetic, contributing alumni and public ambassadors. IntroducingIntroducingIntroducingStudent Experience Unit Issue #1 | Tuesday, 01 September, 2026 | SEU Every student who chooses The UWI Global Campus deserves more than just access to classes; they deserve a university experience that meets them where they are and helps them thrive. That is the driving force behind the Student Experience Unit (SEU): to build the kind of holistic, responsive support that turns students into positive, engaged, and successful graduates, and eventually, into energetic alumni and ambassadors for the University itself. It is a mission rooted in The UWI's Strategic Pillars of Agility, Access and Alignment, and one that echoes a bigger, global commitment: the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4's call for equitable access to quality education for all. As the SEU continues to evolve, one thing remains unchanged: our unwavering commitment to supporting students throughout every stage of their academic journey. Originally established as the Student Virtual Concierge Services Unit on August 2, 2021, under the purview of the Office of the Principal, the Unit was founded on a vision to provide students with a centralised support system capable of addressing challenges, enhancing engagement, retention and promoting student wellbeing. On February 14, 2022, the Unit was renamed the Student Experience Unit, reflecting a broader mandate focused on fostering meaningful and enriching student experiences across the University. The Unit was conceptualised through the collective vision of past Principal Dr. Luz Longsworth, current Principal Dr. Francis O. Severin, Pro Vice-Chancellor & Principal, and former Head of the SEU, Dr. Veronica Simon, who recognised the growing need for a dedicated support structure that would place students at the centre of the University's operations. Their vision laid the foundation for a service-oriented Unit committed to ensuring that every student feels supported, heard, and empowered to succeed, a structure that also embodies SDG 16's call for effective, accountable institutions built to serve the people who depend on them. Today, the SEU serves as a vital component of the University's student support framework. Through collaboration with academic, administrative, and student service departments, the Unit continues to strengthen the student experience by promoting engagement, facilitating access to support services, and advocating for student success, work that stands as a direct, ongoing contribution to both The UWI's Strategic Plan and the University's role in advancing the SDGs.
Read more What’s Inside Our Newsletter! STUDENT EXPERIENCE UNIT You Will Find: In Conversation with the Deputy Principal The Home of the Student Experience Unit Leadership Spotlight: Head Acting of the Unit The Faces of the Student Experience SEU & SSS: Different Roles, One Student-Centred Mission Student Advisory Committee Student Retention Creating Connections: The Meet & Greet Bridging the Gap: The Course Representative Programme Meet the Guild of Students 2026-2027 The Year That Was: Highlights and Achievements Voices That Shape Our Work Connect with Us in the Year Ahead: AY 2026–2027 Wellness Corner: Caring for Mental Health A Moment of Prayer Issue #1 | Tuesday, 01 September, 2026 | SEU
A CONTINUING COMMITMENT, AN ENDURING MISSION Effective August 1, 2025, the Student Experience Unit was officially placed under the Office of the Deputy Principal, marking an important milestone in the Unit’s continued growth and development. The SEU Team looks forward to working closely with Deputy Principal, Dr. Emily Dick-Forde and her staff to foster continued committed to delivering responsive, student-centered support and creating meaningful opportunities that enrich the academic journey of students across the UWI Global Campus. This transition reflects the University's ongoing commitment to strengthening student support and will ensure a coordinated approach to enhancing the student experience offered to our virtual learners at every stage of the student lifecycle. A New Home
LEADERSHIP IN FOCUS Leading with a strong commitment to student-centered service and institutional excellence, Mrs. Nesha Thompson serves as the Acting Head of the SEU, where she provides strategic leadership in advancing an inclusive student support framework. She brings a deep commitment to performance, student advocacy, and continuous improvement, ensuring that the Unit remains responsive and provides a supportive environment that prioritises the needs, success and wellbeing of the students. While driving innovation in student engagement practices and reinforcing a culture of support, accessibility, care, and satisfication within the University community,. Mrs. Thompson continues to advance the mission of enriching the overall student experience . Modern leadership is not defined by authority, but by empathy, adaptability, and vision. Nesha Thompson Meet the Head (Ag) Cultivating the FUTURE of the Student Experience Unit (SEU)
GIVING STUDENTS A VOICE Afeefah also chairs the committee behind the Course Representative Programme, a joint SEU and Guild of Students initiative developed with APAD. From an early concept document to a full campus-wide launch, the programme has grown into a genuine feedback loop between students, lecturers, and the institution, formally introduced at the Guild Town Hall in January 2026. BEYOND CASEWORK Meet the Programme Officer Bridging Students and Learning Nine years ago, Afeefah Beharry started out at the Antigua Global Campus Site, helping students navigate everything from application to graduation. Today, as Programme Officer for Teaching and Learning Experience within the Student Experience Unit (SEU), she occupies a unique space at The UWI Global Campus: the bridge between what students experience in the Learning Environment and the SEU's mission to support every learner from onboarding to graduation. MORE THAN CASE MANAGEMENT Afeefah Beharry“My role exists at the intersection of two of the Campus’s most critical priorities - improving the student experience and strengthening the quality of online teaching and learning.” Much of Afeefah's day-to-day work involves resolving teaching and learning concerns that go beyond routine administration: how courses are structured, facilitated, and assessed. She often serves as a final point of escalation for students who have already tried, and failed, to get help elsewhere. One case that stayed with her involved a student who fell ill partway through a required practicum. A communication breakdown initially left the student facing a full repeat of the course, but Afeefah traced the timeline, worked with the Head of Site and Programme Manager, and recommended the matter go before the Committee of Urgent Student Matters (CUSM). The student went on to complete the practicum rather than repeat it, and the case prompted a review of the University's policies on coursework completion and medical circumstances. Afeefah also leads research into student retention and Required to Withdraw (RTW), has personally called students on academic warning to understand what support was missing, and has stepped in to lead the Unit during periods when the Head of SEU was unavailable. She sits on the Student Advisory Committee (SAC) and the Student Experience Enhancement (SEE) Task Force. Outside of work, she recharges with a good book, family time, and travel. DRIVEN BY PURPOSE Across all of it, one thread holds: an unwillingness to let a student's concern go unheard. Afeefah's work reflects the SEU's broader commitment that every student's academic journey, and every voice, matters.
Meet the Programme Officer Putting a Human Face on Student Support For many students across The UWI Global Campus, the SEU's reputation for exceptional customer service has a name attached to it: Mr. Ronnie Daniel. With roughly seventeen years in Higher Education, spanning academic advising, promotion and outreach, and general administration, Ronnie brings a depth of experience that shows in how he approaches student support: personally, patiently, and with an eye for building genuine connection. In 2023, he was recognised as one of The UWI's 75@75 Unsung Heroes. MEETING STUDENTS WHERE THEY ARE Ronnie Daniel“My focus has always been on making sure students feel valued, not just processed — that they get to put a human face to the people supporting them.” One of Ronnie's key initiatives has been the Meet & Greet Sessions, giving students a direct platform to share feedback and raise concerns. Across nine sites, 76 students participated, part of a broader effort to strengthen support mechanisms and foster a more engaging academic environment. ADVOCATING FOR STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH Alongside fellow Programme Officer Tameka Burke, Ronnie has been developing a proposal for a fully functioning Counselling Services Unit, aimed at addressing the growing complexity of mental health challenges affecting students' wellbeing and academic performance. CELEBRATING A SHARED CARIBBEAN IDENTITY Ronnie was also behind the concept for This Is Our Caribbean, a Jeopardy-style end-of-year activity first pitched to the Guild of Students in 2024 and brought to life in 2025, giving students a fun way to connect over shared Caribbean history. A LIFE BEYOND THE OFFICE Ronnie holds a Bachelor's in Theology from UWI Mona and a Master of Philosophy in International Peace Studies from Trinity College Dublin and spent a decade as Christian Education Director for the Methodist Church. He remains active in social justice causes and sits with the World Council of Churches' Reference Group on Interreligious Dialogue and the Board of the National Broadcasting Corporation. Outside of that, he enjoys table tennis and long drives through the Vincentian countryside. DRIVEN BY PURPOSE Ronnie's work carries a consistent thread: students should feel seen, heard, and genuinely supported, not just administered to.
Meet the Programme Officer Building Systems That Work for Students Tameka Burke has spent more than a decade at The University of the West Indies, first in Human Resources, then, since 2023, within the Student Experience Unit (SEU) as Programme Officer for Student Administrative Processes Experience. The same people-centred, process-focused instincts that shaped her HR career now shape how she approaches student support. A BACKGROUND BUILT FOR THE WORK Tameka Burke“I have always been drawn to building practical systems that actually work for the people using them, and to mentorship, because I believe investing in people is what makes an institution stronger.” Before joining the SEU, Tameka spent over ten years in Human Resource Management, trained in Industrial Relations, and holds a Diploma in Teacher Education, a multidisciplinary background that gives her a distinct lens: process improvement that never loses sight of the person on the other end of it. BUILDING A SHARED KNOWLEDGE BASE One of Tameka's major undertakings has been leading the development of the SEU Knowledge Resource: a centralised guidebook supporting consistent case management across all three of the Unit's portfolios. She has also advanced research into the Student ID card process and contributed to a proposal to strengthen counselling and mental health support across the Global Campus. A PEER-TO-PEER APPROACH TO STUDENTS Given her own passion for mentorship, Tameka has continued developing a proposed Student Peer Mentorship Programme, aimed at helping students build belonging and support one another through the transition into university life. BEYOND THE OFFICE Outside of work, Tameka can usually be found gardening, hiking, or staying active outdoors. She is a member of the Association of Caribbean Higher Education Administrators (ACHEA) and the Human Resource Management Association of Jamaica (HRMAJ). DRIVEN BY PURPOSE Tameka's work reflects a simple belief: that the administrative side of a student's journey deserves just as much care as the academic one, and that investing in people is what makes an institution genuinely work.
Meet the Administrative Team Administrative Assistant to the Head of the SEU Mrs. Makeba Jarrett-Cardwell has spent over 18 years with The University of the West Indies. Her journey began in 2007 at the then UWI Distance Education Centre (UWIDEC) in Ocho Rios and has since taken her through roles across the Open Campus and Global Campus. Today, she serves as Administrative Assistant to the Head of the Student Experience Unit (SEU), a role that blends two very different skill sets: data and people. MAPPING THE STUDENT JOURNEY Makeba Jarrett Cardwell“My work is a blend of data and people: managing the Unit's specialised data management system, preparing the reports that inform management decisions, and handling the everyday administrative needs of the Head.” One of the projects Makeba is most proud of is designing the SEU's student journey map, a tool giving the team a clearer, shared picture of the student experience from application to graduation. Alongside the Head, she also populates and maintains the Unit's broader data repository, a go-to resource for reporting and decision- making across the SEU. A FOUNDATION IN EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY Makeba holds a BEd (Hons) in Educational Leadership and Management from The University of the West Indies, an ASc (Hons) in Business Studies, and an EON-XR Educator Certificate in Augmented and Virtual Reality. GIVING BACK, ONE INITIATIVE AT A TIME Outside of work, Makeba takes part in Read Across Jamaica Day each May, personally donates sanitary napkins to select schools across Jamaica twice a year to help address period poverty, and volunteers with the Life Hope Centre, packaging and distributing food to the poor and homeless. DRIVEN BY PURPOSE Whether building a tool to map the student journey or packing food parcels on a weekend, Makeba's work reflects the same underlying commitment: showing up consistently, for her institution and her community alike.
Meet the Administrative Team Administrative Assistant to the Programme Officers Leanna Harrow-John is another of the three people who keep the Student Experience Unit (SEU) running day to day, this time from the vantage point of Administrative Assistant to the Unit's Programme Officers. Her journey with the university began in 2019 at The UWI Global Campus site in Saint Lucia, before she transferred to the SEU on August 1, 2023, first as a Clerical Assistant, and later stepping into her current role. Along the way, she has built up wide- ranging experience in administrative support, student engagement, case management, and cross-functional coordination, contributing to initiatives such as the Course Representative Programme, outreach activities, and data tracking and reporting. Her day-to- day responsibilities span the full administrative coordination of the Unit's operations: student case and data management, meetings and events, and follow-up on outstanding matters. Leanna Harrow John“I believe that good administrative support is often about the things people do not see; staying organised, following through, keeping information moving, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks. It is in those details that meaningful support is built.” BUILDING ON A STRONG ACADEMIC FOUNATION Leanna holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management from The UWI Global Campus and an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. She is currently working towards an E- Learning Master's degree at National Chung Cheng University in Taiwan. DRIVEN BY PURPOSE From coordinating the daily operations that keep Programme Officers supported to contributing directly to initiatives like the Course Representative Programme, Leanna's work reflects the same quiet reliability that defines the SEU's administrative team: showing up, following through, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Meet the Administrative Team Clerial Assistant, SEU Every unit needs the people who keep it running day to day, and in the Student Experience Unit (SEU), Fionna Perez- Alexander is one of three who does exactly that. Fionna joined the university in 2010, spending time in the Library Department at the Tobago site before transferring to the SEU two years ago, where she now serves as a Clerical Assistant. Fionna Perez Alexander“My proud moment is being a part of a department that ensures students are seen and heard, and being able to assist them with their concerns.” KEEPING THE DETAILS RIGHT Supporting the SEU's work-plan activities means Fionna spends much of her day assisting with the coordination and follow-up of student-related cases: making sure information is properly documented, records are kept up to date, and every matter is handled with accuracy, efficiency, and confidentiality. A COMMITMENT TO GROWING WITH THE JOB Fionna has consistently sought out opportunities to build her skills, earning certifications in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Literacy, Developmental Psychology, Gender-Based Violence Risk Mitigation, and Virtual Reality in Education. BEYOND THE OFFICE Outside of work, Fionna enjoys hiking and reading, and has a particular love for baking, three interests that offer a nice balance to the precision and detail her day job demands. DRIVEN BY PURPOSE Fionna's approach to her role reflects a simple philosophy: reliability and a willingness to grow go hand in hand. She brings the same steady commitment to helping the SEU, and the students it serves, succeed.
SEU & SSS Difference Roles, One Student-Centre Mission
The Committee's origins trace back to a hard lesson learned. In 2023, it became clear that the University's Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) pathway was not working as intended: students were being registered through PLA, but not a single one was completing the programme. Recognising the gap, the then Head of the Student Experience Unit (SEU), Dr. Veronica Simon, moved to establish the SAC, a dedicated Committee that could properly assess non-traditional applicants and give them the structured support needed to succeed, not just enrol. Formed out of the SEU and chaired by Dr. Barry Casimir, the SAC meets every Wednesday for three hours, carefully reviewing applicants who may not tick the conventional boxes but bring something else to the table: professional experience, prior learning, and genuine readiness to succeed at the tertiary level. Through pathways like Mature Entry, Continuing Professional Education, and PLA, the Committee has spent the last three years quietly reshaping who gets to walk through The UWI Global Campus's doors, and, as the results below show, actually finishing what they started. Barry Casimir Opening Doors: Three Years of the Student Advising Committee (SAC) Not every path to university looks the same. For a working adult with two decades of professional experience but no formal transcript to show for it, or a Caribbean student who left school early but has spent years mastering a trade, the traditional matriculation route can feel like a locked door. That is the gap the Student Advising Committee (SAC) was built to close, work that sits squarely within The UWI's Strategic Plan and its contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which calls for equal access to affordable, quality tertiary education for all. A Pathway That Keeps Growing The numbers tell a story of steady, deliberate growth. In 2023/2024, the Committee reviewed 125 applications and accepted 74 students, most of them through Mature Entry. By 2024/2025, that number climbed to 96 initial acceptances, with the Committee's broader review eventually touching 147 cases. The momentum continued into Semester II of 2025/2026, with 72 applications arriving from 21 countries and territories across the region. Through it all, one trend has held steady: Mature Entry is, and remains, the dominant route through the SAC, a clear signal of just how much demand exists among adult learners for a second, more flexible way into higher education.
Proving the Model Works Here is the part that matters most: opening the door wider has not come at the cost of academic quality. If anything, the opposite is true. In Semester II 2023/2024, over three-quarters of SAC students' examination results landed in the A or B range. That trend held through 2024/2025, and by Semester I 2025/2026, the numbers had climbed even further: 100 A-range results and 53 B-range results out of 181 examinations, for a 91.7% pass rate. The takeaway is hard to argue with. Students who come through Mature Entry, CPE, or PLA are not just filling seats; they are excelling. Prior learning, professional experience, and the simple maturity of returning to study later in life turn out to be real academic assets, not liabilities. These outcomes speak to more than individual success; they reflect the strength and integrity of a well-governed institutional process, the kind of accountable, evidence-based decision- making that SDG 16 calls for in building strong institutions. A Regional Reach The SAC's impact stretches well beyond any single campus. In the most recent reporting period alone, applications poured in from 21 countries and territories, with Belize and Trinidad and Tobago leading the numbers, followed closely by Jamaica, Barbados, The Bahamas, and Dominica. Programmes like Accounting, Social Work, Management Studies, Psychology, and Tourism and Hospitality Management have proven especially popular among SAC applicants, reflecting the practical, career-driven motivations many of these students bring with them. Advancing UWI's Strategic Priorities and Global Commitments The SAC's work does more than widen access at the institutional level; it directly advances The UWI's Strategic Plan and the University's contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By creating flexible, credible pathways into higher education for mature and non-traditional learners, the Committee is a concrete expression of SDG 4 (Quality Education), particularly its call to ensure equal access to affordable, quality tertiary education for all, regardless of the traditional barriers that might otherwise exclude capable, motivated learners. The SAC's rigorous, structured assessment process, its documentation standards, and its consistent academic monitoring also reflect SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), which emphasises building effective, accountable, and transparent institutions. Each weekly review, each verified qualification, and each academic outcome tracked is part of a broader institutional commitment to fairness and accountability in who gains access to higher education, and how that access is governed. What's Next The Committee's own findings point to where the work continues: tightening up documentation and verification processes to reduce the backlog of pending cases, strengthening academic advising and early intervention for students who hit rough patches, and more deliberately promoting the SAC pathway to working adults who may not even realise this route exists for them. Each of these priorities reinforces the institutional strengthening at the heart of SDG 16, ensuring that as access expands, the systems supporting it remain accountable and well- governed. Three years in, the story the data tells is clear. The SAC is not just an admissions mechanism; it is proof that talent and readiness come in more forms than a high school transcript can capture, and that when The UWI Global Campus makes room for that, students rise to meet it, advancing both its own strategic vision and a global commitment to equitable, quality education.
Student Retention Survey Inside the Student Experience: What Drives Persistence in Online Learning Preliminary findings from the Factors Influencing Student Success Survey Student retention remains one of the most pressing challenges in online higher education. While online delivery has successfully expanded access to tertiary education across the Caribbean and beyond, research consistently shows that online programmes face retention rates 10% to 20% lower than comparable face-to-face programmes. To uncover what drives student persistence, the Student Experience Unit (SEU) administered the Factors Influencing Student Success Survey during Semester II of the 2025–2026 academic year. Led by Mrs. Afeefah Beharry, Programme Officer for Teaching and Learning Experience, the study drew responses from 252 students, offering a critical, evidence-based look at the factors shaping continued enrollment. Who Are Our Online Learners? The survey paints a clear picture of a predominantly non-traditional student body balancing rigorous academic demands with complex life circumstances: Heavy External Pressures: Approximately 78% report significant work, family, or caregiving responsibilities that directly impact their study capacity, with a majority maintaining full-time employment. First-Generation Scholars: A comparable proportion are the first in their families to attend university. Key Strengths: Resilience and Motivation Despite these immense external pressures, the findings highlight significant institutional strengths and student resilience: Positive Academic Perceptions: Respondents rate course materials favourably, with the majority reporting a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or above. Furthermore, 60% agree that assignments fairly assess their understanding. Strong Inner Drive: Motivation remains robust; 65% feel motivated to continue their programmes, and 54% would recommend them to others, driven largely by personal growth and career aspirations. The Retention Risk The survey also uncovers critical vulnerabilities that demand immediate attention: The Temptation to Leave: Just over half of respondents (51%) admit to having considered dropping out at some point. The leading drivers include academic difficulty, difficult work-life balance, family responsibilities, and a perceived lack of support. Isolation Factors: Compounding these pressures, relatively few students feel a strong sense of connection to their instructors and peers, with sentiment clustering heavily around the neutral midpoint. Next Steps and Strategic Alignment The SEU is moving forward with deeper analysis including inferential testing and thematic reviews of open-ended responses to pinpoint the exact predictors of student persistence. In parallel, the Unit is exploring evidence-informed enhancements in: Feedback mechanisms Student-instructor engagement Visibility of support services Flexibility for working students These initiatives align directly with The UWI Triple A Strategy (2022–2027) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By optimising online learning design and student support, the initiative directly advances SDG 4 (Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education) and SDG 16 (Strong, Effective, and Accountable Institutions). The SEU extends its sincere gratitude to all participating students for providing the vital data needed to strengthen the online learning experience across the UWI Global Campus.
The Meet One of the Unit's key priorities has been strengthening opportunities for student engagement and dialogue. During the academic year, the reintroduction of the Meet and Greet initiative created a valuable platform for students across The UWI Global Campus to connect with SEU staff, student leaders, and their peers. These sessions provided students with an opportunity to learn more about the Unit's services, share feedback, discuss challenges, and celebrate successes. The involvement of the Guild President and Chapter Chairpersons further encouraged open dialogue and fostered a greater sense of community among participants, work that reflects The UWI's Strategic Pillar of Access and gives practical expression to SDG 4's call for genuinely engaged, quality education.&&&Greet Sessions Building connections through service, support, and engagement. By engaging directly with students, the Unit fostered a supportive environment that empowered students to openly share their thoughts, concerns, and experiences. These interactions also provided an opportunity for the SEU to clarify processes, provide reassurance, dispel misconceptions, and offer practical guidance to help students navigate their academic journey, the kind of transparent, accountable institutional practice called for under SDG 16. Through this meaningful two-way engagement, the SEU not only strengthened its understanding of the student experience but also reinforced its commitment to student success, wellbeing, and satisfaction. The initiative further contributed to the strengthening of support mechanisms, relationships between stakeholders, fostering openness, and collaboration by ensuring that students feel heard, valued, and supported within a responsive and learner-centred virtual environment at The UWI Global Campus, advancing both The UWI's Strategic Plan and the University's broader contribution to the SDGs. Bringing passion, expertise, and commitment to student success.
Leading Change Across the Global Campus Exploring Leadership Through Representation At the heart of every successful university is a commitment to listening to its students. suggestion, and one act of leadership at a time. The Student Experience Unit extends its sincere appreciation to all Course Representatives for their service, dedication, leadership, and willingness to step forward as advocates for their peers and meaningful contribution to the enhancement of their courses and the overall student experience. Throughout the academic year, Course Representatives have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving as a link between the students and the institution. Whether raising concerns related to course delivery, course material, sharing suggestions for improvement, or communicating vital information to their peers, these student leaders have helped ensure that the student perspective remains central to future decision-making processes in the University's pursuit of excellence. One conversation, one “Equipped with transferable skills that extend far beyond the classroom” Amplifying the Student Voice Designed to bridge the gap between students, faculty, and the University, the Course Representative Programme provides students with an opportunity to serve as advocates for their peers while developing valuable leadership, communication, problem-solving skills and professional responsibility. Course Representatives play a critical role in gathering feedback, identifying concerns, highlighting successes, and fostering constructive dialogue that contributes to the continuous improvement in teaching, learning, and student support services. Strengthening Student Voice Through Collaboration The success of the programme is built on collaboration with the Academic Programming and Delivery (APAD), and the Guild of Students. Together, a supportive framework was created to empower Course Representatives to effectively fulfil their responsibilities. This collaborative approach helped to ensure that student concerns were not only heard but also channelled through the appropriate mechanisms for review and action. Course Representative Programme
SUPPORT CARE RESPONSIVENESS In response to the disruption caused by Hurricane Melissa, the SEU, in collaboration with the wider UWI Global Campus network, mobilised its support mechanisms to ensure that students remained informed, reassured, supported, and connected during the period of uncertainty and transition, particularly those experiencing personal, academic, or logistical challenges as a result of the hurricane. Beyond immediate response measures, the experience highlighted the importance of resilience planning and proactive communication within the Global Campus model. It reaffirmed the University's commitment to ensuring continuity of learning while maintaining a strong emphasis on student wellbeing and care, a commitment directly aligned with SDG 4's call to safeguard access to quality education even amid disruption. As Hurricane Melissa impacted several stakeholders served by The UWI Global Campus, the SEU prioritised timely communication and student outreach. Working closely with academic and administrative units, the team helped disseminate critical updates regarding academic continuity, course adjustments, and institutional guidance to help students navigate the evolving situation. A key focus of the SEU's response was ensuring that students had access to appropriate support services during and after the event, a response grounded in SDG 16's call for responsive, accountable institutions, particularly in moments of crisis. STANDING WITH STUDENTS: THE SEU'S RESPONSE TO HURRICANE MELISSA Highlights and Achievements As the University continues to build on these experiences, the SEU remains committed to strengthening its support systems, enhancing emergency communication strategies, and ensuring that students are consistently supported, academically, emotionally, and administratively through every stage of their learning journey, work that reflects the University's Strategic Pillar of Agility and reinforces its ongoing contribution to the SDGs.The Year That Was OUR PRIORITY AFTER HURRICANE MELISSA The SEU extends its appreciation to all staff, student leaders, and other stakeholders who contributed to supporting students during this period.
The University of the West Indies Global Campus marked a significant milestone in its academic calendar with the hosting of its Virtual Graduation Ceremony, a moment devoted to celebrating the perseverance and academic success of its graduating cohort. Originally scheduled for an earlier date, the ceremony was postponed as a result of the impact of Hurricane Melissa. In the interest of student experience and institutional responsiveness, the University made the considered decision to reschedule the event for January 10, 2026, ensuring that graduates and their families could fully participate in a meaningful and uninterrupted celebration. Despite the geographical dispersion of participants, the ceremony successfully recreated the sense of occasion and pride traditionally associated with in-person graduations. Ultimately, the Virtual Graduation Ceremony stood as a powerful reminder that while circumstances may shift, achievement and excellence remain constant. As graduates move forward into the next chapter of their journeys, the University extends heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for continued success, confident that they will continue to make meaningful contributions in their professions, communities, and beyond. P e l i c a n s p o t l i g h t A Celebration of Resilience V I R T U A L G R A D U A T I O N 2 0 2 5
Guild President: Ms. Salinah CuffieGuild President: Ms. Salinah Cuffie 2026- 2027 New Regional Executives Leading this year's Guild is Ms. Salinah Cuffie, a dedicated student leader from Grenada who brings a strong commitment to student advocacy, collaboration, and community engagement. Prior to assuming the presidency, she served as Communications and Public Relations Officer for the Grenada Chapter of the Guild of Students, where she played an instrumental role in strengthening communication with students and promoting Guild initiatives. As Guild President, she now chairs both the Guild Council and Guild Executive and serves as the Guild's Chief Executive Officer, providing overall leadership, representing students' interests, and strengthening relationships across the wider UWI community. Guild of Students They are the ones making sure students are heard, supported, and connected: meet the Guild of Students. The Guild of Students (GOS) is the official student representative body of The University of the West Indies Global Campus. Established in 2011, the Guild serves as the recognised channel of communication between the student body and the University's leadership, ensuring that students' voices are represented in the governance and development of the institution. The Guild is committed to advocating the rights, interests, and welfare of students while fostering an inclusive and engaging university experience. Through effective representation, leadership development, student engagement initiatives, and collaboration with the University, the Guild promotes academic excellence, personal growth, and community involvement. As a primarily online university, Global Campus offers students flexibility, but the Guild recognises that university life should be about more than attending classes and completing assignments. Through social activities, student engagement initiatives, networking opportunities and development programmes, the Guild works to create meaningful opportunities for students to connect, build relationships and feel a genuine sense of belonging.
She is joined by eight other executive members, each bringing a distinct role and perspective to representing students and building a vibrant Global Campus community. Leading Today, Empowering Tomorrow Makiba Ward, Vice President – Administration, Sites & Services, coordinates student representation across the Guild's various chapters, supports the Guild's committees, and works closely with University Administration to keep student services responsive to students' needs. Shem Hippolyte, Vice President – Special Projects & Funding, leads the Guild's special projects and funding initiatives, identifying opportunities that benefit students and helping bring impactful Guild programmes to life. Pauline Duporte, Guild Secretary - Keeps the Guild's official records in order, ensuring important information, reports, and decisions are properly documented and communicated to the Guild Council and University stakeholders. Sean Murray, Guild Treasurer - Oversees the Guild's financial affairs, ensuring funds are managed responsibly and in line with university policy. Glenroy Thomas, Games Committee Chair - Leads the Games Committee, promoting sports, recreation, and student participation, while strengthening the University's sporting ties with the wider community. Stacey Tewes, Public Relations Officer - Leads the Public Relations Committee and manages the Guild's communications and publications, keeping students in the loop on Guild initiatives, activities, and opportunities. Ervin Henry, Returning Officer - Oversees the Guild's elections, ensuring the process stays fair, transparent, and true to the Guild's regulations. Cashave Shaw, Postgraduate Representative - Represents postgraduate students' interests and concerns at the Guild Council, Faculty Boards, and relevant University meetings, while encouraging greater postgraduate participation in Guild life. Looking Ahead: Our Vision for 2026/2027 This year, the Guild is doubling down on a simple but ambitious goal: making the Global Campus experience feel like a traditional university experience, even within a primarily online environment. That means continuing to grow local chapter activities, social and cultural initiatives, and student development series across the Global Campus community. None of that happens in isolation. The Guild will continue strengthening its partnership with the SEU, working together to identify what students actually need and building initiatives that respond to it directly. The goal, simply put: more opportunities for students to connect, participate, grow, and feel like they truly belong at The UWI Global Campus.
HEADLINEHEADLINE HEADLINEHEADLINE HEADLINEHEADLINE Reunited. Reignited. Ready Global Campus Hummingbird xxxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx Request Photos and write up from Nesha
SEU FEEDBACK From Our Most Important Stakeholders: Our StudentsFrom Our Most Important Stakeholders: Our StudentsFrom Our Most Important Stakeholders: Our Students Every quarter, we hear directly from the students we serve. Here is a look at what they had to say about their experience with the SEU: "My experience with the Programme Officer was very good, professional from beginning to end. They responded promptly to my emails, sought out the information I needed, and continued to follow up on the progress of my issue. Having someone there to support me made me feel reassured that my concerns were being taken seriously and addressed. I am grateful for the time and effort dedicated to assisting me, and for the excellent job in helping me with what I needed." "The Student Experience Team is very dependable and a marvelous source of help. Keep up the phenomenal work!" "The thing that stood out most to me was your willingness to help. You didn't know me from anywhere, yet you treated me with such genuine kindness. I just saw that my transcript had been updated, and I had to try very hard not to shed a tear. I salute you, and I will do my very best in this programme." "I would like to thank you for your exceptional service in ensuring that my matter was resolved. Whether providing guidance or reaching out to the relevant personnel on my behalf, the support made a significant difference. I am truly grateful for your assistance. Thank you." "The Programme Officer was excellent in promptly responding to my messages and providing the essential information I needed to resolve my issues. Job well done and thank you for your outstanding service." "Since learning about your unit and using it consistently, I feel that my issues are resolved faster and responses are received much quicker." "Very prompt, empathetic, helpful, and comprehensive, their responses always are."
UPCOMING EVENTCONNECT WITH US "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." — Winston Churchill MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE 1 (246) 843 -4865 student.experience@open.uwi.edu experienceuwigc Looking Ahead: our vision for 2026 - 2027 Course Representative Programme - Semester I and II Meet & Greet Ongoing Collaborations Research Developments As we look forward to the 2026–2027 academic year, the SEU remains committed to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and engaging campus community. We are excited to build on this year's successes through innovative student-centred programmes and initiatives, and meaningful collaborations. Together, we look forward to creating even more opportunities for students to learn, connect, and thrive.
Be kind to yourself. Focus on what you can control, celebrate small wins, and remember that progress takes time.Take a few quiet moments to journal your thoughts, reflect on your day, and give yourself space to breathe, reset, and reconnect.Talking can make a difference. Share what you’re feeling with someone you trust and remember that you don’t have to navigate challenges alone.SEU WELLNESS CORNER POSITIVE MINDSETJOURNALING SUPPORT A Few Reminders for This Semester Pace yourself. Progress does not have to look like perfection. Small, consistent steps count. Stay connected. Reach out to classmates, family, or friends; isolation makes everything feel heavier than it is. Protect your rest. Sleep is not a luxury; it is fuel for focus and resilience. Ask for help early. Whether it is academic, administrative, or personal, the SEU is here long before things feel overwhelming, not just after. Resources You Can Turn To The UWI Counselling Services: counseling.students@uwi.edu OR counseling.staff@uwi.edu SSS: student.support@open.uwi.edu Regional helpline: [insert contact] Academic Advising: [insert contact] If you are ever navigating a challenge, academic, personal, or otherwise, the SEU is here to help point you toward the right University resources and support services. You do not have to carry it alone, and you do not have to figure out where to turn on your own. University life comes with its share of pressure, deadlines, exams, juggling work and study, and everything in between. This corner is a gentle reminder: your wellbeing matters just as much as your academic success, and taking care of yourself is not a distraction from your goals, it is part of reaching them.
Heavenly Father, We thank You for the gift of learning, the privilege of serving, and the opportunity to grow together as a university community. As Your Word reminds us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault" (James 1:5). Grant our students the wisdom, perseverance, and confidence as they pursue their studies. Strengthen our faculty and staff with patience, compassion, and renewed purpose as they guide, teach, and support others. May we do all things with excellence, remembering that "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord" (Colossians 3:23). Fill our campuses with peace, unity, and mutual respect. Help us to encourage one another, celebrate each other's achievements, and extend grace during times of challenge. May Your promise be our comfort: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid... for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). We commit this academic community into Your loving care and ask that You continue to bless every student, every member of staff, and every leader with good health, hope, and success. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen. Prayer Moment