The University of Guyana (UG) is Guyana’s 58-year-old state University. With over 10,000 students and 1,000 staff, UG offers over 130 different undergraduate and graduate programmes through its eight (8) Faculties and 12 Institutes. The University has a footprint that spans seven (7) of Guyana’s 10 regions across eight (8) Campuses. The University of Guyana’s over 40, 000 alumni excel nationally and internationally in such areas as Science, Business, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Jurisprudence, Education, and the Arts. This publication is the University’s summary annual report for the year 2020 – 2021.
Cover Art
“Unknown” painting by Elodie Smith, Department of Art, Faculty of Education and Humanities
Layout and Design
Department of Events, Conferences, and Communication (DECC) Office of the Vice-Chancellor, University of Guyana decc@uog.edu.gy | ugpress.decc@uog.edu.gy
Photography
Neketa Forde (DECC)
Shamar Semple (DECC)
Leuvina Smith (PACE)
Dr. Taijrani Rampersaud (DECC)
University of Guyana Library (Learning Resources Centre) Faculties
The Senior Management Team From the Chancellor’s Diary Vice-Chancellor’s Summary Report
REPORTS FROM ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS
Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Engagement
Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Advancement
Registry
Personnel Division
Safety and Security Department
Facilities Maintenance Division
Office of Occupational Health and Safety Internal Audit Department
Tactical Online Services Unit
The Office of Philanthropy, Alumni and Civic Engagement
REPORTS FROM INSTITUTES
157
Department of Events, Conferences and Communication
23
Centre of Excellence for Teaching and Learning
Confucius Institute
Institute for Energy Diplomacy
Institute of Distance and Continuing Education
Institute of Gender Studies
Institute of Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Selected Research and Publication Profiles
Long Service Awardees
2020 – 2021
REPORTS FROM ACADEMIC DIVISIONS
College of Medical Sciences
Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry
Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Faculty of Education and Humanities
Faculty of Engineering and Technology
Faculty of Natural Sciences
Faculty of Social Sciences
School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation
University of Guyana Library
University of Guyana Berbice Campus
Staff Members Promoted Graduates of the Human Resource Course PhD Awardees
87
University of Guyana’s Senior Management Team (SMT)
The Senior Management Team (SMT) is made up of statutory officers and managers of the University of Guyana. These are the members:
Mr. Sekhar Malliampati Director, TOS-SSETA
Dr. Nigel Gravesande Registrar
Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin Vice-Chancellor, Xi
Prof. Emanuel Cummings Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Engagement
Dr. Mellissa Ifill Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Institutional Advancement
Ms. Yashoda Matabdial Chief Accountant
Ms. Holda Poonai Bursar
Mr. Malcolm Williams Director, Tactical Online Services (TOS) Unit
Mr. Fidel Captain Manager, TOS-CIT
Dr. Jacqueline Murray Director, Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE)
Ms. Gwyneth George University Librarian
Dr. Lawrence Lewis Dean, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry
Ms. Marcellin D’Aguiar Personnel Officer (A.g)
Prof. Gomathinayagam Subramanian Director, Berbice Campus
From the Chancellor’s Diary (2020–2021)
Prof Edward Greene, CCH, Phd Chairman of the Council of the University of Guyana
This has been a very active and productive year for the University, due mainly to the fortitude and diligence of Prof Paloma Mohamed Martin, Vice-Chancellor, the Senior Management Team, the Academic and Administrative staff, the students, alumni, and friends, all of whom share in my appreciation on behalf of the past and current members of the University’s Council.
The Chancellor’s Diary for the academic year 2020-2021 celebrates the University Community for sustaining the activities of the national University and fully demonstrates the creative leadership and vibrancy of the institution. Despite having to function in the unprecedented environment caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the University converted the challenges into opportunities to master the virtual space for teaching, learning and outreach to its various national, regional, and international communities. It is to be noted that during this reporting period a record number of students were enrolled; course offerings were expanded; students, alumni and the public were engaged in a series of seminars and conferences; and financial and administrative records were digitized. At the same time, the University executed its core statutory functions with efficiency and effective results.
I. SPECIAL APPRECIATIONS TO THE COUNCIL AND PROCHANCELLOR JOSEPH SINGH
The tenure of the last Council came to an end on July 31, 2020. The University awaits the Government of Guyana nominees to complete the membership of the new Council. I therefore take this opportunity to reiterate the university’s deep appreciation to the outgoing councilors, an amazingly dedicated group that over the past three years 2018-2021 contributed to framing policies and piloting new forms of institutional strengthening. It presided over a transparent process of selecting the eleventh Vice-Chancellor and approved the elements of the University strategic Blueprint 2040, a work in progress approved by Council in July 2020.
On behalf of the University Community, I also take this opportunity to express profound thanks to Retired Major General Joseph Singh who demitted office as Pro-Chancellor on March 31, 2021. His was an outstanding tenure during which period he chaired the Council in the absence of a Chancellor 20182019 and was instrumental in helping to shape the updated budgetary reporting system and streamlined the operations of institution’s pension’s scheme as Chair of the University’s Finance and General-Purpose Committee. In addition, his presence and constructive engagement at statutory meetings and other university fora will be greatly missed. Most of all, I will ever record an inadequate appreciation to him for the patient and effective orientation
and guidance he gave to me as Chancellor. On behalf of the current membership of Council and indeed the entire University Community, I extend every good wish to him for success in his current and future endeavors. We also include his wife Carolyn in these sentiments of appreciation for her understanding and support and for allowing us at the University of Guyana to consume so much of the ProChancellor’s precious time.
II. CHANCELLOR’S CAUCUS
The inaugural Chancellor’s Caucus was held on May 17, 2021. Its aim was to discuss major policy priorities that fall under the purview of the office of the Chancellor. The idea for a Chancellor’s Caucus, originally conceived as a bridge builder was to function as a series of roundtables, each including selected members of Council and a range of representative stakeholders. It is not intended to usurp the powers of Council and respects the distinction between the strategic governance role of Council and the operational management of the institution which is the responsibility of the University Senior Management Team lead by the Vice-Chancellor. The agenda at the first Chancellor’s Caucus provided an opportunity for discussing and receiving feedback on major new policies and programmes. Among them are the University of Guyana Foundation and the UG Broadcasting Board which I have the honor to Chair.
III.THE UNIVERSITY OF GUYANA FOUNDATION (UGF)
The aims and Trustees of the Foundation were approved by Council in July 2020. The Foundation’s Board comprises nine Trustees and Ex-Officio members drawn from senior management, alumni, and Student representatives. During this reporting period it presided over a series of policy developments. These include:
• completing the UGF’s Trust Deed and Bylaws, thereby establishing the governance and procedural arrangements for the Foundation;
• developing priorities for attracting endowments and other forms of support for UG’s Blueprint 2040;
• planning a series of special funding activities for UG’s 60th anniversary in 2023;
• Establishing an agenda for building a culture of philanthropy among students, alumni and friends including the private sector.
The aim is to stimulate a sustained flow of “charitable giving” to the University to support technological innovations, research, fellowships and student support and modernization of the physical facilities, among other priorities. These endeavours are to be bolstered by the establishment of associates of the Foundation in the USA, Canada, and UK.
IV. THE UG BROADCASTING BOARD
The membership of the Board of Trustees was completed during this reporting period. Its immediate aim is to establish the UG Radio station as a learning and communication enterprise, for which it has secured a license to operate in both terrestrial and online modes. Emphasis has been put on putting in place for the governance and technical operations of the Board, highlighting the framework for the Board to fulfill its legal, ethical, and functional responsibilities and formulating the organizational structure, including an organogram of staffing, implementation of programme goals and an inventory of available assets. Provisions are included for the engagement of students as trainees from operational and engineering programmes and for engaging community partners.
Among the recommendations from the Caucus, that are engaging the attention of the Board are the following:
• Establishing an independent planning broadcasting enterprise.
• Developing standards for media broadcasting.
• Restoring the journalism component of the curriculum of the Communications Department.
• Exploring links between UG Broadcasting entity and the CARICOM Communications Division to deliver programmes focused on regional content.
Prof Edward Greene, CCH, PhD Chancellor
V. OTHER ACTIVITIES: FOSTERING INTERNATIONAL LINKAGES AND INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING
I have maintained a relatively busy schedule, providing leadership as Chair of the University’s highest policy making institution, its Council, engaging in a series of university activities and representing the university at international fora. In these respects, I continued to work closely with the Vice-Chancellor in expanding partnerships with Universities, other agencies and the corporate world, regionally and internationally. Among them are the highprofile events of relevance to UG in which I participated include: the Caucus of Caribbean Ambassadors to the US and Representatives to the OAS (March 2021); the IMF/World Bank Midterm Meetings (April 2021), CARICOM Council for Human and Social Development (August 2021), The US Congressional Black Caucus: Covid-19 and Implications for the Caribbean (August 2021) the UN General Assembly (September 2021).
coping in the delivery programmes and expanding goodwill internationally despite the constraints of Covid-19. It pushed the frontiers of knowledge and learning in a manner that is respectful, civil, supportive, and safe. Its faculty and graduate school have been involved in outstanding research. The alumni continue to make outstanding contributions, nationally, regionally, and international. I am proud to have been involved as its Chancellor.
Prof Edward Greene, CCH, PhD Chancellor, University of Guyana
Vice-Chancellor’s 2021 At a Glance Report
Prof Paloma Mohamed Martin, AA, PhD Vice-Chancellor, Xi, University of Guyana
I. INTRODUCTION
The University of Guyana (UG) is 59 years old this year. As an institution established before Guyana’s independence and a passionate aspiration of Guyana’s first premier Dr. Cheddi Jagan, “UG” embodied the hopes and aspirations of a nation on the verge of “becoming”. It has been recognized by each successive government as Guyana’s most significant national strategic asset.
In its 59 year history, UG has valiantly tried to live up to the ever-expanding expectations of a nation struggling to understand, manage and actualize itself. In responding to this role, “UG” has tried to be everything to everyone, stretching itself in every way to fulfill its mandate and its reason d’etre.
business, environment, medicine, and technology. UG has moved from training scores to training thousands and from a home-based to a major exporter of trained Guyanese talent. Extrapolating from data on the quantum of repatriated funds from overseas Guyanese, it could be envisaged that UG graduates in the diaspora would have contributed a significant portion to the country over these decades. In addition, thousands of graduates who remained at home created the new Guyana, served and continue to serve in the highest offices in similar fashion.
I also presided over UG’s successful virtual graduation ceremonies (March 2021) spread over five separate events which was a tribute to the newly established Department of Events, Conferences and Conventions (DECC) that anchored the technical delivery creatively and effectively. In addition, my activities involved supporting the Vice-Chancellor and her Senior Management Team in their mission to make the University a Center of excellence. Consequently, the virtual arrangements for executing the enormous range of university’s programs. Among them were UG’s Blueprint 2040 Encounter, an iterative process for an evolving long-term strategy (April 2021); and UG’s World Diaspora Conference (July 2021). In the case of the latter, it was indeed my pleasure to participate in a panel “Reflect to Affect” with former Chancellors: Sir Shridath Ramphal, Professor Compton Bourne, and Professor Nigel Harris.
programmes. Among them were UG’s Blueprint 2040 Encounter, an iterative process for an evolving long-term strategy (April 2021); and UG’s World Diaspora Conference (July 2021). In the case of the latter, it was indeed my pleasure to participate in a panel “Reflect to Affect” with former Chancellors: Sir Shridath Ramphal, Professor Compton Bourne, and Professor Nigel Harris.
VI. CONCLUSION
This was a gratifying year when the University accomplished much that is worthy of commendation. It enhanced its image by
Since 1963, the state University was the only institution of higher education available to Guyanese remaining at home for over 40 years. Pound for pound its value, impact and achievements match and surpass many other institutions at similar points in their history and evidenced by the illustration in figure 1.
As figure 1 below demonstrates, UG has grown exponentially in every way since its humble beginnings in borrowed quarters of Queens College in Georgetown. UG has expanded both its physical and its online footprint as well as its offerings from 9 to 145 programmes presently. Its orientation has expanded from an initial focus on soft and human sciences to hard sciences, nature,
As Guyana sits on the cusp of cataclysmic socio-economic transformation, UG must once again re-visit its role as the apex educational institution of the nation. Most importantly, as the planet readjusts to the paradigm shift that climate change and Covid-19 had imposed upon it, and the particular realities it has visited upon institutions of higher education, UG seeks to forge forward with plans to reposition itself in the national and global context.
Indeed, the evolving specter of Covid-19 and other disruptive events of 2020 to present have forced the University over the last twelve months to rapidly accelerate plans evolving in its BluePrint 2040. Chief amongst these was the rapid-online phase which successfully leapfrogged four years ahead of plans to expand the University’s online offerings, in keeping with aspirational goal #1 of its Blueprint.
Prof Paloma Mohamed Martin, AA, PhD Vice-Chancellor, Xi
II. ENDURING UNDERSTANDINGS
The University of Guyana understands itself to be:
1. The national University and therefore a key national player in shaping Guyana’s identity and future realities.
2. An a-political transcendent institution working across all divides and across time to create the best graduate fit for purpose and who can succeed as a world citizen.
3. The first among our national communities of thought leaders contributing towards positive sustainable nationhood/nation-building and Latin American Countries (LAC) development.
4. A transformational entity positioned to restructure, impact, and empower Guyana’s people (and those of this region including neighbors) to meet their highest aspirations in a sustainable responsible manner.
5. An international partner-actor in solving the nations and planet’s present and future problems.
III. UG BLUEPRINT 2040: THE STRATEGIC GROUNDING
UG’s activities are firmly, strategically, and empirically grounded upon the institution’s Blueprint 2040. Following the provisions of its Blueprint 2040, The University of Guyana’s Nation-Strategic Goals are:
i. Enabling staff, student, and citizen success in safe and secure physical and virtual environments
ii. Ensuring total technical command of subject matter in specific and nationally strategic and aligned areas.
iii. Providing equitable, inclusive training and research for problem-solving nation and planet specific matters.
iv. Modelling / performing for excellence in every aspect of operations.
v. System efficiency and nimbleness for student and staff successes and
vi. Researching to position for maximizing present and emerging opportunities.
vii. Leveraging technology to manage disruption, accelerate competitiveness and optimize benefits of rapid unexpected change and viii. Building a graduate who is fit in every way
for the purpose of nation building, navigating life, conquering its challenges, and adding highest value.
IV. THE ASPIRATIONAL GOALS OF UG’S BLUEPRINT 2040 ARE:
1. At least one graduate per household;
2. To be a world leader in specific knowledge’s, techniques, and technologies;
3. To be a Center of Excellence for Research and problem solving of Guyana’s and the regions Grand Challenges;
4. To be a Model for the Nation: fully focused on creating citizens who are fit for purpose and for the future.
The University of Guyana is now in the second year of the first phase of Blueprint 2040 (20202025). The previous year 2020 was the first year in phase 1. The very brief report from the Office of the Vice Chancellor XI, outlines key aspects of UG’s operations for the academic year 2020-2021.
V. SUMMARY OF ADMINISTRATIVE PERFORMANCE
Prudent Management of UG’s Financial Business and Health - for the second time in the last 15 years UG began the fiscal year 2021 with its budget in the black, though this was a tiny positive balance. As at end of November 2021, UG financial position was still in the black though diminishing due to 3 unplanned converging conditions (1) Covid-19 which reduced ability to collect fees, (2) forced unforeseen expenditures for safety and (3) expenditures for onlining which were not funded by subventions. Further, relief was also lobbied for by students and some measures were granted by way of waivers, deferrals as well as a 50% reduction in Facilities Fees despite the University needing to outlay additional funds for new and unplanned online and safety resources in 2021. Savings can be attributed mainly to highly curtailed staff travel, prudent fiscal prioritization and costs associated with face to face activities.
Figure 2 - Summary Statement Performance For The Year January 1-December 31, 2021
A. Financial Accountability: In 2021 the University through the direct oversight of the Office of the Vice Chancellor and a special tactical team continued to review systems and procedures with a view of supporting the University’s Bursar in bringing all outstanding financial statements and audits up to date for both the UG Pension Scheme and General Accounts as well as to digitise all financial systems and records. This has been a painstaking process.
B. Rapid Adaptability: The University went from processing 96% of all its payments via paper to 96% online processing of all transactions with the exception of a few which do not bear this treatment at this time. Synchronization of student payments online from various sources as well as ongoing work with the Student Loan Agency (SLA) for timely reconciliation of student loans or refunds has begun.
C. Effectiveness of Human Response: In September 2019, nineteen members of the Bursary enrolled in an Executive Diploma in HR and Management from the UWI Sagicor School of Business in Barbados. All enrolled, completed their studies, and graduated in 2021. The University congratulates each.
The teams have also been exposed to strategic experiential learning trips to observe modern systems at other Universities as well as exposure to specific types of training workshops during the year. Additionally, resourcing, and strategic division of key functions in the Bursary under the new administration, though still not optimal, has allowed for a clearer focus and responsibility on specific areas. The introduction of KPI’s and workplans for key staff and departments since August 2020 is also supporting a more streamlined response.
D. Change from Bursary to Finance Management Office: This process began in earnest in August 2019. However, its planned trajectory was accelerated and revised due to the Covid-19 conditions which forced several aspects having to do with technology to come on-stream much faster than planned. Conversion is expected to be completed by mid-2023.
Continued Respectful Union - Admin Relations
E. In 2020 the new University administration commenced cordial relations with the UG Unions by establishing formal relations and establishing two committees, the Engagement Committee, and the Negotiations Committee. The Engagement Committee continued to meet regularly in 2021. Many of the small but significant improvements for staff in 2021 have come out of those very cordial engagement meetings. Four such meetings were held in 2021. They mainly focused on staff matters, the integral involvement of the Unions with the development of the terms of reference, selection of consultants and the extensive review of Human Relations (personnel) procedures and polices within the University, as well as the spearheading of the development of the terms of reference and reform actions for the University of Guyana’s Pension Scheme. The Unions and the University will name their respective members to the Negotiations Committee in 2022.
VI. BUILDING NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL BRIDGES
The University executed several partnership
agreements in 2021 through the offices of the Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellors. These MOU’s all bring resources of some kind to the University and govern reciprocal arrangements for collaborative research, faculty and student exchanges, training, laboratory and other equipment and community projects of mutual interest. The University also continues to support the direct requests and perceived needs of the Government of Guyana through policy documents, training, data and research support, service on boards, policy consultations, ad hoc presentations , participation in and hosting of events inter alia.
A. Reforming Human Resources to Serve the UG of the Present and Future
In November 2019, then DVC PACE (now VC) led and resourced a UWI Consulting HR Leadership Assessment Process involving 120 persons across the University. This was focused on Bursary, Personnel, and Administration between October and December 2019. The recommendations of this report along with those of a more comprehensive report conducted by UWI Consulting in 2014-2015 as well as submissions by the University’s Unions formed the basis of a HR reform process which began in 2014 and should have been completed by 2017. Lack of dedicated resources amongst other systemic variables disrupted the process. However, the process was revised and restructured since October 2019 and the DVC for Institutional Advancement was tasked with its oversight along with a special task force appointed by the Vice-Chancellor. The DVC, Unions and the task Force have been working with a consultant on reviewing, revising and developing the policy and governance documents for the University’s HR systems. A draft report is expected by early 2022.
Like the Bursary, all systems within the paper moribund Personnel Department need to be digitised and converted to an online system. This includes processing pension documents, contracts, gratuities, leave, interviews, appointments, disciplinary hearings, promotions and so on in a no faceto-face environment. They have gone from
processing online at 67% in 2020 to 92% in the last 6 months. This at first proved to be a long, slow and difficult process. However, with the assignment of a dedicated DVC and a special projects officer in the Office of the ViceChancellor with the mandates for overseeing and supporting HR matters, the system has been more responsive and seems to be adapting better to the new realities. There is however a lot more that needs to be done in moving the Personnel Department into a modern highly efficient Human Resources Department. Work is ongoing in this regard.
B. Student Success Linked to
Staff Success: Aggressive Transformation of Lecturers and Administrators
Through PACE over 100 funded in-service scholarships for academic and non-academic staff mobility and succession over the next 5 years were negotiated. Eighty of these persons are currently in programmes. Twenty were disrupted due to Covid-19 and are expected to recommence in 2021-22 academic year.
In the meantime, an aggressive programme of recruitment is being pursued and made more possible through the possibilities of remote teaching and a programme of funded Research Chairs and Professors of Practice beginning in 2021.
The University has been able to secure through funding of the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) four Professors of Practice for key appointments in the University between 2020-2025.
C. Creating Successful Citizens Who Are Fit for Purpose
The Finance and General Purposes Committee (FGPC) endorsed the Academic Board approved paper advanced by then DVC PACE Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin to Pilot a 12-hour service course for all University staff and students on human relations in December 2019. This programme now in its third year is a 16-hour course taken to date by over 12,000 people including two special public free offerings that are now compulsory for staff and students. Dr. Charmaine Bissessar along with Mr. Sekhar Malliampati and team
are complimented for continuing to manage this work.
D. Staff, Student, and Stakeholder Safety and Satisfaction:
In December 2019, the security situation of the campus had been close to untenable. As Chair of the TMC Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin Vice-Chancellor, Xi convened a broad-based security task force to assess and advise on the situation. By January 2020, a three phase Comprehensive Security Programme had been created. In the reporting year the following have been completed: (1) six more vulnerable buildings have been electronically secured (2) process of reconfiguring the entrances and of new security checkpoints have been completed (3) the design for new rationalised parking conditions and facilities completed and awaiting end to sewer work on campus for implementation in 2022 (4) continued the improved lighting on the perimeter and (5) installation of cameras is in progress to be completed in early 2022. Project Director Danny Khudu travelled overseas and could not continue. A new Project Engineer had to be employed to complete the safety and security project to deal with hazardous waste and other biohazardous problems as well as infection control. The new office of Occupational Health and Safety has been creating and managing access and safety protocols for the campus as well as the purchase and installation and training of mandatory sanitisation apparatus.
One of the hidden but real security threats relates to the online environment. The newly created department of Tactical Online Services (TOS) is a department dedicated to the development, management, and protection of the University’s online and internet assets. This Unit has been continually improving the policies and procedures including responding to threats on a continual basis. Their work is truly remarkable.
VII. NEW PROGRAMMES INTRODUCED IN 2021
The following programmes which were developed between 2018 and 2020 were approved and offered in 2021.
1. Bachelor of Science in Agri-Entrepreneurship and Management Programme
2. Master of Science in Strategic Development Studies
3. Master of Science in Supply Chain Management
4. Bachelor of Arts Occupational Health and Safety
5. Bachelor of Science Cardiovascular Nursing Affiliate Programme
6. Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Tourism Management
7. Bachelor of Applied Science in Petroleum Engineering
8. Settlement and Housing Development Strategy (SHDS) Course
9. Modern Language Service and Use of English Courses
10. Diploma in Communication Studies at the University of Guyana Berbice Campus (UGBC)11. Restoration Course (Biology)
12. ENV 3211 (Practical Environmental Chemistry)
13. ENV 2103 (Fundamentals of Environmental Impact Assessment
14. The Executive Certificate in Energy (Institute for Energy Diplomacy)-
15. Certificate in General Policing
16. Diploma in Crime and Criminology Programme
17. Business Plan Preparation and Writing Course
18. Small Business Management Course
19. Post Graduate Diploma in Echocardiography Programme
20. Master of Communication Studies Programme
21. Bachelor of Science in Psychology Programme
VIII.
NEW INSTITUTES AND UNITS
In keeping with Blueprint Goal numbers 2 and 3, the following new Institutes focused on key areas of research and policy have been created and are now functional:
1. The Institute for Human Resiliency, Strategic Security, and the Future
2. The College of Behavioral Research and Sciences
3. The Inclusion Unit
4. The Quality Assurance Unit
5. The Project, Planning, Procurement and Monitoring Unit
6. The Institute of Energy Diplomacy
X. PHYSICAL PLANT KEY PROJECTS IN 2021
1. Completion of ongoing GOG Projects: Math and Science Building, Pump House, Sewerage system and HR-Bursary Building.
2. Donor Funded - Design of New UG gate
3. Configuration of Parking Lot and the addition of a disability parking area, to also cater for future installation of renewable energy
4. Donor Funded: Reconstruction of the Main Security Building, Gates, and Outposts
5. Establishment of a Sub-committee to review the ToRs for the Building and Estates Committee; sub-committee to reflect the current needs of the University
6. Establishment of a Sub-committee to Develop New Climate and Infectious Disease Resilient Building codes for the University
7. Establishment of a Sub-committee to review the University of Guyana Master plan
8. Establishment of a Sub-committee to Review the Policies and Procedures for Contractors’ engagement with the University.
XI. MAINTAINING GOOD GOVERNANCE: TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND INCLUSIVENESS AND NEW POLICY DEVELOPMENT
Continuing from 2020, when all dormant Committees were reactivated and when deep and involved discussions were required to support the University’s move to online, and the fulfillment of the first phase of BluePrint 2040, the year 2021 saw a record number of statutory and non-statutory meetings which were required to regularise changes and address a backlog of items. To achieve this, the Vice-Chancellor chaired over 1200 hours of statutory meetings in 2021 and another 3000 hours of non-
statutory and external meetings. This number of hours is expected to be decreased significantly beyond 2021 since much of the reform and repair work has been done. We sincerely thank the staff of the office of the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellors’ and their staff, the Office of the Registry, Union representatives on all relevant Committees and the Deans and Assistant Deans in particular for their herculean efforts in achieving the following list of new programmes, policies, units and promotions.
3: Statutory and Sub-committee meetings serviced by the committee and archive units
Figure
XII. FIRST ONLINE GRADUATION - ACHIEVING CITIZEN SUCCESS THROUGH OUR STUDENTS
Following the decision to continue teaching in safe-mode (online and blended) and to allow students already enrolled who faced financial difficulties to continue their education and to also graduate, the University of Guyana was able to design and host its first ever online graduation ceremonies in March 2021 for students who should have graduated in December 2020. In four online graduations the University was able to graduate its largest number of students to date 2300. This year also saw numerous innovations in
graduation services, including postal by request of certificates, and a photo graduation yearbook produced and given to students as a keepsake for the first time.
The University is also happy to report that despite challenges of all kinds and the fact that some students were unable to graduate on time, 80% of students were able to make it to this important milestone, supplying the country with thousands of qualified graduates to help fuel Guyana’s rapidly expanding development needs. We note with continuing concern that like in 2020 those disproportionately affected by the pandemic were female students.
XIII. ENROLLMENT
In the year 2021, the University also saw its largest application and enrollment crop in its history. This was due in part to several rapid innovations made at the level of policy, technology, and outreach. A key innovation spearheaded by the Tactical Online Services Unit (TOS)
and the Department of Events, Conferences and Communications (DECC) formed in late 2020 was the introduction of a Virtual Career fair which saw over 16,000 visitors over a two-day weekend. Also, continued improvements in policy and implementation regarding digital submission and verification of documents through the University’s Registry are to be noted.
Since the discovery of oil in productive quantities in 2015, The University of Guyana has been involved in supporting the rapid development of human resources, policy, research and training for the sector. In addition
to those allied programmes already offered across various faculties across the University, over 23 different new offerings have been developed between 2018 and 2020 with all of them coming on stream in the 202021 academic year. The graphic below illustrates some of the key offerings given. Registry are to be noted.
Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips with second best graduating students
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali with Best Graduating Students
Figure 7: Enrollment
XIV. SPECIAL FOCUS: ENERGY RELATED OFFERINGS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF GUYANA
XV. SPECIAL FOCUS FOR 2022
At the end of 2021, the University is evaluating and recalibrating its processes, policies and management based on the BluePrint 2040 goals and emerging national and international imperatives. The following are ongoing and will continue to receive special focus over the next twelve to twentyfour months:
1. UG’s National Accreditation and Registration
2. College Of Excellence for Teaching and Educational Leadership
3. The UG 60th Anniversary Project
4. Systematisation and Modernisation of key service centres – Bursary, Human Resources, and Registry
5. Modernising Berbice Campus and The Institutes for Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE)
6. Strengthening Online Academic and Service Offerings – Architecture
7. Strengthening UG-GoG Relations with key special focus areas
8. Medical School Accreditation and Accreditation for the Faculty of Engineering and Technology
9. Finalisation of HR Project
10. Building the University’s Research Backbone
XVI. KEY CHALLENGES
1. Ongoing Covid-19 conditions which impacts student’s ability to pay and participate in a full University life;
2. Funding streams stretched by lower income from students, and need for more expenditure on online offerings and expanded safety apparatus and materials;
3. Failing 50 plus year infrastructure and lack of funding to refurbish or build new ones;
4. Comparatively low salaries and emoluments and the unresolved matter of Union agreements with previous UG administrations which are yet to settled.
5. Un-resolved multi-year sewerage refurbishing project which requires a firm agreement on the final stages of the project due to a flaw in the design done in 2017;
6. Delay in funding for the University’s new Library and the University’s new College of Medicine Building.
7. Lack of purpose-built facilities and student facilities on the campuses.
XVII. 2020-2025’S MAIN STRATEGIC FOCUS:
(a) Building out Foundation for Delivering Quality Higher Education in Safety and Security
(c) Building out an enabling Teaching and Learning Environments on Three Campuses (UG Face to Face, IDCE and Virtual Campus)
(d) Supporting National Resilience and Strategic Development Priorities – Expansion of Berbice Campus and offerings; Equipping for Energy, Food, Infrastructure, Human Resilience, Health and Security.
(e) Efficient and effective management in a Covid to Post Covid Transition
XVIII. APPRECIATION
Though I led the University’s Transitional Management Committee (TMC) as its Chair from August 2019 to July 2020, this is my first annual report as Vice-Chancellor since I was appointed the eleventh ViceChancellor (XI) of the University following a year-long search process in June 2020. I have been honoured to carry out the mission of working with the Council, Chancellor, The Senior Management Team, my University colleagues at UG and internationally, alumni and University friends, donors and partners. It has been a privilege in reforming the University along the lines of the Blueprint 2040 during what is perhaps the most challenging
time in its 59-year history. The key items summarised in this report of the University’s performance for the Academic year 2020-2021 could not have been possible without the remarkable leadership and servantship of our 1200 odd staff who were courageous and superlatively resilient and who have been a great inspiration and support to me during this burnishing time. As such, I truly wish to extend my own profound gratitude to them. Also, The University wishes to extend sincere thanks to all the internal and external teams who have contributed to the preparation, refinement, articulation and approval of this report. These include the Deans and Heads of Faculties and Departments, the Bursar and Bursary staff, the staff of the Office of the ViceChancellor, the Senior Management Team, Academic Board, Estimates Committees, TOS, DECC, Office of
Personnel, the Chair and Finance and General Purposes Committee and the Chair of the Council. We are grateful for the guidance on policy provided by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Finance through the PS, DPS’s Budget Planning Staff, and Budget Director and their staff respectively. We wish to record also our continued gratitude for the gracious support of our subject Minister, the GoG and all members of Parliament for the University. Finally, and most especially, the University is most conscious and grateful for the support of partners in the national and international arenas to the University as it approaches its diamond anniversary in 2022.
Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin Vice Chancellor, Xi University of Guyana On behalf of the SMT
REPORTS FROM ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS
I. VISION
To provide leadership and management towards the delivery of quality academic products and services in a modern and enabling environment.
II. MISSION
The Office of the Deputy ViceChancellor for Academic Engagement (DVC-AE) exists to assist in the pursuit of the vision and mission of the University of Guyana in the achievement of academic excellence.
The Office, which reports to the ViceChancellor, executes its mandate under four primary pillars:
(a) Research
(b) Teaching and Learning
(c) Quality Assurance; and
(d) External Engagement for Academic Advancement.
Further, in addition to managing the Recess Period, the DVC-AE also sources and manages specific projects as well as develops and coordinates demand-driven, customised courses and programmes emerging from stakeholders’ requests.
In collaboration with key stakeholders, the DVC-AE strategically manages processes to develop human capital that is relevant, creative, analytical, disciplined, respectful, and ethical in contributing to sustainable development and wealth creation in Guyana.
III. STAFF MEMBERS
1. Professor Emanuel F Cummings, PhD, MSc, DIH , Dip Ed
2. Dr Mishel Moriah, PhD
3. Mr Kelvin Bovell, MA, BSc
4. Mr Audwin Rutherford, MA , BA
5. Ms Lucy Butchey, BA
IV. MAJOR UNIT DEVELOPMENT
a. Establishment of the University School of Graduate Studies and Research
b. Establishment of the Quality Assurance Unit
c. Application by the University of Guyana for Registrations with the National Accreditation Council
d. Identification of gaps in Academic Policies
e. Review of Summer Regulations
f. Development of Questionnaire for the assessment of the matriculation process
g. Review of the Unit Structure and scope of work
Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Engagement Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Advancement
I. VISION
To respond positively and progressively to a particular resource, relationship, care, knowledge building and project creation needs of the University and to build an effective and responsive culture of engagement with internal and external stakeholders towards the advancement of the University of Guyana.
II. DEPARTMENT DEMOGRAPHICS
1. Mellissa Ifill, Deputy Vice-Chancellor
2. Christina Bynoe, International Engagement Officer
3. Raulene Kendall, International Engagement Officer
4. Keshawna Garnett, International Engagement Officer
5. Kaminie Dyal, Administrative Assistant
III.
SUMMARY OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS
The Office of the DVC-IA has direct responsibility in three core areas/ divisions as well as any assigned special project:
A. International Division
The International division is premised on relationship building with external institutions including foundations, corporations, and individuals to promote, advance, encourage and support the University in increasing private, voluntary financial and nonfinancial contributions and assistance to the university. In its one year in existence, the IA office through this department has managed aspects of
the University of Guyana’s institutional relationship with international agencies, universities and institutes via membership, MOUs, Letters of Agreement, and collaborations. The Office offered policy and administrative support for the establishment of agreements, MOUs and research projects with external bodies and institutions. The office also promoted and exercised oversight of institutional agreements with state and private bodies. Additionally, the IA office exercised oversight for UG’s membership of international bodies/ organisations. Specifically, the office has facilitated the preparation of/or prepared 23 Letters of Agreements, Collaboration Agreements and MOUs between the University of Guyana and local, regional, and international universities, agencies, and institutes. This group includes NAREI, National Bureau of Standards, Ministry of Social Protection, WWF Guianas, University of the South Caribbean, Western Illinois University, University of Northern Minnesota, University of Northern Minnesota. This Department also functions as a central hub for queries about support/ international engagements.
B. Oversight and Engagement
The Oversight and Engagement division aims to bring the civic community to the University and to the University into the community through oversight for specific University knowledge centres, institutes and processes, systematisation of knowledge and academic output and opportunities for learning through service. It also
Dr Mellissa Ifill Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Institutional Engagement (IE)
acts as liaison as assigned, for the University with various international, national, and bilateral players. Specifically, this office over the past year has conceptualised and developed or supported the development of six grant proposals in support of institutes, faculties, and academic staff. This department also exercised oversight for two programmes developed and run jointly with international bodies and institutions, including Girls in Charge UK and UNDP Africa in collaboration with the Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the African Diaspora. This Department also facilitated international faculty exchanges and visiting fellows and specialists, including under the Fulbright programme.
C. Human Relations and Development
The Human Relations and Development division over the past year promoted the advancement and welfare of staff and students and resolved a number of long-standing and difficult cases. Improvements were made in the completion time for staff related processes.
The IA office also exercised oversight for HR processes including leave, appointments, and promotions. The IA office over the past year also led the change management process of the Personnel Division to a Human Resources Department. It facilitated the work of the HR consultancy firm SV Jones & Associates and led the UG HR Oversight Team over a seven-month period to ensure the steady progression of the project.
IV. SELECTED ACHIEVEMENTS
• Worked in collaboration with the US Embassy towards the recommencement of the Fulbright Scholars and Specialists Programme and placement of scholars and specialists at UG.
• Secured a US State Department Federal Assistance Award for training in grant writing and developing an international students’ policy.
• Facilitated the delivery of the UNDP Africa-HBCU Pilot Course in Social Entrepreneurship through the School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation.
• Drafted Policies/Documents to guide staff in various forms of international engagement:
a. Protocol for faculty/units to guide them on the timelines required to secure institutional support to faculty proposals/projects submissions to funding agencies;
b. Database of international projects/ agencies that UG faculty could apply to – either jointly or in partnership with external groups;
c. Database of international scholarships and fellowships;
d. An International Student Engagement strategy document and protocol to govern international recruitment and student exchanges;
e. Revised the University’s Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy;
f. Database of all projects recently undertaken and/or currently active per faculty.
g. In collaboration with the University Unions, Emergency Leave Policy.
• Assisted in the resolution of Difficult Student Cases/Outstanding Staff matters:
a. 53 staff issues fully resolved.
b. 67 student issues referred fully resolved/addressed.
• Supported members of faculty and departments to prepare 11 research/ project proposals for grant funding from international funding agencies including to the Canada’s International Development Research Centre, USAID, Eon Reality XR Lab, International Development Research Centre (IDRC), National Institute for Health Grant and the US Department of State.
V.IMPORTANT COLLABORATIONS
• US Embassy
• US Study Abroad Programme
• UNDP-Africa & Historically Black Colleges and Universities
• Howard University
VI. PROJECTION AND PLANS FOR 2022
a. Completion of the HR Transformation Consultancy, presentation of the final report to relevant UG bodies for scrutiny, revision, and endorsement.
b. The phased operationalisation of the HR Transformation Project.
c. Continued improvements in the response timelines for staff related HR matters to be completed.
d. Increased engagement with Institutes and Units to identify and apply for project funding.
e. Increased engagement with Faculties to identify and apply for research/grant funding.
f. Training and capacity building of Institutional Advancement and other University staff in grant writing
g. Completion of a consultancy to develop a policy on International Student Engagement/ Study abroad.
Bursary
I. INTRODUCTION
The Bursary is responsible for the daily management of the finances of the University of Guyana and is accountable in summary for the keeping of updated records of money paid, money received, money owed to, and by the University of Guyana. To this end, this report will provide an insight into the activities of the Bursary during the period September 2020 to August 2021. During the reporting period, the operations of the Bursary were heavily dependent on technology to process payments and to also receive monies from stakeholders. The opportunity to implement remote access to the Sage accounting software commenced at the end of this reporting period which would improve the efficiency and the effectiveness of bursarial responsibilities.
III. RESPONSIBILITIES AND STAFF
The table below is highlighting the summary responsibilities aligned to staff within the Bursary.
Responsibilities
II. VISION
The vision of the Bursary is “BECOMING THE BEST SERVICE DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY.” The foregoing statement is simple yet provides organizational direction and purpose for the wider good of the University Community. The ‘becoming’ of the Bursary is to improve its service to students, staff, and other stakeholders. It is envisaged that this would yield satisfaction, reduce, or avoid the number of complaints, and generally build positive and lasting relationships. It is expected that this statement would invoke and inspire loyalty and care through the involvement of all employees within the Bursary and that it would also provide an opportunity for them to strive to reach the goals of the University, the principal one for them being to ensure the proper management of the University’s money by timely and accurate reporting to the Vice-Chancellor and Senior Management Team (SMT) in a healthy and caring environment.
Staff
Oversight on all bursarial activities with due care and skill so that the University can achieve its Mission, Goals, and Objectives.
Consolidation of budget from units; Management of Users’ access; backup and trouble shoot accounting software. Preparation of expenditure report from Trial Balance.
Collect monies payable to the University (income and accounts receivables); payment for all goods and services (expenditure and accounts payable); ensure correct coding; timely recording and verification of all transactions before payment to reduce the risk of fraud, omission and misstatement. In addition, ensuring that all payments are per all relevant policies, rules and regulations and most of all in keeping with the annual approved budgetary allocation so that the University can be in the BLACK (no over expenditure) and assist with the preparation of management reports as required by the University Community. Filing of financial documents.
Preparation of monthly fees journals. Refund of fees overpaid by students. Issue clearance to students. Updating of student financials status in the Student Record Management System. Preparation of journals for Sponsors.
Administration of restricted, endowments, scholarships, and research funds which are periodic and is outside of the University of Guyana operational budget. Inclusive of maintenance of Berbice transactions, Upload of payments on the RBL Electronic Transfer Funds
Calculation of employees’ salaries and benefits monthly when it becomes due and payable. The payment monthly would entail the payment of net salaries and deductions. Preparation of the Return of Employers of Persons Employed by them and the individual income tax. Preparation of monthly pension and pensionable benefits.
Stores, Assets Management inclusive of Gowns, and Bank Reconciliations
IV. BURSARY BUDGET
The approved budgetary allocation for the Bursary was one hundred and nine point eight million dollars ($109.8); of that sum emoluments is 89%, other cost is 10% and cost of equipment and computers is 1%. The allocated sum for the year 2021 is more than the allocated sum for 2020 by 24.2%.
V. STUDENT CENTEREDNESS AND IMPACT
The University of Guyana (UG) signed an agreement with Republic Bank Limited (Guyana) RBL for all payments by students received before 6:00 pm Monday to Friday to be forwarded the following day to UG. This operation should facilitate the timely update and recording of fees paid using the RBL internet platform and remove the requirement for students to scan and forward deposit slips. This agreement would also allow for reconciliation of students’ fees with RBL and thus this would assist with timely responses to queries by students in the event that there is a discrepancy according to the students’ financial profile.
Assistant Accountant, Accounts Clerk II and 2 - Account Clerk I-(4)
Accounts Clerk IV and Accounts Clerk I - (2)
Accountant, Assistant Accountant, Accounts Clerk II and Accounts Clerk I - (4)
Accountant, Storekeeper, Asst. Storeman and Fixed Assets Clerk and Accounts Clerk III - (5)
In addition, it is to be noted that students’ refunds are being addressed by a staff who has been updating, following up and following through with students on the status of his/her refunds to reduce or avoid the frustration of students with this process. Students were contacted via telephone or email advising them of the dates their accounts should be credited and the value of the credit.
VI. PROJECTIONS & PLANS
The projections and plans for 2022 would require additional staff to realize the level of efficiency and effectiveness within the Bursary.
• Engage a Management Accountant who would be responsible for the analysis of student enrolment and registration against the projected income. This would facilitate the taking of a proactive approach in the processing of expenditure. The study of financial data as it relates to income and expenditure and its impact on the operations of the University
are critical and must be projected to guide the Administration so that strategies can be developed to counter negative predictions.
• The becoming of the Bursary will entail building capacity and capabilities through training and coaching sessions during the next year. The projections are to have three sessions for both senior staff and junior staff so that performance can be improved.
• Create a succession plan, by talent spotting and tapping into the ability of specific staff members to understand the processes and procedures of other functional areas of the Bursary.
• Expand the organogram of the Bursary to include a Client Support Officer who should be appointed by March 2022. This officer would be responsible for answering queries, assisting stakeholders with appropriate guidance on Bursarial matters, and in a nutshell, ensuring clients’ satisfaction. Responsiveness to clients/ stakeholders would be one of the main key performance indicators.
• Enhance the reconciliation of bank and ledger accounts that would add value and strengthen the system of internal controls. This activity is critical for the validation of reports at all levels.
• Set up the electronic record management system with technical support from the Tactical Online Support (TOS) Unit for all current records that are being generated electronically.
• Implement corrective measures as recommended by the Auditors based on discussions with staff and implement corrective procedures accordingly especially in the areas of receivables and payables.
• Implement a culture of annual fixed assets verification and updating of the fixed assets register.
• Provide timely, accurate, and complete monthly expenditure reports to the Heads of Academic and Administrative Units; monthly Income and Expenditure statements; monthly Learning Resources Income and Expenditure Statements to the Vice-Chancellor and Senior Management Team.
• Continuous review of the system of internal controls to always ensure a robust financial control environment.
VII. CONCLUSION
The Bursar would like to express their sincere gratitude to all the staff of the Bursary for their invaluable support and contribution during the last year which was a testing and challenging one. Despite the minimum supervision of staff, we were resilient and delivered not at an optimal level as would have been desired but did the best that could be done within the constraints of working in safe mode.
The department strives to become the best service centre within the University Community by onboarding a Client Support Officer to address matters of critical importance from our stakeholders timely. In addition, the reorganization of staff would be another essential element in the recording, reconciliation, and reporting on Bursary stewardship according to its mandate.
I. VISION
Registry
To create a comprehensive, integrated, and highest quality network of targeted services to support effective and efficient student success across all Campuses and Centres as well as governance at the University of Guyana.
II. DEPARTMENT DEMOGRAPHICS
Table showing the breakdown of the Registry staff members.
III. BUDGET
Owing to the fact that since March 2020, the University’s operations were largely virtual, a number of planned activities had to be adjusted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. A perusal of the Registry’s expenditure report has revealed that there is money available in the following line items - Advertisement, Career Day, Council Meetings, External Examination, Local Travel and Subsistence, School Outreach, Accommodation Allowance and Seminar and Workshop. However, those unspent balances can be used to wire monies to offset expenses from other line items which have gone over their allotted amounts. Also, it has been observed that there are line items for which no monies were allotted, however there is an indication that there has been overspending. One such line item is Maintenance Equipment. Most importantly it is to be noted that the Registry’s budget does not include the two commercial dormitories and the Sports Unit as reflected in the table above.
IV. SUMMARY OF DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
A. Office of the Deputy Registrar
iii. Human Resource
During the reporting period there was an addition of a seventh Registry Assistant in the Division.
Case No. Charge Verdict
Case # 1
Unauthorised material in a test/exam Guilty – FXQ in course
Case # 2 Falsifying academic records Outstanding – legal opinion being awaited
Case # 3
Unauthorised material in a test/exam Charge dismissed – invigilator says she will not attend the hearing
Case # 4 Unauthorised material in a test/exam Not Guilty
Table showing the charges of misconduct were brought against four students.
B. Admissions
The Admissions Division is responsible for the efficient recruitment, admission and registration of students for the University of Guyana.
i. Service
Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic the Division was forced to provide services mainly online from March 2020 via:
1. Email
2. Whatsapp
3. Live Chat
Staff members worked from home and reported to the Office on specified days as well. However, the Division maintained a limited physical presence on the campus during the period under review.
ii. Development of a Work Plan
An extensive work plan was developed for the Division for the year January – December 2020 which included, but was not limited to:
• Preparation of the Academic Calendar for 2020/2021;
• Preparing for Application Opening for 2020/2021;
• Provision of Application and Registration services to students;
• Provision of Registration Support Services to Academic and Administrative staff.
C. Committees and Archives Division
This Division supports the University’s governance structures and systems and is the Custodian of the Institutional records.
i. Summary of Major Activities
During the academic year 2020/2021, the Committees Division offered administrative support to all statutory bodies along with subcommittees (Council, Finance and General Purposes Committee, Academic Board, Academic Policy and Planning Committee, Board for Graduate Studies, Committee of Deans, Disciplinary Committee, Building and Estates Committee and the Learning Resources Facilities Committee). The unit serviced/ facilitated a total of 98 meetings/sessions during the period of September, 2020 to August, 2021. See Appendix 4 attached for a detailed breakdown.
D. Examinations Division
The Examinations Division is responsible for the administration of examinations, examination grades and transcript. Despite the many challenges the pandemic posed, the Division continued its work virtually and provided support to both our internal and external customers. Our notable achievements are as follows:
• The appointment of a Graduate Studies Officer to support the Division in the effective monitoring of graduate programmes. The Officer acts as an interlocutor for the Division with the School of Graduate Studies and Research and Faculties.
Dr Caesar Nigel Gravesande Registrar
• Reaching the stipulated deadline of August 31, 2021 as set out in the UG/UWI/CLE agreement to provide the list of prospective graduates in order of merit to the Hugh Wooding Law.
• For the first time, prospective graduates outside the top 25 were offered places at the Eugene Dupuch Law School.
This Division provides student support services such as producing, storing, and distributing of academic certificates.
i. Main Administrative Office
During the reporting period, a physical presence resumed on the Turkeyen campus initially two days per week between 10am and 2pm. However, with effect from September up until December 2020, in order to prepare for and subsequently deliver the new students’ orientation for the first time virtually and coordinate a massive undertaking to deliver certificates via registered mail to 2019 graduates, work on campus increased to five days per week lasting at times until 8pm. All other services which were provided normally by the administrative unit continued via email to students and graduates. See table below:
recommendations to the maintenance department for rehabilitation works to be done to both dorms in June/July2021.
• The Division continued to supervise the DIHR maintaining its compound and ensured the buildings were cleaned and monitored for any repairs/ maintenance work that were needed during the reporting period.
iii. Medical Centre
• During the period July 2020 to July 2021, services were provided via telephone and office services.
• During March 2021, the Medical Centre provided on campus services daily for the entire month to facilitate on campus graduation related activities.
• In April and May 2021, Vaccination drives were organised and facilitated. Those vaccination drives benefited both staff and students. Students were provided with contact information for the medical staff which were utilised for vaccination queries and health information.
• The Medical Centre continued to provide care during the pandemic via telephone services, for the university community, in a confidential and professional manner.
Certificates
2,335 Academic Certificates 2020 199 Awards Certificates 2018-2020 Certificates dispatched 1,373 1286 through mailing project 87 in person
Verifications 35 Both local and Overseas
Student/Graduate Letters 2,466 Both local and Overseas
Refund of Cautionary deposit 19 Requests sent to Bursary for processing
ii. Dorms
• Facilitated student’s removal of their personal belongings from both NBS and DIHR in July 2020 after their hurried and untimely exit which was as a result of the pandemic.
• Submission of student’s information for dorm clearance to allow for the issuing of certificates. Facilitated the “walk through” and inspection by, and made
iv. Guidance and Counselling Unit
During this period 41 individuals sought guidance and psychological support as they struggled to cope with: the loss of loved ones, family conflicts, academics, financial challenges, isolation, physical and mental health challenges. With the objective of providing a comprehensive treatment five individuals were referred to the University’s medical doctor
while four individuals were referred to the Psychiatric Department. Ongoing treatment and monitoring of existing clients were also conducted. In response to requests students benefited from two presentations featuring Grief Management and Mental Health Care.
v. Sports
No physical activities involving contact was undertaken during the reporting period. The Sports Organiser retired in August 2020 and was offered and accepted a three-month contract in August 2021. ToRs of contract to transition the unit to new administrators, complete work on Sport policy and inventorize sports equipment and other gear would have been undertaken.
F. Records and Data Management
This Division is the custodian of staff and student records. The Covid-19 crisis highlighted the extent to which the members of the Records and Data Management Division came together, along with the rest of the Registry team, to serve the student population with a true spirit of hope and energy. Staff members provided support to the University with limited physical presence on campus on a rotational basis. This was accomplished with the use of their own transportation services. In addition, a level of comfort was provided to students in responding to queries beyond the normal working hours. In the initial six months, staff members utilised their personal resources such as laptop, telephone, etcetera. to get this done. To date, use of personal resources continues with some of the staff members.
The highlights of the Division under the reporting period were namely:
• Data Processing - production of transcripts (official/student/letter copies) processed were approximately 1,456
• Creation of new Employee Records – approximately 65 new permanent employee files were created.
• UoG/BCA Scanning of Students’ Files –approximately 4,149 files were converted into a digital format.
G. UGBC –Registry
This Division provides for the efficient recruitment, admission and registration, administration of examinations, examination grades and students’ support services of the Berbice campus students. The UGBC Registry Unit adapted to the Covid-19 environment and continued to provide administrative support to the University community on registry related matters. The Division has grown in size by one with the addition of one Registry Assistant. In addition, the Division was assigned new office space and is now located on the ground floor of the Lecturer’s Building at Tain.
VI. ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES OFFERED AND NUMBERS GRADUATED
Approximately 109 programmes were offered by the University of Guyana in the academic year 2020/2021. The different programmes were offered at the level of Certificates (2), Associate Degrees (24), Diplomas (10), Bachelors (59), and Post Graduate programmes (14). See Appendix 1 for a breakdown.
In addition, a total of 20 programmes were created within the SRMS. Eleven (11) Post Graduate programmes and nine undergraduate programmes.
Four (4) new programmes and six (6) revised programmes respectively, were offered to the 2020/2021 incoming students. See Appendix 2 for a detailed breakdown of the programmes.
A. 2020 Graduation Statistics
The year 2020 witnessed the Turkeyen campus graduating a total of 2,108 graduates and a total of 227 graduates at UGBC. Please see attached Appendix 3 for graduation statistics.
VII. DEMONSTRATION OF STUDENT CENTERED-NESS AND IMPACTS
A. Students’ Welfare Division
Despite the disruptions to work on the Turkeyen campus and with the exception of the dorms and the sports unit, the SWD pulled together to consider and effect ways of continuing its services virtually. The new normal, of online services meant, and continues to reflect, longer work days with student queries and/or requests transmitted 24hours x 7days. Further, with the resumption of work on the campus, the staff members persevered in sub-optimal physical conditions re COVID-19 and safety even onto the time of preparing this report.
B. The Registry’s Collaboration with the Tactical Online Services (TOS) Unit
In collaboration with the Tactical Online Services, the IDCE extra-mural academic programmes are now fully integrated within the Students’ Records Management System (SRMS). The Coronavirus pandemic also forced the Tactical Online Services in configuring the SRMS to allow the 2021/2022 applicants to be able to upload their necessary documentation, for the first time ever. Other SRMS improvements included:
• Automatic document verification exemptions where the exact UG course was done;
• Flagging instances where there is both a passing grade and an exemption for a course in a student’s academic profile;
• Generation of anonymous profiles for the Board of Examiners.
However, given all that were achieved, it must be highlighted that there still exist challenges in the Registry’s support to the Digital transformation of the University of Guyana. That is, the limitations of ICT and IT infrastructure with regards to working remotely.
VIII. IMPORTANT COLLABORATIONS
A. Students’ Welfare Division
For the virtual orientation, the Students’ Welfare Division was able to collaborate with the National Data Management Authority and
the Students Loan Agency for presentations on the week’s program.
For the University convocations, the Division through the Medical Centre worked with the Occupational Safety and Health Department to enforce the University’s safety protocols and/ respond to any emergencies.
The Medical Centre staff also supported the Ministry of Public Health’s on-campus vaccination drive.
B. UGBC –Registry
The Medical unit provided invaluable support in the preparations and subsequent administration of the on-campus vaccination drives and safe facilitation of students on campus for the uplifting of graduation regalias and taking their portraits for the 2020 graduation.
C. Records and Data Management Division (University of Guyana Document Solutions; Digitisation)
In reflecting on its collaboration with the Registry, the firm of Bazilio Cobb Associates (BCA), asserted that it remained “…committed to assisting the University of Guyana with its transition to a technologically advanced process. Since 2017, BCA has transformed the way the University is able to access and execute its services to the public. The benefits of a full digital system not only add to the accessibility of its users but also the efficiency of services…’’ What was only possible in a two-week span, can be accessed within seconds. The Department continue to work on this important project and is pleased with the response time in accessing students’ records from the inception of the University, 1963.
XI. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2022
A. Admissions Division
Develop an improved Customer Service system that includes the following:
I. Online Services to be provided via:
• Email
• Whatsapp
• Live Chat
II. Development of informative documents that can assist the students and staff, which includes:
• Application process guides
• Registration process guides
• Welcome Packages for First Year students (Contact numbers and emails, resource folders, Meet the Team, etc.)
III. Yearly revision of the online forms on the SRMS – Application and Registration
IV. Updating of informative documents found on the SRMS and UG’s Website
B. Development of a Work Plan
Develop an extensive work plan for the Admissions Division for the year 2021/2022 that will include but is not limited to:
• Preparation of the Academic Calendar for 2021/2022
• Preparing for Application Opening for 2021/2022
• Development and execution of a Student Recruitment and Awareness Plan
• Participation in General Outreaches
C. Staff Development Training and Workshops
Coordinating and execution of Staff Training and Workshops that cover the following:
• Module 1 — Discovering Uniqueness and Personal Mission
• Module 2 — Understanding the Work Environment
• Module 3 — Understanding the product/ service: understanding the Customers
• Module 4 — Customer Service and Admissions
• Module 5 — Customer Service: What it was? What it is? What it could be?
D. Committees and Archives Division
In collaboration with the University Registrar the Committees and Archives Division will be updating various desk manuals to ensure that procedures for the support of meetings, the timely delivery of minutes and action sheets, and the conduct of Faculty/School elections are current and efficient. The Division will also work in collaboration with the Records and
Data Management Division to seek training for staff members in the area of records management, indexing and codification of electronic documentation, and designing of an electronic records management system.
E. Examinations Division
The COVID-19 pandemic has stymied the process for effectively monitoring examinations in virtual space. Exam monitoring ensures that each student has an equal opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, and it maintains the integrity of the examination process. The Division aims to explore the possibility of implementing the Exams Soft Assessment tool in other Faculties/Schools. The Software is currently used by the School of Medicine, College of Medical Sciences. Further, the Division aims to apply lessons learnt from conferences attended, that is, exams Soft (June 2021) CANQATE (October 2021), in the monitoring of online assessments.
F. Students’ Welfare Division
As the division prepares for the transformation into a “Students Support Services and Success Office”, 2022 will be spent recruiting staff for the new functions/services and/or units which will be under the ambit of the office.
G. Records and Data Management Division
The Division in collaboration with the Personnel Division and the Tactical Online Services (TOS) will focus on developing a system that will generate Unique Staff Identifier through the Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS).
Recognising the importance of having our students’ records digitise for fast and easy access, the Division will continue to maximise on the current existing collaboration between the University of Guyana and Bazilio Cobb Associates (BCA) to ensure all our students’ records are converted to a digital format.
H. Deputy Registrar Office
Collaborate with the SSETA to integrate the application and processing of part-time payment contract within the SRMS.
I. UGBC – Registry
• There will be attempts to increase the student population at UGBC. This is heavily dependent on our ability to advertise our programmes given the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Increase marketing of our programmes through strategic release of our advertisements.
• Construct billboards at strategic locations across regions five and six to aid in advertising the university. (This project was earmarked for 2020. However, funds were withdrawn because of other capital works).
Registry - Appendix 1
Applications
STATISTICS - 2020/2021
Comparative Application Statistics
Scheduled Application Period for 2020/2021 Semester 1: March 1, 2020 – May 31, 2020
Application Period Extension for 2020/2021 Semester 1: Jun 01, 2020 – December, 31, 2021
Scheduled Application Period for 2020/2021 Semester 2: March 1 – March 14, 2021
There was a 13.1% increase in the total applications submitted for Academic Year 2020/2021 compared to the previous Academic Year 2019/2020.
The 13.1% increase equates to 896 prospective students.
International Students
Comparative Enrolment Statistics
There was an overall increase in the enrollment statistics for the Academic Year 2020/2021 compared to the previous Academic Year 2019/2020 by 6.4%. The 6.4% increase equates to 542 registered students.
There were a total of 43 international registered students at the University in the Academic year 2020/2021. All 43 students were enrolled at the Turkeyen campus.
Summer Enrolment - 2020/2021
Comparative Summer Enrolment Statistics
• A call for summer registrations for the Academic Year 2020/2021 was opened on August 2, 2021 and was scheduled to close on August 29, 2021.
• The total summer registrations submitted was 1920.
• There was a 22.5% decline in the summer enrollment statistics for the Academic Year 2020/2021 compared to the Academic Year 2019/2029. The 22.5% decline equates to 556 students.
Programmes Opened for Applications — Semester One (1) of 2020/2021
PROGRAMME CODE
Associate of Arts (Anthropology) (0250)
Associate of Arts (English) (0251)
Associate of Arts (Fine Arts) (2105)
Associate of Arts (French) (0253)
Associate of Arts (History) (2107)
Associate of Arts (Modern Languages-Portuguese) [from 2020] (0255B)
Associate of Arts (Portuguese) (0255)
Associate of Arts (Spanish) (0256)
Associate of Arts in General Studies (11101)
Associate of Science (Applied and Exploration Geology) (0919)
Associate of Science (Architectural and Building Technology) (9101)
Associate of Science (Biology) (7104)
Associate of Science (Chemistry) (7103)
Associate of Science (Civil Engineering) (9102)
Associate of Science (Computer Science) (7101)
Associate of Science (Electrical Engineering) (9103)
Associate of Science (Forestry) (4101)
Associate of Science (Industrial Engineering) (9106)
Associate of Science (Information Technology) (7102)
Associate of Science (Mathematics) (7105A)
Associate of Science (Mechanical Engineering) (9105A)
Associate of Science (Mining Engineering) (9107)
Associate of Science (Physics) (7106A)
Associate of Social Science (Social Work) (8104)
Bachelor of Arts (English) - Linguistics option (0201B)
Bachelor of Arts (English) - Literature option (0201A)
Bachelor of Arts (English) - Literature/Linguistics (0201C)
Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts) (2203)
Bachelor of Arts (History) (2204)
Bachelor of Arts (Spanish) (0225)
Bachelor of Arts (Tourism) (2205)
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (5208)
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education General) (3201)
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) [from 2020] (3201B)
Bachelor of Education (Literacy Studies) [from 2020] (3206)
Bachelor of Education (Primary Education) [from 2020] (3202B)
Bachelor of Education (Primary General) (3202)
Bachelor of Education (Secondary) (3204)
Bachelor of Education (Secondary) [from 2020] (3204B)
PROGRAMME CODE
Bachelor of Engineering (Applied and Exploration Geology) (9206)
Bachelor of Laws [Registrations since 2006] (0850B)
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) (5207)
Bachelor of Science (Accountancy) (10201)
Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) (1201)
Bachelor of Science (Architecture) [from 2020] (9201)
Bachelor of Science (Architecture) [New] (0931A)
Bachelor of Science (Biology) (7205)
Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) (7204)
Bachelor of Science (Civil with Environmental Engineering) (9202)
Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) (7201)
Bachelor of Science (Electrical Engineering) (9203)
Bachelor of Science (Entrepreneurship) (10203)
Bachelor of Science (Environmental Health) (5203)
Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) (6204)
Bachelor of Science (Environmental Studies) (6203A)
Bachelor of Science (Finance) (10202)
Bachelor of Science (Food Science) (7208)
Bachelor of Science (Forestry) [Revised- from 2017] (4201)
Bachelor of Science (Geography) (6201B)
Bachelor of Science (Industrial Engineering) (9207)
Bachelor of Science (Information Systems) (7203)
Bachelor of Science (Information Technology) (7202)
Bachelor of Science (Management) (10204)
Bachelor of Science (Marketing) (10205)
Bachelor of Science (Mathematics) (7206)
Bachelor of Science (Mechanical Engineering) (9204)
Bachelor of Science (Medical Imaging) (0538)
Bachelor of Science (Medical Laboratory Science) (5201)
Bachelor of Science (Medical Rehabilitation) [Physiotherapy/ Occupational Therapy] (5205)
Bachelor of Science (Medical Rehabilitation) [Speech-Language Therapy and Audiology] (5205A)
Bachelor of Science (Nursing) (5204)
Bachelor of Science (Optometry) [from 2020] (5206B)
Bachelor of Science (Pharmacy) [Revised] (0535C)
Bachelor of Science (Statistics) (7207)
Bachelor of Science (Supply Chain Management) (10207)
Bachelor of Social Science (Business Economics) (8203)
Bachelor of Social Science (Communication Studies) (0832)
Bachelor of Social Science (Economics) (0833)
Bachelor of Social Science (International Relations) (0852)
PROGRAMME CODE
Bachelor of Social Science (Public Management) (0837)
Bachelor of Social Science (Social Work) (8208)
Bachelor of Social Science (Sociology) (0839)
Bachelor of Youth and Community Development (3205A)
Certificate in Aviation Management (9002)
Certificate in Web Application Development (12001)
Commonwealth Master of Business Administration (0882)
Commonwealth Master of Public Administration (0881)
Diploma in Accountancy (0801)
Diploma in Banking and Finance (0802)
Diploma in Communication Studies (0807)
Diploma in General Psychology (5001)
Diploma in Land Administration and Management (6001)
Diploma in Marketing (0803)
Diploma in Mobile Application Development (12002)
Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety - One Year (0601A)
Diploma in Occupational Health And Safety (0601)
Diploma in Public Management (0806)
Doctor of Philosophy (Biodiversity) [Ph.D.] (0791)
Master of Education (Curriculum and Instruction) (0382)
Master of Education (Early Childhood Development) (3401)
Master of Education (Management and Supervision) (0386)
Master of Public Health (0582)
Master of Science (Agro-Technology and Business) (1401)
Master of Science (Environmental Management) [from 2016] (0681A)
Master of Science (Urban and Regional Planning) (6402)
Master of Science in Forest Biology (0781)
Master of Social Work (8302)
Post Graduate Diploma in Education (3301)
Post-Graduate Diploma in Translation (2301)
Approximately 109 programmes were opened for applications in 2020/2021 for the Semester One (1) opening.
Registry - Appendix 2
Programmes Created During the Reporting Period: September, 2020 to July, 2021
Four (4) New Programmes were offered to the students in 2020/2021. Namely:
• Bachelor of Education (Literacy Studies) [from 2020]
• Post-Graduate Diploma in Translation
• Executive Certificate Programme - IED (Institute for Energy Diplomacy)
• Certificate in General Policing
Six (6) Revised Programmes were offered to new students in 2020/2021. Namely:
• Associate of Arts (Modern Languages-Portuguese) [from 2020]
• Bachelor of Science (Optometry) [from 2020]
• Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) [from 2020]
• Bachelor of Education (Secondary) [from 2020]
• Bachelor of Education (Primary Education) [from 2020]
• Post-Graduate Diploma in Translation
Master of Science (Environmental Management) [from 2021]
Master of Science (Natural Resources Management) [from 2021]
Master of Science (Environmental Management) [from 2021]
Master of Science (Oil and Gas and Renewable Energy) [from 2021]
Master of Science (Natural Resources Management) [from 2021]
Master of Science (Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management) [from 2021]
Master of Science (Oil and Gas and Renewable Energy) [from 2021]
Master in Environmental Management [from 2021]
Master of Science (Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management) [from 2021]
Master in Natural Resources Management [from 2021]
Master in Environmental Management [from 2021]
Master in Oil and Gas and Renewable Energy [from 2021]
Master in Natural Resources Management [from 2021]
Master in Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management [from 2021]
Master in Oil and Gas and Renewable Energy [from 2021]
Master in Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management [from 2021]
Master of Communication Studies
Master of Communication Studies
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
Post-Graduate Diploma in Echocardiography
Bachelor of Science (Mental Health Nursing) [from 2021]
Post-Graduate Diploma in Echocardiography
Bachelor of Science (Mental Health Nursing) [from 2021]
Bachelor of Science (Environmental Health) (Environmental Engineering) [from 2021]
Bachelor of Science (Environmental Health) (Food Safety) [from 2021]
Bachelor of Science (Environmental Health) (Environmental Engineering) [from 2021]
Bachelor of Science (Environmental Health) (Food Safety) [from 2021]
Bachelor of Science (Environmental Health) (Occupational and Health and Safety) [from 2021]
Bachelor of Science (Environmental Health) (Vector Control) [from 2021]
Bachelor of Science (Environmental Health) (Occupational and Health and Safety) [from 2021]
Bachelor of Science (Environmental Health) (Vector Control) [from 2021]
Bachelor of Science (Computing, Information Technology and Business) [from 2020]
Bachelor of Science (Psychology) [from 2020]
Bachelor of Science (Computing, Information Technology and Business) [from 2020]
Diploma in Crime and Criminology
Bachelor of Science (Psychology) [from 2020]
Executive Certificate Programme - IED (Institute for Energy Diplomacy)
Diploma in Crime and Criminology
Executive Certificate Programme - IED (Institute for Energy Diplomacy)
Registry - Appendix 3
Graduation Statistics 2020 – Turkeyen Campus
Graduation Statistics 2020
Number of Turkeyen 2020 Graduates by Faculty/School/ Institute/College
Number of UGBC 2020 Graduates by Faculty/School
Registry - Appendix 4
Appendix 4:
Statutory and Sub-Committee Meetings Serviced by
and Sub-Committee Meetings Serviced by the Committees & Archives Unit.
Statutory and Sub-Committee Meetings
Serviced by the Committees & Archives Unit
Personnel Division
The Personnel Division is currently being transformed into the Human Resource Department
I. VISION
The Human Resource Department will create and maintain high performance through the acquisition and retention of the best talents available.
II. DEPARTMENT DEMOGRAPHICS
The Personnel Division currently has a total of 23 staff members: 19 UB support and four non-academic.
III. SUMMARY OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS
A. Recruitment Section
The Recruitment Section continued to attend to staff employment matters. The Section was responsible for the servicing of meetings of the UA and UB Interviewing and Assessment Panel. In addition, the Recruitment Section was also responsible for the preparation and issuing of employment contracts (full-time and part-time) for both UA and UB staff members. Sixteen (16) UB staff members and 33 UA staff members were promoted during the academic year 2020/2021. The processing of Annual Increment for eligible staff members was done on a continuous basis. Given the Covid-19 pandemic, the Recruitment Section continued to work online and face-toface to ensure the timely completion of various tasks.
B. Leave and Training Section
The Leave and Training Section continued to facilitate the processing of applications for leave for staff development/training for UA academic, UA non-academic and UB staff members in pursuit of
higher qualifications through funded scholarships/fellowships initiated either by the University or staff members as well as their engagement in teaching/research activities at other institutions. Despite the threats of the Covid-19 global pandemic, a number of staff members demonstrated resilience and perseverance and successfully completed doctoral and master’s degree programmes within the stipulated timeframes while others continued to make steady progress. In addition, the Section was responsible for the processing of annual performance assessment instruments for all UA academic and non-academic staff members, which resulted in the award of annual increment, contract extension and renewal and promotion for a number of staff members. The process continues for an even higher number of staff members whose applications for promotion require external assessment. Organising and servicing frequent meetings of the Appointments Committee (normal and Annual Staff Review) and their subcommittees, which for the first time during the 2019/2020 and 2020.2021 academic years were held via the Zoom platform was noteworthy.
C. Staff Welfare Section
During the 2020/2021 academic year, the Staff Welfare Section was responsible for the purchasing and issuing of Protective Clothing and Equipment for all staff members. The section also purchased Uniforms for UB Staff Members of the Office of Security Management. Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, the University’s Annual Long Service Awards Ceremony
Marcellin D’Aguiar Personnel Officer (A.g)
2020 which was held in honour of our longserving members was postponed to the 2021/2022 academic year. Staff members will be honoured for 20 years of service – 15 awardees; 25 years of service – nine awardees; 30 years of service – six awardees; and 35 years of service – one awardee. In addition, the Staff Welfare Section processed medical insurance claims for staff members through the National Insurance Scheme and Frandec & Co. Insurance Company and has organised and serviced several Disciplinary Committees.
IV. MAJOR STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS
Thirteen staff members from the Personnel Division successfully completed the Executive Diploma in Management (Human Resource), University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Sagicor Cave Hill School of Business and Management which was conducted during the period February 2020 up to and including July 2021.
V. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2022
• Completion of the transformation from Personnel to Human Resource Management.
• Approval and implementation of New Human Resource Department Structure and Job Descriptions.
• Approval and implementation of Human Resource Policies.
Safety and Security Department
I. VISION
The revised vision of the Safety and Security Department is to establish a cohesive approach to the Standard Operational Procedures that will govern the security services provided at all of the University campuses and centres. The vision also entails the development of security programmes tailored to suit the needs of staff and students as well as the development of a working relationship with community leaders in the surrounding neighbourhoods.
II. DEPARTMENT DEMOGRAPHICS
The Safety and Security Department currently has a total of 14 staff members: a Chief Operations Officer, Manager, Investigator, Secretary, and 10 Traffic Wardens.
III. SUMMARY OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS
• The 2020/2021 academic year was a unique but challenging one for the Safety and
Security Department. Supervising a campus on lockdown and trying to enforce Covid-19 protocols was not an easy task. However, the department performed quite well as the campus was kept secured throughout the reporting period.
• For a period of two months Ms. Roxan Isaacs performed the duties as Manager (ag.).
• In the month of March, five additional Traffic Wardens joined the department.
• Unsatisfactory performance of ranks at the Main Entrance to the campus persisted. Frequent absenteeism and misconduct affected the overall performance of the department.
• The supervision of the Sanitisation Tunnel was done by the ranks of the Amalgamated Security who also recorded the names and other relevant information of persons entering the campus. This activity was supervised by ranks of the Safety and Security Department.
• During the period of April 9 – May 21, 2021, a
External Security (Amalgamated Security Services Guyana Inc) on duty.
Covid-19 Vaccination Outreach was held on the Turkeyen Campus for staff, students, and residents of the neighbouring communities.
• The department received nine handheld radio sets. The complete radio system was set up; however, they are not available for use by the ranks since a frequency for the system is yet to be received.
• The Department continues to function without the use of the CCTV system. This will be installed after the completion of the new security building.
• The Department is awaiting the installation of the remaining solar lights around the campuses.
• The old Security Lodge was dismantled on September 22, 2021. Construction work of the new building began soon after. The operations of the Amalgamated Security ranks that were housed in that building were relocated to the Education Lecture Theatre (ELT).
• The Department continued to have challenges with the identification, storage and security of the many keys in its custody. As a result, an estimate for the construction of a storage unit for the keys was prepared and is awaiting approval.
• During the reporting period there was no report of theft, vandalism, or break and entry.
IV. CONCLUSION
The period under review was a challenging one for the Safety and Security Department. The performance of Amalgamated Security Services was suboptimal for the most part. The department is not configured to deliver the much-needed physical security needs of the University. There is great need for the creation of a supervisory bracket in the department management chain to assume control of the three shifts. Construction of a fence around the facility would greatly enhance the security of the Campus. There are several ongoing projects which would also improve the physical security of the Campus. On completion, they should be fully resourced with state-of-the-art equipment and personnel who are properly trained to operate them.
V. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2022
• Installation of computers and electronic card readers at all guard posts.
• The planned CCTV system, the electronic card readers and electronic locking and alarm systems should be a project for the Information Technology Department.
• Appropriate equipment for Traffic Wardens.
• Recruitment of Traffic Wardens.
• Training for Traffic Wardens.
• Installation of perimeter and other security lights.
• Construction of parking lot for mini-buses and hire cars.
• Acquisition of drone detection equipment and a drone to conduct aerial patrols.
• Review of contract with Amalgamated Security Services.
• Construction of an 11-feet fence along the perimeter of the Campus and the building of an ATV trail to facilitate mobile patrols.
Facilities Maintenance Department
I. VISION
The collective vision of the Facilities Maintenance Department is to operate and function in a manner that exemplifies the highest level of professionalism, while effectively and efficiently delivering on its mandate as the core service unit of the University of Guyana, relative to plant, equipment, and sanitation.
II. DEPARTMENT DEMOGRAPHICS
The Facilities Maintenance Division (FDA) is comprised of approximately 82 staff members, distributed across seven (7) departments, as follows:
• Custodial Section
• Carpentry Section
• Plumbing Section
• Estates Section
• Electrical Section
• Transport Section
• Buildings Section
Even further, contained in the aforementioned count, is the Director and the members of the administrative team, which includes an Administrative Assistant, Electrical Engineer, and Clerk-of-Works. Relative to budgetary allocations, our department accounts for an average of GYD300,000,000 annually and takes into consideration spending for infrastructural works, under the categories of capital in-house and external (the Ministry of Education most notably).
III. SUMMARY OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS
The period under review has seen our department overcome many challenges especially with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Though faced with these challenges, our team was able to find a way of overcoming adversaries.
Cohesively, our team being a dedicated bunch of individuals, who share a common goal of wanting to see the university succeed, has been working diligently in upkeeping the good name
New Bursary and Personnel Building which is under construction (Opposite CIT and close to NBS Dorms).
of the University. This includes specific efforts being made to ensure the physical environment such as the regular sanitising of buildings on campus, weeding and cleaning of the campus surroundings. The cleaning and maintenance of buildings, the up keeping of the University’s vehicle and tools/equipment, which is always done in an expeditious and professional manner.
IV. SUMMARY OF PROJECTS
The review period has seen our team effectively manage and successfully complete several projects. There are as follows:
• Construction of Pumphouse and installation of pump
• Construction of New Bursary and Personnel Building
• Construction of protective screens, Library building
• Renovation of Mechanical Lab
• FET water tank base
• Construction of Hydrology Lab (Soil Lab)
• Rehabilitation of NBS Dorms
• Rehabilitation of Biodiversity building
• Rehabilitation of roof and ceiling of IDCE building
• Rehabilitation of Sewerage treatment plant, Pump station and Distribution Network
In addition to the above-mentioned projects, there are other projects on the horizon that the department will oversee. With Covid and the limited use of the premises over the reporting period, resulted in expansive deterioration of the facilities. This required a bolder effort from the Facilities Team to ensure a rejuvenated environment was presented to staff during their return to regular timings.
V. DEMONSTRATION OF STUDENT CENTEREDNESS AND IMPACT
The pandemic forced the closure of the campus and face to face activity. Hence, during the last year the department ability to interact with the students was extremely limited. However, the Department always strive to ensure that maximum relief is provided to students in every viable way to ensure that they can concentrate on their academics.
In anticipation of the return to regular classes
and having everyone back, efforts are made to upgrade with the intention of providing a safe and enabling environment for the students.
VI. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2022
The thrust of the department is to ensure that the projects that are on going and additional repairs to faculty buildings are competed timely. In addition, it is imperative for the department to continue and upgrade the service that is provided, while developing our own capacity. Some plans proposed are as follows:
• Complete Construction: New HR/Bursary Building
• Complete Rehabilitation: Turkeyen Sewage System Upgrade
• Complete Construction: MEDEX Building Tain Campus
• Rehabilitation of roof: Faculty of Social Sciences
• Rehabilitation of roof: Faculty of Education & Humanities
• Rehabilitation of roof: Faculty of Engineering and Technology
• Rehabilitation of roof: Faculty of Social Sciences, Law Building
• Rehabilitation of roof: University of Guyana Main Library
• Construction of transformer base and fence: University of Guyana Student Society Building
• Fabrication of Poles and Installation of Solar Street Lamps: Turkeyen
• Rehabilitation Works: DIHR Dorms
University of Guyana (Turkeyen Campus) Library (Exterior), (Bottom Left) Library entrance protective screen, (Bottom Center) 2nd Floor protective screen in the Reading Services: Division of Education and Humanities and (Bottom Right) Rehabilitation of windows.
The Sewerage system across campus was rehabilitated, in picture, sewerage outside of the Library (Turkeyen Campus). U.G.
Office of Occupational Health & Safety
I. VISION
The vision of the Occupational Health & Safety Unit is to protect the health and safety of all staff, students, and visitors by ensuring that preventative measures, policies, and procedures are implemented and enforced for a hazard-free environment.
II. DEPARTMENT DEMOGRAPHICS
The department currently has four staff members with positions of one (1) Director,
two (2) Occupational Health and Safety Officers (Compliance Officer and Laboratory/ Chemical Safety Officer), and one (1) Assistant Occupational Health and Safety Officer.
III.SUMMARY OF DEPARTMENTAL REPORT
A. COVID-19 Protocol Update
OHAS continues to monitor and maintain the operation of the sanitising of tunnels around Turkeyen and Berbice Campuses. Reports of
Exterior and Interior of NBS Hall of Residence.
Interior of the new Bursary and Personnel Building which is under construction.
Bottom Left (Olivia Parris-Bowen), Bottom Right (Sanasha Inniss), Top Left (Simona Broomes) and Top Right (Ronanuel Gilkes).
confirmed and suspected personnel cases of COVID-19 are managed along with the Medical Centre. Only negative Covid results from suspected or confirmed cases of personnel are cleared for entry back onto campus.
Additionally, OHAS assists and monitors the sanitisation and cleaning of buildings/ offices after suspected or confirmed cases of the virus. Clearance and entry onto campus for required class sessions such as labs are reviewed by OHAS once submissions are made by the relevant lecturers or heads of departments through the Class Request Forms found on the University’s website. All students and lecturers are required to be present and submit prescreening questionnaires which are reviewed by OHAS and once cleared the names are forwarded to the Security Department for entrance onto the campus.
OHAS also assisted with the planning, organisation and execution of vaccination drives on campus.
B. Policies and Protocols
OHAS has written/prepared the draft and will submit for review, the Health and Safety Policy for the University, the Emergency Management Plan, the Chemical Hygiene Plan, the Refusal to work Policy and the Accident/ Incident Reporting Policy.
C. OHAS and Construction Works on Campus
OHAS works along with the project managers of the sewage and health and security projects on campus. OHAS personnel inspect, advise and train construction crews on the expectations as it relates to health and safety not just for personnel but also the environment. Training sessions have been held in phases with construction crews around campus. Constant communication is maintained between OHAS and the project managers. OHAS also investigates complaints made by personnel who may be affected by the activities.
D. Campus Inspections
OHAS personnel inspect the Turkeyen campus weekly and UGBC occasionally; the Anna Regina campus was visited once for the year thus far. It was found that the campuses are in need of
upgrades to fire extinguishers and consistent maintenance of the same. OHAS has gathered quotations for the maintenance services. Additionally, outstanding fire extinguishers that were stored in the Security Office in Turkeyen were mounted in the necessary areas within the Faculty of Engineering. Several buildings were reported to the Estates Maintenance Department that require upgrades or fixes in some way or the other.
E. OHAS Collaboration
OHAS personnel continue to work along with the departments for the planning of projects/ activities and offers advice for staff and their safety. OHAS exhibits active synergy with Personnel, Estates Maintenance, DECC, Registry, Medical Centre etc. Some of the activities included graduation activities, vaccination drives, career fairs, updates for FAQs, advise on field trips, various task forces etc.
IV. IMPORTANT COLLABORATIONS
OHAS collaborates externally with the Environmental Protection Agency, Guyana Energy Agency, Guyana Fire Service, and the Ministry of Labour (Occupational Health and Safety Department).
V. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2022
• Implementation of written policies and plans once approved.
• Restoration and maintenance of all fire extinguishers. Creation of a tracker system.
• Development of additional procedures or policies such as lockout, tag out, training policy, document maintenance and coding etc.
• Create and maintain an active online presence for reporting and assistance
• Training and creation of the Workforce Committee in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour.
• Scheduled inspection of all University campuses.
• Continued maintenance of sanitising tunnels and upkeep of Covid-19 protocols if necessary.
• Routine inspections, reports on such and implementation of preventative and corrective actions.
Internal Audit Department
I. VISION
To enhance and protect organisational value by providing risk-based and objective assurance, advice, and insight.
II. PURPOSE
Internal Auditing is an independent and objective assurance and consulting activity that is guided by a philosophy of adding value to improve the operations of the University of Guyana (UG). It assists UG in accomplishing its objectives by bringing a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of the University’s governance, risk management, internal controls.
III.DEPARTMENT DEMOGRAPHICS
The Internal Audit Department currently has four (4) staff members, three (3) technical, and one (1) clerical/administrative.
IV. BUDGET
The total budget in 2021 was $20,536,000.00.
V. SUMMARY OF DEPARTMENT REPORT
All the audit activities can be broadly placed into three (3) categories:
a. Assurance: to provide assurances to senior management of governance, risk management and control of systems within the University.
b. Consultancy: to facilitate the enhancement of business processes by providing a systematic and discipline approach to improving the systems within these business processes.
c. Special: Execute special projects, with appropriate safeguards, towards adding value to the operations of the University.
VI.
MAJOR RESEARCH PROJECTS COMPLETED
During the period January to October 2021 the following audit areas were examined:
a. Medical Centre Review (Assurance): This was an exercise to review the medical records, procedures, and compliance to medical best practices at the University of Guyana’s Medical Centre. The audit report rating was 2.60 – Satisfactory. The client satisfaction rating was 4.00 – Excellent. Draft report was submitted on June 14, 2021.
b. Pension Scheme (Assurance): The Board of Trustees had decided in July 2019 that the Internal Audit Department verify the computations of pension benefits and refunds. During the verification exercise several issues were revealed, recommendations were made, and some corrective actions were taken. One (1) major issue regarding the method of computing interests for refunds from the scheme was fully addressed this year. It was decided to use the whole year method to compute refunds. There were five (5) reports issued under this audit area.
VII. MAJOR STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS
During the period September 2020 to August 2021, Tricia Niles, General Clerk II graduated with a Diploma in Public Management.
VIII. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2022
The process of preparing the audit plan for 2022 involves receiving input from senior management and the Audit Committee on the audit areas that required attention from the IAD. The Internal Auditor will consider the feedback received and develop an audit plan taking into consideration the available man hours.
The audit areas to be addressed in 2022 include the following:
• Monthly Management Reports
• Special Funds
• Fixed Assets Register
• Payroll - Entries and Exits
Tactical Online Services (TOS) Unit
I. VISION
To be the effective and efficient technological backbone of the educational systems infrastructure that enables and supports the University of Guyana in the delivery of its mandate.
II. MISSION
Transform the delivery of education at the University of Guyana such that tertiary education is accessible, available, peoplecentric, convenient, and economical for all through the leveraging of innovative, reliable, robust, and appropriate ICTs and Educational Technology solutions.
III.VALUES
• Teamwork
• Leadership
• Empathy
• Commitment
• Continuous Learning
• Service-Oriented
• Client-Focused
• Visionary
IV. DEPARTMENT DEMOGRAPHICS
The Tactical Online Services (TOS) Unit is comprised of five sub-units, namely:
• IT Governance, Research, Innovation, and Security (IGRIS)
• Client, Core Services and Enterprise Support (CCSES)
• Software Services and Educational Technology Application (SSETA)
• Infrastructure and Information Technology Services (IITS)
• Educational Onlining Support Services (EDDOS)
Each sub-unit is led by a Director with the exception of CCSES which is led by a Deputy Director. SSETA also has a Deputy Director.
V. STRATEGIC FOCUS
• Consolidation of UG’s Learning Management System
• Strengthening of the Help Desk and Support Services
• Strengthening the Cybersecurity posture of UG
• Consolidation and strengthening of UG’s ICT portfolio through a focus on policy development
• Expansion of UG’s IT Infrastructure
TOS’ strategy is based on the VRIO framework for “sustained competitive advantage” with a
Members of the Tactial Online Services (TOS) Unit celebrating 1st Anniversary with the Vice-Chancellor, XI, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin.
focus on optimising the way in which the unit is organised to address the challenges and opportunities facing/presented to the University in its current transition imperative.
VI. KEY FUNCTIONS
• Support students, staff, guests, and alumni in their use of ICT solutions provided by the University
• Enable and promote optimisation of the learning and administrative functions of the University through harnessing ICT solutions
• Innovate and adopt appropriate secure solutions that are fit-for-purpose and fit-foruse in the educational environment of the University of Guyana.
VII. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
• Relationship development manifest in strengthened synergies with other support services units at the University, international offices, and individuals.
• Representation of the University of Guyana:
i. The Director served as Subject Matter Expert in leading a team in the hiring of one Deputy Programme Manager at the CARICOM Secretariat
ii. The Director serves as a member of the Digital committee
iii. The Director serves as a member of the CARICOM ICT4D committee
iv. The Director serves as a member of the Cybersecurity Task Force of the National Data Management Authority; specific emphasis on the development of the National Cybersecurity Strategy.
• Strengthening of the commitment of TOS staff to quality customer service and a service-oriented work culture.
• Implementation and support of virtual Career and Open Day 2021.
• Provided technical oversight for the technology component of the delivery of the Convocation Ceremony 2021.
• Launched University of Guyana Zoom Rooms; the result of a project initiated to deploy 18 Zoom Rooms across the University of Guyana.
• Restructuring of the human resource
establishment of TOS in view of the new and emerging insights into the challenges and opportunities that unit was created to address.
• Increase in the level of confidence of staff and students in the support services delivered by staff of TOS.
VIII. SUMMARY OF CHALLENGES
• Delays and schedule creep that are incurred from having to wait on the dependent services that are delivered by other units/ departments of the University.
• Motivation crisis being experienced and exhibit by the Technicians of TOS:
• Staff have to use their own or borrowed resources to undertake routine and on demand work; this incurs wear and tear that are not covered by the University.
• Staff have to use their own data plans to support staff and students who seek technical support during the period that staff are working from home.
• Staff who have developed new skills/ competencies over several years of employment with the University have not been rewarded the opportunity of upward mobility, despite being charged with increased responsibilities as the University increasingly adopts and routinise new ICT systems and solutions.
• Teething issues that stem from the inevitable team/group building within TOS (the unit is just over one year old).
• People issues that spill over form units/ department, outside of TOS, that are part of an old UG culture of “public sector work ethics” that is stubbornly held on to by some staff.
• Discomforts and health risks of working in the CIT where the sanitary facilities are often without any or adequate water supply.
• Working directly with students/staff/ faculty, on one hand, and the Senior Management Team, on the other hand, without the decision-making inputs/ support of an ICT Steering Committee.
IX. DEPARTMENT DEMOGRAPHICS
A. IT Governance, Research, Innovation, and Security (IGRIS)
Williams Director, IT Governance, Research, Innovation, and Security (IGRIS)
Vision
To be the hub of leadership and innovation that design, build, deliver, support, secure, and govern ICT services provided by the University of Guyana to its students, staff, guests and alumni.
Department Demographics
IGRIS is staffed by:
• One Director
• One Senior ICT Engineer – Cybersecurity Compliance Officer
• One Policy Developer
During the period under review, two staff members left the employ of IGRIS:
• One Executive Assistant (retired)
• One Assistant ICT Engineer – Web and Email Coordinator
Key Functions
1. Led the IT Governance responsibility of the University of Guyana
2. Align UG’s IT strategy, infrastructure and services with UG’s strategic vision, plan and business priorities
3. Establish transparent decision-making processes to inform UG’s IT investments
4. Develop evidence-based IT policies and systems that are effective, meaningful, innovative and responsive to the present and emergent business and IT needs and priorities of UG
5. Design, oversee, monitor, evaluate and recommend data and cybersecurity solutions for University of Guyana Online
6. Provide comprehensive and integrated oversight for the IT structures, processes and functions of UG
7. Provide innovative IT systems that support UG’s desired outcomes, such as student retention and administrative streamlining/ simplification.
Key Achievements
1. Closer alignment and integration of the TOS’s Strategic endeavours with the University’s strategic plan.
2. Development and representation of ICT policies that govern new initiatives and imperatives of the University of Guyana at the level of the SMT, APPC and AB:
a. Recording of Instructional Activities
b. Email Policy
3. Relationship building and strengthening of synergies with the other services units, faculties and administrative units of the University.
4. Recruitment and hiring of one Senior ICT Engineer, one Policy Developer, and one ICT Engineer for TOS
5. Advancement of the IT Services and Investments Request form initiative that was implemented in 2020 to the stage of an IT Investment Request Information System software application that is deployed for use
6. Recommendation and successful promotion of the concept of a virtual event for the delivery of Career and Open Day 2021.
Main Challenges
1. Staff attrition
2. Timely hiring of staff
Malcolm
B. Client, Core Services & Enterprise Support (CCSES)
Vision
To make CCSES as the “goto” place for ICT support services.
Department Demographics
CCSES has five staff members. They are as follows:
• One Deputy Director
• Three Computer Technicians
• One Computer / Network Technician
Key Functions
1. Provide ICT support services to students, staff members and University units.
2. Act as a liaison between external ICT service providers and University units using their services.
Key Achievements
1. Manage the distribution of laptops under the laptop assignment and rent-to-own initiatives
2. Faster response to requests for computer and related equipment repairs and maintenance services from University units and staff members.
3. Technical support for virtual workshops, webinars and conferences
4. Zoom Rooms training and onsite support
5. Zoom meetings, webinars and zoom rooms license management.
6. Manage the University LifeChat system
7. Dedicated Technical support Services to the Bursary and Personnel Division
8. Training – digitisation of paper-based records, Google Cloud storage and Zoom
9. Manage helpdesk email account setup to handle students and staff queries
10. Development of instruction materials and tutorials for Zoom and Moodle tasks
11. Fiber repairs and maintenance on campus
Main Challenges
1. Lack of suitable working environment –furniture and building facilities
2. Lack of materials and equipment to carry out internal fiber repairs and maintenance on campus
C. Educational Onlining Support Services (EDDOS)
• To equip all lecturers across the University to be effective in the teaching and learning process.
• To improve students’ competencies and skills in order to attain student’s satisfaction and retain student.
• These competencies must ensure that all lecturers can deliver in face-to-face, blended or hybrid, and online format.
Department Demographics
EDDOS has two staff members:
• One Director
• One Personal Assistant
Key Functions
1. Equip all lecturers across the University to be effective in the teaching and learning process in the face-to-face, blended or hybrid mode of education delivery.
2. Improve students’ competencies and skills in order to attain students’ satisfaction and retain students.
3. Design and implement mechanisms to provide quality instructional design and training support for the delivery of the learning and administrative functions of the University of Guyana.
4. Support the delivery of tertiary level education in a mixed configuration of online and place-based modes through leveraging appropriate technologies.
Summary of Key Achievements
1. IT Governance and Policy Development
Initiated and supported the development lifecycle of the Recording of Instructional Activities and E-mail policies.
2. Relationship Building and Community Development
a. Hosted inter-faculty trainers, train student and lecturers on online teaching and learning pedagogy.
b. Facilitated sessions on the issue of teaching online through an expanding network of guest trainers from the UK, Trinidad and Sweden:
i. Dr Ernest Ampadu, Royal Institute, Sweden: Techniques in Supervising Students Online
ii. Dr Kate McCauley, GoldSmith’s University, UK: What makes an online lecturer successful?
iii. Dr Leroy Hill, University of Southern Caribbean, Trinidad: Converting faceto-face courses to online.
c. Worked with Commonwealth of Learning on planning and implementing Developing
and Teaching Online Courses (UOG1002) for lecturers (offered via Moodle). At present, 75 participants registered, but have not completed all the activities.
d. Conducted oversight of the delivery of a session on Gagne’s 9 Events in Online Lesson Planning. Feedback suggested that this session was very helpful.
e. Participated in a radio interview on January 25, 2021 concerning EDOSS.
Research and Innovation
1. Journal Publications
• Bissessar, C., Black, D., & Boolaky, M. (2021). The H.E.R.O.s of Online Education: What makes students succeed despite the odds? Journal of Educators Online, 18(1), 1-17.
• Bissessar, C., Black, D., & Boolaky, M. (2020). International graduate students’ perceptions of COI. European Journal of Open, Distance and E-learning, 23(1), 61-83.
2. Webinar Presentations
• Preparing to Teach Online September 2020 and 2021.
• Turnitin, Moodle, and Zoom September 2020 and 2021.
• Student Services session for students October 2021 (Moodle/Zoom/Turnitin)
• Psychological Capital and the HEROs of Online Education: November 2020 (University of Guyana, Faculty of Education and Humanities)
3. Webinars Attended
• Commonwealth of Learning Online Workshop Series: Designing for Authenticity and Reliability 4th March 2021.
• Commonwealth of Learning POWER UP: How Learning Design Systems Can Help Scale and Accelerate Learning Design 29th February 2020.
• Arizona State University: Remote the Connected Faculty Summit 9th – 10th June, 2021
4. Training completed for 2020/2021
Training was conducted with the following Faculties/Institutes from October 2020 –November 2020:
Raymond Khan Deputy Director, Client, Core Services & Enterprise Support (CCSES)
Dr Charmaine Bissessar Director, Educational Onlining Support Services (EDOSS)
• Faculty of Agriculture and Foresty
• School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI)
• Faculty of Education and Humanities
• Faculty of Engineering and Technology
• Faculty of Social Sciences
• Faculty of Earth and Environmeneal Sciences
• Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE)
From September 2021 to June 2021 training was provided for Lecturers and Students on using Turnitin through the collaboration of Turnitin and EDOSS.
Demonstration of Student/ Lecturer-Centredness
Individual sessions were held with students and faculty who needed additional help in use of Moodle, Turnitin, and SRMS.
Main Challenges
Recruitment of suitably qualified and experienced professional in the areas of Instructional Design, Curriculum Development and Audio/Visual Engineering.
D. Software Services and Educational Technology Applications (SSETA
Director, Software Services and Educational Technology Applications (SSETA)
Department Demographics
SSETA has eight full-time and three part-time staff members as follows:
• One Director
• One Deputy Director
• One Senior ICT Engineer
• One ICT Engineer
• Four Junior ICT Engineer
• Three Student interns
Key Functions — SRMS, HRMIS, Moodle
LMS, Koha ILS, Turnitin, ExamSoft, Zoom, and UoG websites
1. Coordinate the upgrade, updating and modernisation of UG’s web and online presence
2. Design, implement, and support a technological platform to provide tools for the delivery of the learning and administrative functions of the University of Guyana
Key Achievements
1. Assisted with setting up of UG Career Day on the virtual platform
2. Enhancements on inter-server communication exchanges between UG Website and SRMS / HRMIS
3. Creation of new websites / webpages for SGSR, JGSP, Girls in ICT & Anti-violence campaign
4. Enhancements on inter-server interaction so that the student / staff enrollments in SRMS / HRMIS are immediately reflected in Moodle
5. New marksheet interface for Summer and other enhancements in marksheet interface
6. Creation and enhancement of reports in SRMS / HRMIS
7. Automated emailing of some reports in SRMS / HRMIS
8. Ongoing staff and student support in the areas of SRMS, HRMIS, Moodle, Turnitin, Zoom, UG Email, UOG DNS, Human Relations course, etc.
9. Internal training and grooming of new engineers
10. Course groups enrollment interface (launched for 2021/2022 and is being primarily used by FEH)
11. Enhancements in SSETA’s internal processes with use of Bitbucket, Confluence and Jira.
Main Challenges
1. Lack of a web and social media coordinator - This role provides the web team with an interface to the faculties and the lack of someone filling this role takes away from the developer(s)’ time to address technical issues.
2. Lack of standardisation processes for website related tasks. From the time of data collection to the placement of information/ features on the site.
3. Training for Web Developers in the areas of design, use of latest web technologies and strategies and communication standards.
4. Software needed for the design and creation of website artifacts (images, videos, etc.).
5. Recruitment of suitably qualified and experienced professional (ICT and Senior ICT engineer)
6. Derailing of execution of planned tasks by new and unforeseen requests
E. Infrastructure and IT Services (IITS)
Fidel Captain Director, Infrastructure and IT Services (IITS)
Key Functions
1. Managing and maintaining the IT infrastructure of the University at all its campuses and locations.
2. Providing IT support services to staff and students.
Key Achievements
1. Zoom Room installations
2. In the process of upgrading, and in some
cases creating redundant high speed Internet connections at the following locations:
a. Cheddie Jagan Dental School
b. Dorms at Goedverwagting
c. UGBC Tain and Johns
d. College of Medical Sciences’ Middle Street location
e. IDCE location at Anna Regina and Georgetown
3. Facilitated GRA’s Customhouse Broker exam for the first time, and the usual CAMC exams
Summary of Main challenges
Procurement of basic necessities for conducting routine work, and new and replacement equipment:
• Tools
• Materials
• Replacement equipment
• New equipment
X. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2022
A. Tactical Online Services (TOS) Unit
i. Higher quality customer service.
ii. Foster enhancement of students and staff of the University of Guyana to leverage technology and data toward achieving individual and organisation growth.
iii. Enhancement of the ICT Capability Maturity of TOS, and by extension the University of Guyana. The aim is to advance UG’s ICT related processes along the spectrum from being unpredictable and reactive to processes that are measured, controlled, and continuously being improved.
iv. Resuscitation of the IT Steering Committee.
v. More assertive promotion of the use and leveraging of ICTs at the University of Guyana among its staff and students.
B. IT Governance, Research, Innovation, and Security (IGRIS)
i. Delivery of a consolidated ICT Policy framework
ii. Elaboration of UG’s Cybersecurity Posture
iii. Ramping up of the IT Governance mechanism and practices of UG
iv. Enhancement of UG’s online and web presence
v. Expansion of the research endeavours and output of TOS, in general.
Sekhar Mallampati
C. Client, Core Services, and Enterprise Support (CCSES)
i. Implementation of Helpdesk software to provide improved ICT support services and analytics
ii. Assist University units to digitise paperbased records
iii. Assist University units to store digital records using Google cloud storage
iv. More visits to other University satellite centers
v. More in-house training for staff members
D. Educational Onlining Support Services (EDDOS)
i. Training in blended/online teaching and learning.
ii. Expansion of knowledge through attendance at the “Train the Trainers” workshops.
E. Software Services and Educational Technology Applications (SSETA)
i. Migration to a new host for university websites.
ii. Upgrade and Restructuring of University main sites and sub sites (platform and organisation of data).
iii. Improve backend communication and hence accuracy of website data through the use of standardisation custom-built APIs.
iv. Expand our knowledge base of Web Technologies.
v. Continuing to enhance our website security with continuing scans and remedial actions. May include DNS level changes.
vi. Remedy accessibility concerns.
vii. Analytics and SEO details for our websites.
viii. Implementing another level of disaster recovery measures.
ix. Strengthening of AWS platform
x. Improvement in Disaster recovery plans
xi. Moodle enhancements
xii. Implementation of Unique Employee Identifier
xiii. Enhancements to Leave and Teaching Allocation interfaces in HRMIS
xiv. Automation of Employee ID / File number generation
xv. Supplementary and resit application interface in SRMS
xvi. Enhancing Academic profile and programme profiles in SRMS
xvii. Enhance the existing reports, add new reports in SRMS and HRMIS
xviii. UG Qualification Exams Module in SRMS
F. Infrastructure and IT Services (IITS)
i. High speed and redundant Internet at the following locations:
a. Cheddie Jagan Dental School
b. Dorms at Goedverwagting
c. UGBC Tain and Johns
d. College of Medical Sciences’ Middle Street location
e. IDCE location at Anna Regina and Georgetown
ii. Firewall installation at remote locations
iii. Replace UPS batteries for main UPS servicing the University’s main Servers and CIT building
iv. Upgrade core switches for the Turkeyen network
v. Upgrade our SAN
vi. Fix and replace the damaged fiber around the Turkeyen campus
vii. Fix and replace Internet connections around the campus that have been damaged
viii. Wire the Faculty of Social Sciences building
ix. Wire the Law building
The Office of Philanthropy, Alumni and Civic Engagement (PACE)
I. INTRODUCTION
Founded in 2016, The PACE Office continues to function as a unit overseen directly by the Vice-Chancellor with its staff servicing both the office of the Vice-Chancellor and PACE during this extended Covid period, since seasoned staff from the former Vice-Chancellor’s office were promoted to other key new positions in the University during covid due to their intimate knowledge of the operations of the University.
II. ABOUT PACE
PACE is mandated to create a culture of institutionalized giving to the University of Guyana through Philanthropy, Alumni and Civic Engagement. PACE responds positively and progressively to particular resource, relationship, re-branding and re-engagement necessary for the University of Guyana’s vision 2040 which is captured in UG’s Blueprint.
While Covid-19 conditions continue to restrict fundraising, the University is thankful for all those companies and individuals who even with their own challenges continues to support the University through this difficult period. Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd, Conservation International, UNICEF, Halliburton, CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, European Union, Dr. Yesu Persaud, Ministry of Natural Resources, Recruitment Solutions Inc., National Intelligence and Security Agency, Air Badminton Guyana, Gafsons Industries Limited, Mr. Cliff Rajkumar and Professor Rita Persaud we thank you all for your continued alliance and support.
Resource Raising
For the reporting period October 2020 – December 2021, PACE has secured approximately GY$ 391,933,385 grant funding and in-kind of US$10 million over the next four years.
Of the amounts committed, scholarships, training, research, and programme development accounts for 76%. Infrastructure and security
accounts for 20% while books and equipment accounts for 4%. Sixty advanced Faculty from the University are currently completing their terminal degrees at University’s outside of Guyana funded by philanthropic resources raised. Thirty percent of these are completing the educational scholarship, administration, and leadership tracks and 70% science and research tracks in over 12 key areas identified in the University’s Blueprint as necessary for the country’s rapid development in key sectors. The scholars are expected to begin graduating between 2022 and 2025. Moreover, this advanced faculty scholarship programme will begin to regularize the irregular composition of UG staff with terminal degrees from the pre2020 configuration of 70% of all full-time staff teacher with a Master’s degree or lower to 30% by 2025. This in turn will have the effect of (a) significantly strengthening the research and innovation capacity of the University and (b) Supporting the development and delivery of more key graduate and post-graduate programmes, (c) significantly improving the overall quality of education delivered by the University, impacting student experience, future success and the University’s overall international ranking, and standing.
Staff Succession and Mobility:
Though the appointments Committee is statutorily expected to meet once per quarter due to the backlog of items stemming from its non-meeting between 2014 and 2019, meetings have been held on average once every month in 2021 all but clearing the backlog inherited. In addition to those promotions processed, awarded and announced in 2019 -2022, an additional total of 64 staff were promoted in the year 2020-21 Of these 42 were UA staff (academic) and 22 were UB staff. See appendices for the full list. The University congratulates all those who’s academic, teaching. and service profiles have earned them these promotions and urges all others to continue to strive for such higher attainments.
III. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Top achievements for Academic Advancement
1. UG Blueprint 2040 Encounter 3 - building on Encounters 1 and 2, Encounter 3 was hosted in May 2021, with emphasis on: 1. delivering quality higher education in safety and security 2. supporting staff, student, and citizen success 3. enhancing the teaching and learning environment of UG’s three campuses including IDCE (face to face and virtual) and the expansion of Berbice Campus.
2. Free Public Offering of the Human Relations Course (HRC) – to support International Day Against Racism and Discrimination 2021 activities, PACE, Office of the Vice-Chancellor in partnership with the United Nations initiated the first free offering of the HRC to the public for one week (March 21st - 28th). The Human Relations course is aimed at supporting diversity, dialogue and modelling of appropriate attitudes and behaviors amongst all people.
3. Supported the Development and Roll out of the Bachelor of Science (Psychology)similar to the development of the Diploma in General Psychology and Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology, the Bachelor of Science programme was also funded by UNICEF. It was developed with support from PACE, the University’s Psychology Task Force, and the Caribbean Alliance of National Psychological Associations (CAMPA). The programme offers high quality training to produce skilled individuals to work in a variety of roles and serve within professional, clinical, academic, and research areas in Guyana and the Caribbean
4. University of Guyana’s Student Mental Health Policy - the University continues to recognize the importance of mental health and wellbeing for all our students, the Student Mental Health Policy was crafted with by the University’s Psychology Task Force with extensive contributions from Ms. Kara Lord, and support from PACE.
5. University of Guyana’s Inclusivity, Diversity and Equity Policy - PACE in partnership with UNICEF, the Ministry of Social Protection and the University of Guyana’s Disability Inclusion Taskforce crafted a policy and a training
curriculum for staff internal and external to the University. This policy will help the University and other institutions to identify, support and manage students and staff with learning and other disabilities while helping them to become more productive citizens.
6. Work on Campus Programme - This initiative was developed by Vice-Chancellor Xi and is managed by PACE. The programme provides part-time employment for responsible and qualified UG Students to populate a Client Services Unit. This Unit (UG Help Desk) has been in operation since September 2020 and has been providing guidance via fourteen whatsapp/telephone numbers to current and perspective students as well as prospective graduands with support of the Vice- Chancellor, Registry, Bursary, and Faculties.
7. Support the transformation of the Personnel Department and the Bursary - under the guidance of Vice-Chancellor Xi, PACE is currently supporting the transformation of the University’s current Personnel Division to a full-fledged Human Resources Department and converting the Bursary into a Finance Management Office. The transformation of the departments will significantly enhance the quality and efficiency of the service offered.
8. Support the Human Resources UWI Training Programme for UG Staff - there is a need for staff members within the Personnel Department and Bursary to be versed in the principles of modern Human Resource Management and Practice as well as modern Financial Management. The University is therefore, enhancing the capacity of its staff to be fitting within the new departments by providing a specialized UWI training programme.
10. Guyana Resilient and One (GRO) Education Doctoral Education Programme - In 2019 under the GRO initiative, Vice- Chancellor Xi negotiated for an EDD Programme through Arizona State University. PACE continues to provide administrative support for a cohort of 20 persons who are currently enrolled in the programme.
11. Guyana Resilient and One (GRO) PhD Programme - similarly in 2020, under the GRO agreement, Vice-Chancellor Xi secured twenty PhD and four Master’s Degree scholarships at Arizona State University for staff in an effort to further enhance the teaching and administrative capacity and quality of the University. PACE continues to manage the administrative aspect of the programme.
12. Launch of Zoom Rooms the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) - as part of the GGI agreement, a project was initiated to upgrade the IT infrastructure of the University, to expand its virtual learning space. Eighteen Zoom Rooms were gifted and installed at all the campuses to aid effective teaching and learning. It is expected to bring immediate benefits to thousands of students and staff, those who cannot access learning and technical labs due to COVID-19 and geographic distance. The GGI initiative is a US$100 million programme aimed towards capacity building across diverse sectors, including non-oil. The launch took place on April 12th, 2021.
Click on the link for Photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/ folders/1thAvdljFOOXxv9ZLgGUtmfDOg9URuyeg
13. Launch of the University of Guyana’s Faculty of Technology Drilling Fluids Lab (Mud Lab) - The lab was negotiated with Halliburton Guyana Inc. in November 2019 and launched on May 21st, 2021. The agreement (Mud Lab, Land Mark Computer Software, Training, Maintenance and Staff and Student Development) between UG and Halliburton is valued US$2. 2 million or 4 billion Guyana dollars, of which the Mud Lab project accounts for about US$20,000. The collaboration is aimed at facilitating enhanced training for students in the Departments of Petroleum and Geological Engineering, Chemistry and Earth and Environmental Sciences.
Click here for Photos: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12TuIz_ L5gvuwRoVF8Z6p3euGS7XuTRRK/view
14. Campus Safety and Security Project- the sod turning on August 18th officially paved the way for the construction of four security buildings, geared towards enhancing the safety and security of students, staff and visitors on Campus. The
construction of the buildings on the Turkeyen Campus is part of Phase One of the Project and is supported by the Stabroek Block co-ventures under the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) valued at UD$700,000. This project caters for:
1. Construction of the Main Security Building 2. Construction of the Front Gate Security Outpost 3. Construction of the Back-Gate Outpost 4. Construction of the Pump Road Security Outpost
Click on the link below for photos from this event: https://www.facebook.com/media/ set/?set=a.238059914990155&type=3
15. Professors of Practice Programme - in an effort to expand access to quality education, the programme is expected to increase student intake and provide additional instruction in core subject areas. Each assigned professor of practice will be experienced instructors and researchers with ties to Guyana and will teach at the University for a minimum of three years. This programme was initiated under an agreement between the University and Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited in October 2020.
16. Rehabilitation of University of Guyana Sewage Treatment Plant - this project is being managed by the Ministry of Education, the University Maintenance Department and PACE Office of the Vice-Chancellor. The project is expected to deliver much cleaner, more environmentally friendly effluent for the Turkeyen campus.
17. Student and Staff Support Fund - the Student and Staff Support Fund (SSF) is designed to provide financial and other support to present students and staff of the University who may find themselves in difficult circumstances. For the year 2021, grants were disbursed to three students who were in dire situations.
18. The Ethel Carew Scholarship - this Scholarship is awarded each academic year and is supported by Prof. Nigel and Dr. Christine Harris. The scholarship is donor funded and is managed by PACE. It is aimed at supporting tuition and books at the University of Guyana for outstanding students of Guyana’s first people.
19. The Nursing Bursary Award: this scholarship is also awarded each academic year and is
managed by PACE. It covers the tuition of a student within the nursing Programme at the University of Guyana and is funded by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous.
20. The Vice-Chancellor XI Scholarship Programme - Region 9 top student at CXC has been awarded the Vice-Chancellor Xi Scholarship for 2021. This programme was recently initiated to provide the opportunity for a suitably qualified young person to pursue a bachelor’s degree at the University of Guyana.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the University of Guyana and Partners Oct 2020 - Oct 2021
21. MOU-UG and COAST - The University of Guyana, on June17, 2021, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Caribbean Oceanography Aquaculture and Subsea Technology (COAST) Foundation to collaborate on the establishment of a Subsea Centre of Excellence training facility. This would now allow the University to deliver world-class programmes designed to prepare students for careers in Subsea Operations and Engineering.
Click here for video recording: https://youtu.be/xT0QB1ZXA88
22. MOU- Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry and University of Guyana- the agreement was signed on June 29th, 2021 to facilitate academic cooperation, establish and implement mutually beneficial training opportunities and develop research collaborations between the two institutions.
Click here for video recording: https://youtu.be/PtulrNXeqRQ
23. MOU- Indian Council for Cultural Relations and the University of Guyana- signed a five year partnership on October 15, 2021 to establish a Visiting Professor Chair. Each appointed Chair would be required to serve the University for three to six months. The designing of courses and curriculum to be implemented at the University will be done in collaboration with the University of Guyana, the designated Professor, ICCR, and other Indian Universities.
24. MOU-Caribbean Examination Council and the University of Guyana - established a formal basis of cooperation between the parties in collaborative effort in the field of education with special focus in curriculum and assessment development and processing, training, research, and other possible areas of technical partnership. The agreement was signed on July 14, 2021.
25. MOU-The University of Guyana and the Guyana Police Force - on October 21st, 2021 signed an agreement to establish cooperative relations between the two institutions, particularly to develop academic programmes, training and research collaboration through mutual assistance in the areas of capacity building and any other areas as deemed nationally important.
26. CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited Scholarship Funding - the University of Guyana’s Institute for Energy Diplomacy received a grant of G$405,0000 for 18 Scholarships for Rapid Energy Upskilling and Capacity Building. This initiative is part of the Institute’s aim to deliver energy upskilling in sync with local content requirements to assist with the development of technical capacity of the people of Guyana. The Indigenous Communities will be awarded 50% of the scholarships.
27. Gift of Sports Gear- from Air Badminton Guyana to UG - the presentation of air badminton rackets, shuttles and nets were made on the 25th June, 2021 in the presence of Vice- Chancellor XI, Director of Berbice campus, Dr. Anna Perreira, representatives from Air Badminton Guyana and a number of student representative from the various clubs on campus.
The intension of this initiative is to introduce the sport to the UG community.
28. European Union’s Gift of Equipment to the University - the University’s effort to build its capacity to support its students, especially those with challenges and disabilities was boosted with a timely donation of equipment from the European Union (EU) on August 12, 2021. The equipment gifted to the University included; six laptops, one copy machine with toner supplies, two smart television, and multiple flash drives.
Click here to view the video recording: https://youtu.be/vxXMsAPoTzk
29. Gift of Antiseptic Wipes - the University of Guyana Medical Center received a donation of 1440 canisters of antiseptic wipes to help support its Covid-19 efforts from overseas based Guyanese Mr. Cliff Rajkumar.
30. Gift of Books, Paintings and Laboratory items - on October 6th 2021, the University of Guyana received a gift consisting of books, paintings and laboratory items valued at $4,000 CND from overseas based Guyanese Professor Rita Persaud.
To Achievements for Civic Engagement Oct 2020 - Oct 2021
31. A Deep Dive into the Oil and Gas Industry with Special Reflections on Guyana - The University of Guyana’s Institute for Energy Diplomacy hosted a special virtual conference for high level functionaries in the Oil and Gas sector on March 10, 2021. This event covered several topics including: 1. Oil & Gas International 2. A global perspective of Oil & Gas geopolitics 3. Institutional and contractual framework in Oil and Gas 4. Guyana’s Critical Challenges.
32. Graduation 2019/2020: DECC in collaboration with PACE hosted the University’s first virtual graduation. The ceremonies were held on March 19, 20, 26, and 27. Persons were
grouped according to disciplines and for the first time the graduands were combined from all the University’s campuses across the country.
33. Youth Standing Up Against Racism: The University of Guyana Clubs on Campus Panel Discussion took place virtually on March 21st, 2021. This event was part of a week-long of events in observance of International Day Against Racism.
34. Time for Youths to Unite Against Racism & Make Justice for All A Global Reality: Continuing the week of events on March 24th, PACE presented another thought-provoking panel discussion with keynote presenters Professor Edward Greene, Chancellor of the University of Guyana and Ms. Michelle Small Bartley, Deputy Programme Manager, CARICOM Secretariat. March, 24, 2021
35. Creation of the UG and UN Peace Gardenon March, 25, 2021, a Peace Tree Planting Exercise was completed on Turkeyen Campus. This marked the final event in observance of International Day Against Racism. The garden was planted by representatives from the United Nations and International Organizations in Guyana. These included the Head of the United Nations and representatives from UNICEF, UNDP, UNHR, UNWFP. In addition, Ambassadors from several foreign missions also joined and planted their tokens of international alliance, respect and generosity.
Click here for the video recording: https://youtu.be/vx_ZPYMhAbU
36. 75th Anniversary of India’s IndependenceHigh Commission of India, in collaboration with the University of Guyana, DECC and PACE hosted a Virtual Symposium on 29 of April 2021. The first panel discussion focused on Historical and Economic Relations between Guyana and India. The second panel was made up of Guyanese Nationals who studied and lived in India and Indian Nationals who work and live in Guyana, the discussion was centered around shared experience.
Click here to view the video recording: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12TuIz_ L5gvuwRoVF8Z6p3euGS7XuTRRK/view
37. UG Cares Flood Relief Drive- on June 6, 2021, UG Staff donated G$1 million to the Civil Defense Commission (CDC) to assist with the National and International efforts of Guyana Flood Disaster Relief. In addition, hampers and care packages for affected communities were also distributed and infection prevention videos and flyers were produced and circulated to support knowledge base.
Click link for photos: https://ne-np.facebook.com/CDC592/ photos/university-of-guyana-donates-toflood-relief-effortvice-chancellor-of-theuniver/350896073231117/
38. Kwakwani Flood Relief Project- Extending the flood relief drive, a UG team of two lecturers and 20 students from the department of Social Work on July 21, 2021, travelled to Kwakwani in Region 10 to distribute food hampers along with hygiene products to residents who were affected by the floods. The flood relief exercise was conducted under Office of Vice-Chancellor PACE, and UG Cares initiative in collaboration with the Guyana Defense Force (GDF).
39. Unity.GY launched- The University of Guyana (UG), in partnership with Unity.GY launched a one of a kind App titled “UG Cares App” on July 8, 2021. The App has the capacity to boost national disaster and response management systems, it seeks to link persons in need of material support and also caters to persons who may need counselling, educational and other forms of support.
40. Supported the University’s Virtual Career Fair 2021- The University hosted its first virtual Career Fair on June 18 and 19, 2021. This event provided an interactive space for the business community, current and prospective students, alumni, staff and friends of the University to engage. Sponsors included; Exxon Mobil, Halliburton Guyana Inc., Ministry of Natural Resources, UNICEF, GTT among others.
41. Senior Administrative Leadership OnBoarding Seminar 2021- CoETaL in collaboration with PACE hosted a two-day seminar for the top administrative officers at the University on July 28 -29, 2021.
42. Mind Matters Workshop- The University of Guyana’s Sobhraj Centre for Behavioural Sciences Research (CeBRES) presented a workshop for UG students focused on coping during the COVID-19 Pandemic. It was facilitated by psychologist, clinician and academic Dr. Katija Khan. PACE hosted the session on July 9, 2021.
Click here to view the video recording: https://youtu.be/uGUUUJkMZJo
43. Book Launch- the first publication in the Guyanese Exemplar Series of Pocket Books “Dr. Yesu Persaud -Iconic Leader in Business Innovation was launched on September 10th, 2021 by UG Press and PACE. The Guyanese Exemplar Series of Pocket Books focuses on the Life and Works of Outstanding Guyanese who were presented honorary doctorates by the University of Guyana in 2018. The effort was a collaboration between UG Press and PACE.
Click the link to view the recordings: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=JPUkc_2yb8E
44. UG’s 58th Anniversary and the Stride Towards the Sixty Campaign - On 3rd October 2021 UG celebrated its 58th anniversary and launched the Stride Towards the Sixty Campaign. The UG Foundation was tasked with securing funds and managing investments for the University to
support the fulfillment of the University’s major challenges now and in the future.
Click the link to view the video recording: https://youtu.be/I2yLiCN5jA0
45. Migration Training - the training was conducted on Wednesday October 20th and delivered to 25 police and immigration officers of varying ranks. The training focused on the link between gender and migration on the general experiences of migrant women in the Caribbean and approaches that members of the force can adopt, within the law, to make migrant women and children’s encounters with officers of the law less traumatizing.
Top Achievements for Alumni Relations Oct 2020 - Oct 2021
45. University of Guyana Alumni Association (UGAA) First Virtual World Alumni GatheringOn July 23-24 2021, UGAA presented their first virtual world alumni gathering. The two days long of activities were based on conversations about the future University, reflecting and sharing fond memories as former students, participating in fun games to win splendid prizes and contributing to the planning of UG’s 60th anniversary.
Click the link for the video recording: Day 1: https://youtu.be/MsyH5pEBbXo Day 2: https://youtu.be/QI3yS2lMIEk
46. SARS COV-2 (Covid-19) Viral Physiology and Vaccine Development: this forum was hosted by PACE on August 27, 2021 and was the first of the distinguished alumni series. This talk was facilitated by UG alumnus Mr.Vidia Roopchand. Mr. Roopchand is a Principal Scientist for Vaccine Research and Development at Pfizer. In 2020, he was part of the team that made history in the midst of a global pandemic to delivered the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (BNT162b2) to the world.
Click here to view the video recording: https://youtu.be/R1g71CMJi3g
47. Honoring the first batch of UG GraduatesAs a token of appreciation for their continued love, dedication and support to the University
Mr. Harry Hergash, Mr. Patrick Dial, Ms. Lorna McPherson and Mr. George Cave were each presented with a crystal plaque on behalf of ViceChancellor Xi, PACE and the University of Guyana Alumni Association UGAA.
48. #UG PPL 3rd Edition Online Magazinethe 3rd Edition of the magazine was published on January 1 2021.The purpose as the name suggests is to showcase, connect, support and promote our UG PPL in our local, regional and international platforms. The magazine features a creative mixture of stories from inspirational alums to business opportunities at UG.
49. Symbolic Graduation Photography- the UGAA and Office of the Vice-Chancellor PACE gifted a symbolic graduation photograph to each person who graduated for the academic year 2019/2020.
Projects
on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic
50. University of Guyana’s Yucatan Centre for Greening Research, Information and Sustainability (CeGRIS) funded by Mexico. The project was developed by Vice-Chancellor Xi, Prof Mohamed and is being driven by herself and team with support from the Ministry of Finance, the Mexican Embassy and IDB as the Fiduciary. The aim of the project is to develop the physical infrastructure needed to support the University of Guyana’s Greening Projects.
51. UG INN (Public, Private Partnership) partially funded by the Government of Guyana. UG INN is a proposed three flat/level facility at the University of Guyana’s property at Pere and Public Roads, Georgetown. The 30-room facility will be used for: A small hotel to host University’s visitors in the future, which will both earn revenue for the University and save on housing visitors; The inn will be used as a teaching facility for students in the University’s Tourism and Business and Entrepreneurship Programmes.
52. Literary Icon Honoring Festival 50/57- This project is funded by Ministry of Culture and was divided in two phases aimed at honouring six writers/artists across race, gender and geography of Guyana for each phase. This was done by: 1. Erecting a billboard at the entrance of the village of birth with a brief bio and image as well as
quote for each icon; 2. Co-ordinating a reading from these works by young upcoming writers at a safe public space in the communities; 3. Gifting a collection of their books/art work to an existing Library, School or Community centre in the communities of birth. Phase one was completed early February 2020.
Department of Events, Conferences and Communication (DECC)
The Department of Events, Conferences and Communications (DECC) is the centralised and effectively managed an administrative division that offers clear and understandable corporate communications coming out of the University of Guyana (UG). The department is identified as the trusted, first source of information about UG. DECC is responsible for both internal and external corporate communications and operates out of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor.
A. Mission
To filter and shape opinions, feelings, and encounters of all internal and external stakeholders who engage the people, policies, and products of the University of Guyana to successfully project a highly desirable image of the institution and to engage in processes of communications, marketing, publications,
events management, and content production that are efficiently planned, executed and measured.
B. Vision
The Department of Events, Conferences and Communications will lead the efforts to the realisation of the mission of the University of Guyana by being a trusted first source of communication and will strategically serve the communication, marketing, publication, events and conferences, and multimedia content production needs of the University.
C. Core Values
DECC fulfils its operational mandate with a commitment to the following core values:
• Accuracy
• Authenticity
• Clarity
• Creativity
• Timeliness
• Collaboration
• Commitment
• Resilience
• Resourcefulness
List of UA academic and non-Academic staff members by Faculty/Department who were promoted during the period July 29,2020 to January 26,2022.
List of UB staff members by Faculty/Department who were promoted 2020 - 2021
II. OVERVIEW
Since it was first established in August 2020, DECC has grown and is delivering its mandate to the satisfaction of all stakeholders. Under the leadership of its Director - who joined the team in January 2021, and Director – UG Broadcasting (ai), who assisted with conceptualizing and setting up the division, DECC is currently building a core team of innovative, competent, efficient, and professional individuals who will respond in a timely manner to the needs of all the relevant stakeholders of the University, both internal and external.
Additionally, in keeping with the University of Guyana’s Blueprint 2040 agenda, DECC is focused on building a unique and strong UG brand where students and staff successes and excellence are hallmarks – all of which are projected in all communication materials. This is being done taking into consideration the sensitivities of all stakeholders, including, but not limited to, policymakers, media, international and local development partners, alumni, staff, and students.
With the support of the various heads of units within DECC, steps are being taken by the department to improve internal communications across the University’s campuses and IDCE locations so that the entire University community understands and appreciates how all the various departments, faculties, and service units contribute to the University’s overarching goals and the UG brand DECC is seeking to build.
Similarly, DECC is focused on improving its level of engagement and the way the University communicates with all external stakeholders, so they are aware of the tremendous positive impact the institution has had and continues to have as a national development partner and as a Centre of Excellence in the Region.
III. DIVISIONS
DECC was formally established on September 14, 2020 and is comprised of five sub-units: Public Relations, Events and Conferences, University of Guyana Press, 95.5 Intelligent FM (Campus Radio Station), and UG Virtual Online (Web TV).
The latter three units comprise what is broadly referred to as “UG Broadcasting.” Additionally,
due to the University’s move to an online mode of operations in 2020, the additional project of the Website Content Production for uog.edu.gy is also part of UG Broadcasting. Furthermore, the Public Relations Unit also encompasses a Marketing portfolio. The formal five units and the additional two project-based activities fall under the purview of the DECC Secretariat which comprises the substantive Director and the Director - UG Broadcasting (ai).
Relations Officer, an acting Administrative Officer, and a dedicated staff who addresses all marketing, advertising, and sales-related matters.
Highlights
IV. SYNERGIES
While the different Units within DECC have their own objectives, projects, and targets, they tend to participate in more collaborative works such as Orientation 2020, Graduation Ceremonies of March 2021, Career Fair 2021, and all major conferences and events hosted by the University. DECC is also fully cognizant of the fact that to be effective and to assist the University in achieving its targets, there must be synergies with other departments within the wider University community. On this basis, DECC has worked closely with the various departments and service units including, but not limited to, the Registry, Office of Philanthropy, Alumni and Civic Engagement (PACE), Tactical Online Services Unit (TOS), Office of Occupational Health and Safety (OOHAS), University of Guyana School of Graduate Studies and Research (UG-SGSR), Centre of Excellence for Teaching and Learning (CoETaL), and the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE).
V. REPORTS FROM THE UNITS
A.
Public Relations
The main aim of the Public Relations Unit is to foster a positive image of the University through constant and consistent dissemination of information about the institution’s successes, programmes, services and products, values and relevance to national development, and the University’s position as a Centre of Excellence. The core team of the PR Unit consists of a Public
For all the activities and events hosted by the University such as the Graduation Ceremonies, Orientations, Career Fair, the PR Unit worked diligently to ensure they were given wide coverage across all media spectrums and circulated amongst the University communities. During the period under review, several press releases and feature stories were done showcasing students and staff successes, new programme offerings, and various University initiatives relating to the national, regional, and international development context. Television and radio interviews were also arranged for key personnel to promote the University’s events, programmes, and services. Overall, the coverage the University enjoyed during the period under review was not only good in terms of quantity but was impressive in terms of quality.
Additionally, PR spearheaded the Santa’s Helpers Initiative last Christmas and the Director and PRO participated in several initiatives to promote UG’s new and existing programmes.
Marketing
DECC is currently setting the structure in place to streamline marketing as this was an area that was not given much attention before. A point person on marketing was identified and the necessary guidance is being provided to ensure that a marketing plan is drafted and implemented with established priority areas of concentration.
For the Career Fair 2021, a marketing campaign was launched. With guidance from the VC, the DECC team was able to pool their ideas and work towards making the campaign successful. Several sponsors were engaged, both face-toface and virtually, in order to convince them of the opportunities that were possible with digital/online marketing.
Four corporate packages were designed from which our partners and sponsors could have chosen: these included Platinum, Gold, Silver,
and Bronze. The team was able to secure the sponsorship of a total of ten (10) clients, from both the private and public sector agencies and raise funds to offset some of the expenses incurred due to the hosting of the event. The Career Fair, due to its virtual nature, allowed us to cross all borders and engage prospective students in areas that were not possible before.
Additionally, the Success Awaits You Campaign was launched in June/July 2021 and repeated in September/October. Banner ads were published by some leading online news entities and some ads were also published in the national newspapers. In addition to publicising the various courses and programmes being offered by UG, the campaign was largely aimed at taking up the numbers as it relates to student intake for the new academic year and from all indications, there was a notable success in this regard.
Projections and Plans for 2022
Plans for the new academic year include to; engage more in video and audio production, continuing building and strengthening the capacity of the PR Unit, and finalising a strategic plan leading up to UG’s 60th anniversary celebrations.
As it relates to the marketing aspect, we are well aware that the environment in which University operates is constantly changing and becoming more competitive, hence it is necessary that the institutional framework be built to respond to such changes. Our aim is to build a strong marketing team that will be responsible for promoting the gamut of programmes, services and products being offered by the University and to improve the institution’s overall branding and image. There are tremendous opportunities in digital marketing and every effort will be made to build the capacity of the DECC team in this area considering the fact that University events will now be virtual or hybrid.
B. Conferences and Events
The vision of the Events and Conferences Unit is geared to successfully host conferences and other events in collaboration with the University and external stakeholders.
Overview of the structure of DECC
These are to be executed in both face-to-face and virtual environments and can be internal, local, national, and international in proportion.
This new unit has grown exponentially over the last year in the persons of its Coordinator and acting Administrative Assistant. It has collaborated well with the Multimedia and Public Relations Units to successfully host several events and conferences, all of these for the first time in a virtual environment.
In the last year, Events and Conferences have been able to hone the synergy between itself and the other units within the Department especially the Multimedia division of Broadcasting with which it collaborates to ensure proper branding and event protocols are effectively embedded in its executions. As this unit continues to grow it will serve the University community and its partners in a selfless and professional manner as part of DECC.
Highlights
During the period under review, this unit has undertaken a number of Herculean tasks. Chief of these was successfully coordinating and assisting with logistics associated with hosting the first virtual convocation exercises of the University in March 2021 that was divided into five sessions. This was the first major hybrid event since the Covid-19 pandemic hit Guyana in March 2020 that initially required face-to-face execution under strict Covid-19 protocols where more than fifteen hundred graduands had to be coordinated to be robed, photographed, catalogued, and processed for production. The ceremonies were hosted in live virtual settings by the PACE Office with support from Events and Conferences.
The unit further successfully coordinated with international stakeholders, chiefly the President and Programme Officer of the Caribbean Studies Association (CSA), under the tutelage of the ViceChancellor, to host the first virtual conference of the CSA — a five-day event that utilised an external platform (Events Force) that was foreign to all stakeholders. This May 31 to June 4 event required that in a noticeably brief period everyone had to learn to navigate and operate this platform. While the opening ceremony, which was well packaged by the University of
Guyana and hosted by Events and Conferences, went smoothly, unanticipated issues regarding the ability to host ten simultaneous conference sessions erupted thereafter and proved to be a major learning experience for all involved. This was the first time for Guyana in the form of the University of Guyana to host this conference in all its 37 years of conferences and at an unprecedented time of the Covid-19 pandemic proved that the University has resilient, adaptable, and determined members of staff.
Another great achievement was the hosting of the University’s first-ever graduate symposium that saw presentations from the University’s own graduate students as well as those from graduate students from other countries around the world. Also held in a virtual environment, this event tested the unit’s mettle for swift decision making and action and provided it with the opportunity to offer advice for improvement to a fledgling unit while it if rose to the challenges of a unit coping with new and consistent challenges.
List of Projects Hosted/Executed:
1. Forum to mark The Abolition of Indentureship (December 30, 2020)
2. UG’s Annual Business Meeting (December 14, 2020)
3. Candlelight Vigil – Launch of the AntiViolence campaign (December 10, 2020)
4. Festival of Nine Lessons and Launch of Santa’s Helpers (December 10, 2020)
13. UGIRIE Business Development Encounter Award Winning Ceremony (June 26, 2021)
14. Certificate Ceremony: Human Relations Course (June 29, 2021)
15. Caribbean Academy of Sciences Conference (August 9 – 11, 2021)
Projections and Plans for 2022
It is projected that the unit will be strengthened with the requisite human and capital resources as time marches forward. Plans are also in train to draft policy guidelines that would better guide the University and external stakeholders towards preparing for more professional and better-branded events and conferences.
C. UG Press
The University of Guyana Press was established in April 2017. It is the publishing arm of the University of Guyana. The vision of UG Press is to inform, inspire and promote the ideas, policies and mechanisms that contribute to sustainable national, regional and global development. Its key function is to contribute to the national landscape by producing scholarly and creative works by focusing on peer-reviewed publications such as books, monographs, and journals (both print and digital) produced by faculty, staff, and students at the University of Guyana. The Unit is currently staffed with a Senior Publication Officer and an Editorial Production Officer.
Highlights
The University of Guyana Press and the Office of Philanthropy, Alumni and Civic Engagement (PACE) launched its first Exemplar Series of pocketbooks focusing on the Life and Works of Outstanding Guyanese on September 10, 2021. The first publication was on Dr Yesu Persaud; an iconic business leader.
List of Ongoing Projects
1. Publishing of The Archaeology of Guyana: Holocene and Prehistory by Louisa Daggers and Mark Plew.
2. Publishing of A Guide to the Principles and Practices of Geography School-based Assessment by Mrs Linda Johnson-Bhola.
3. Publishing of Exemplar Series of pocketbooks on the life and works of outstanding Guyanese; Jay Sobhraj, Laura George, and Eddy Grant.
4. Republishing of Guyana Classics.
5. Redesigning of UG Press’ website www. ugpress.com.
UG Press also aided with the successful execution of the major events for the period under review. The unit also assisted in the compilation and production of the convocation booklet for 2019/2020 and facilitated the printing of the same.
Projections and Plans for 2022
To devise a plan for funding and sustaining the Press, adequately staffing the Unit, completing the manuscripts in the pipeline to be published, acquiring a vendor contract with Amazon to facilitate e-version publications, and improving marketing strategies for books published by UG Press.
D. 95.5 Intelligent FM — Campus Radio Station
The University of Guyana’s radio station has over the past year, focused on planning and creating pre-packaged programmes and guidance documents in preparation for the station’s relaunch. In this regard, a midmorning programme was conceptualised to serve as the launch pad in a phased roll-out of content.
The campus radio station is a training facility and non-profit community station supervised by the University of Guyana Broadcasting Trust. The daily oversight is conducted by DECC.
The station was first launched on July 19, 2019, catering to the needs of the university and neighbouring communities. It was originally launched as a terrestrial broadcast station but has since been reimagined as a mix of traditional broadcast and online streaming. The radio station is being run by a manager who is guided by the Radio Station’s Operations and
Technology Committee of the Trust, DECC, with additional support from student volunteers, interns, and external contributors. The Station Manager was appointed in May 2021.
Radio Set-Up and Programming
The Operations and Technology Committee of the Broadcast Trust drafted a proposal for the phased roll-out of programmes that steered the work programme of the radio station. The initial focus of the station was to prioritise the relaunch by broadcasting from the station. However, due to electrical noise interference in the studio recordings, it was decided that the relaunch would be through an online platform in the first instance and broadcast at a later stage after rectifying the issue.
The Station Manager, who has been working as the Producer, sourced completed programmes from the university as directed by the Broadcast Trust. Additionally, contact was made with the majority of the faculties to create and submit original content from the university’s staff and students.
Further, the Morning Mingle programme was conceptualised with a new presentation delivery style of content than that of the local radio programme offering. The lumpsum of the segments were recorded with the assistance of interns and volunteers. The programme comprises mini segments focused on the university’s activities, topical issues of interest to the communities and the radio broadcast of Turkeyen & Tain Talks.
Additionally, draft policy documents were prepared to guide the radio station’s use by staff, volunteers, participants and to ensure proper evaluations of programmes before broadcast.
Key Activities for the Radio Station
1. Created Concept for a mid-morning programme
2. Created Programme Schedule for phased 2-hour roll-out for the relaunch
3. Recruited student volunteers as hosts and voice over talent for the station
4. Utilised interns and volunteers to start recording the morning programme segments.
5. Created rules and guidelines for using the station
6. Created volunteer guide
7. Formed Broadcast Review Panel to evaluate proposals and programme content
8. Tested online radio hosts for relaunch capability.
Programme Support
During the months of March-June 2021, the Station Manager assisted the Events Unit with the Virtual Graduation ceremony, CSA Conference, and the Virtual Career Day.
Projections and Plans for 2022
It is expected that the station will be relaunched by the new year with an extended programme schedule that includes more content from students and faculty members. Efforts will also be made to recruit and train the additional staff needed to produce and deliver high quality and relevant content for the station.
E. UG Virtual Online / Multimedia Unit
Established in October 2020 but operational from January 2021, the Multimedia Production Unit initially fell under the UG Virtual Online (Web TV Platform) which was meant to act as a centralised virtual location for all other subunits of DECC to share information with their internal and external audience. But since the University is unable to afford a separate server to facilitate the needs of UG Virtual Online, the multimedia aspects were instead brought to the forefront. The current Multimedia Production Unit has undertaken the task of producing multimedia content which includes print and web layout, audio, video, and photography.
Highlights
To date, the biggest task the Multimedia Production Unit has undertaken was the production of the University of Guyana’s 2019/2020 combined Convocation Ceremonies.
Major Accomplishments and Collaborations
The Unit has been working on helping to
improve the image of the University by reviewing and revising most of the print and online content that comes to us and rendering assistance whenever necessary. Here is a concise list of the major projects that were undertaken:
1. Layout and Design for the following publications: UGPPL Volume 3; 2019/2020 Academic Year Virtual Convocation Ceremonies; Programme and Conference Booklets for Caribbean Studies Association Online Conference, Caribbean Urban Forum, Caribbean Academy of Sciences and CoETaL 2nd Biennial Teaching Conference for Tertiary Educations to name a few.
2. Marketing of University programmes (both online and print) and events.
3. Production and Execution of the following conferences, graduation ceremonies and symposiums: New Students Orientation 2020; University’s First Virtual Convocation Ceremony; University’s Virtual Open Day/ Career Fair; CoETaL’s Human Relations Course; UGIRIE Graduation Ceremony and Perspectives on Guyana – India Relations: A Virtual Symposium to name a few.
4. Policies revision (Social Media Policy which is with the Tactical Online Services Unit) and SOPs development (Zoom cheat sheets for lecturers and Events and Conferences protocols, etc).
5. Website (uog.edu.gy) redesigns along with updates of the staff photographs.
Projections and Plans for 2022
• To devise a plan to fund our own server.
• To acquire additional staff for the unit.
• To address outstanding marketing videos for the University.
• To hold more design and layout workshops for staff.
• To assist in the revamping of the University’s website.
• To write new SOPs for the unit.
• To create a how-to guide on producing multimedia productions.
Closing comments about the department our aim is to grow as a team, to gather more material resources and expand our portfolio
officially from five to eight units. VI. CONCLUSION
DECC will certainly continue growing and gelling as a team as the work of each unit is critical to achieving the overall objectives of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and the University as a whole. In the coming year, as the scope of our work expands, we hope to add three more units to the existing five which will focus on specific areas such as the Web TV platform as well as the website. We also hope to gather more material resources that will allow us to function more effectively and efficiently and under less stress in carrying out our mandate. Another area of focus in the coming months would be to ensure we have adequate staff who are highly skilled and competent in various areas, especially as it relates to audio and video production-based work since this formed a major part of the work that DECC has been involved with recently.
REPORTS FROM ACADEMIC DIVISIONS
College of Medical Sciences
I. OVERVIEW
The College of Medical Sciences (formerly, Faculty of Health Sciences) was approved by the Academic Board in the year 2020. This remains the first of its kind to be established within the University. The catalyze behind this revolutionary and re-branding process was the aim to launch a college that meets the needs of the 21st century and beyond by raising the bar on how medical education is delivered to meet local and international standards.
The core ideology under which the college operates is that of a health team. As it is believed that no single profession by itself can address the many ailments that afflicts the human body. If the Covid-19 pandemic has thought us anything is that healthcare professionals of all fields are interrelated and interdependent on each other. This has enabled us to build the foundation on which students can equally appreciate and respect each other’s profession. This philosophy serves to deliver on the broader vision of the College of Medical Sciences, which is to transform the health sector through research and innovation, excellence in teaching and the creation of lifelong learners and critical thinkers.
II. PROGRAMME OFFERINGS
A. Undergraduate Programmes
• Diploma in General Psychology
• Bachelor’s in Medicine, Bachelor’s in Surgery
• Bachelor’s in Dental Surgery
• Bachelor’s in Environmental Health
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Vector Control
• Environmental Engineering
• Food Safety
• Bachelor’s in Medical Imaging
• Bachelor’s in Medical Laboratory Sciences
• Bachelor’s in Pharmacy
• Bachelor’s in Optometry
• Bachelor’s Medical Rehabilitation
• Occupational Therapy
• Audiology
• Speech and Language
• Bachelor’s in Nursing
• Bachelor’s in Mental Health Nursing
• Bachelor’s in Psychology (Approved in 2021 for the 2021/2022 AY)
B. Post Graduate Programmes
• Master’s in Public Health
• Master’s in Clinical Psychology
C. Post Graduate Programmes (Affiliate)
• Bachelor’s in Emergency Nursing
• Bachelor’s in Cardiovascular Nursing
• Master of Medicine Anaesthesia and Intensive care
• Master of Medicine Emergency Medicine
• Master of Medicine Family Medicine
• Master of Medicine Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Master of Medicine Paediatrics
• Master of Medicine Psychiatry
• Master of Medicine Diagnostic Radiology
• Master of Medicine General Surgery
• Master of Medicine Internal Medicine/Infectious Disease
• Post Graduate Diploma
Dr Cecil Boston Dean, College of Medical Sciences (CMS)
Anaesthesia and Intensive care
• Post Graduate Diploma Echocardiography
• Doctor of Medicine Otolaryngology
• Fellowship in Echocardiography
III. STAFF
A. School of Allied Health
The School has one Reader, one Senior Lecturer, four Lecturer II’s, four Lecture I’s, three Instructors, one Clinical Coordinator, one Clerk/Typist, and ten part-time/adjunct Lecturers.
B. School of Behavioural Sciences
The School has one Reader, one Senior Lecturer, four Lecturer II’s, four Lecture I’s, three Instructors, one Clinical Coordinator, one Clerk/Typist, and ten part-time/adjunct Lecturers.
C. School of Dentistry
The School has 18 part-time lecturers and three full-time lecturers which represent.
D. School of Medicine
The School has 22 full-time staff, 118 part-time/ adjunct teaching staff, and five administrative support staff, including an Administrative Officer.
E. School of Nursing
The School has five full-time staff and one part-time staff that deliver courses at both the Turkeyen and Tain campuses.
F. School of Pharmacy
The School has staff five full-time and seven part-time staff members at various academic ranks.
IV. ENROLMENT
A total of 852 students have enrolled within the College. School of Allied Health - 260, School of Behavioural Sciences - 65, School of Dentistry15, School of Medicine - 380, School of Nursing (Turkeyen and Tain Campuses) - 94, and School of Pharmacy - 38.
V. BUDGET
The total budget includes emoluments, capital works and other cost.
VI. SUMMARY OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS
A. School of Allied Health
The School of Allied Health commenced the academic year with three programmes and during that time reviewed two of those programmes to meet international standards in preparation for the accreditation exercise. Additionally, the school collaborated with the Institute of Health Sciences Education to develop a Post-Graduate Diploma Echocardiography programme. The school now holds one of three professors within the College and continues to lead in research and publication within the college.
B.
School of Behavioural Sciences
A relatively young school that at the time only hosted the Diploma in General Psychology. This is expected to change in the new academic year with the introduction of the Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Clinical Psychology. In the new academic year, it is intended that all psychology programmes would be housed in the College of Behavioral Sciences and Research where much-needed attention would be given to the development of this comparatively new area in the University and Guyana at large.
C. School of Dentistry
The School of Dentistry faced many challenges over the year but overcame those and graduated five newly minted dentists. The school continues to work assiduously on the gaps as identified by the last accreditation report from CAAM-HP to ensure that they satisfy all the required standards. The school would have fostered relationships with the Royal College of
Surgeons of Edinburg and the Commonwealth Dental Association to strengthen ties and support for the advancement of the University of Guyana, School of Dentistry.
D. School of Medicine
The School of Medicine through its leadership adequately prepared the school for teaching and learning using the online platform for all programmes within the school. The school received an outstanding review based on its report submitted to CAAM-HP ahead of the accreditation site visit slated for 2022.
Regarding the BSc Medical Rehabilitation and BSc Optometry, the school is rigorously preparing for the accreditation of the same while at the same time making preparation to move the Master’s in Public Health to a fully online degree for the academic year 2022/2023. The school implemented many changes within its structure and delivery of course content through various modalities. It has also added among its teaching staff one more professor which now boosts the academic staffing of the school.
E. School of Nursing
The School of Nursing continues to grow among its many challenges. It collaborated with the Institute of Health Sciences Education at the Georgetown Public Hospital and developed and roll-out a BSc in Cardiovascular Nursing programme. Moreover, the school launched the BSc in Mental Health Nursing through various collaborations. The school has demonstrated its commitment to improving nursing in all aspects of healthcare by employing quality staff and broadening its scope.
In the third quarter of 2020, the Nursing Programme, one of the five programmes under the Public Health Department Faculty of Health Sciences umbrella, emerged as the School of Nursing within the College of Medical Sciences. In July of 2020, the School launched the BSc degree in Mental Health Nursing and added an Affiliate programme BSc in Cardiovascular Nursing in September 2019, the School opened its doors for the first time at the Tain Campus, Berbice.
F. School of Pharmacy
The School of Pharmacy has begun the push for further development of the pharmacy profession in Guyana by commencing the review of the BSc programme with aid from PAHO. The school has also initiated several friendly relationships with the UWI and UTECH in Jamaica who would have pledged to provide technical support for the revision of the programme. Though understaffed by persons with requisite qualifications in Pharmacy related fields, the school is making plans to improve the qualifications of its current staff while making plans to improve its research output during the new academic year. The School also; processed curriculum review and infrastructural works to pharmacy lab/model pharmacy and discussed the pursuing of staff development opportunities for full-time staff. and the conduct of Faculty/School elections are current and efficient. The Division will also work in collaboration with the Records and Data Management Division to seek training for staff members in the area of records management, indexing and codification of electronic documentation, and designing of an electronic records management system.
VII. NEWLY APPOINTED AND PROMOTED STAFF
A. Appointed Staff
• Dr Quincy Jones - Lecturer II
• Mr Raynell Gordon - Instructor.
• Ms Brithni Chester - Clinical Coordinator.
B. Promoted Staff
• Dr Cecil Boston - Reader
• Dr Rajini Kurup - Professor
• Dr Emanuel Cummings – Professor
• Dr Reeta Gobin – Senior Lecturer
• Dr Mariasheena Villareal – Lecturer II
• Dr Sharlene Goberdhan – Lecturer I
• Dr Olly Perreira – Lecturer I
One of the clerical staff, Ms Racheal Bovell, Administrative Assistant I was recommended for promotion to Administrative Assistant II, and the school is awaiting feedback from UGPD.
VIII. MAJOR STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS
• Dr Michelle James in association with the HSC 1202 (Health Education and Promotion Class) successfully conducted a webinar entitled Balancing Mental Health and Education: Making Educators our Priority which targeted teachers.
• All staff members of the School of Nursing completed the Instructional Methods in Health Professionals Education and were certified by the University of Michigan, USA.
• Mrs Winifred Razack is continuing her Doctoral studies with San Paulo University Brazil.
• Rev Dr Noel Holder, AA, Director, School of Nursing, received an academic excellence award from the College of Medical Sciences.
• The Faculty Board nominated and recommended Rev Dr. Noel Holder AA for the appointment as Director for the School of Nursing.
IX. MAJOR RESEARCH PROJECTS
1. Mr Davon Vanveen had a paper accepted for presentation at the Caribbean Urbanization Forum.
2. Ms Ede Tyrell and Dr Rajini Kurup in collaboration with colleagues from the School of Pharmacy and the Faculty of Natural Sciences published three separate articles in the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research.
3. Dr Cecil Boston, Ms Martina McKenzie and Dr Michelle James had multiple papers accepted for the 2021 Caribbean Public Health Agency Conference which is the premier health conference in West Indies.
4. The School of Medicine has been able to participate in new and ongoing research initiatives including:
• The CONTACT Study (ongoing – data collection complete, manuscripts being drafted).
• “The impact of climate change on mental health within indigenous
communities in Brazil, Dominica, and Guyana” – a multi-country foundation/ seed study funded by a King’s College PLuS Alliance grant
• The Guyana Research into Injury and Trauma Training (GRITT) project – a multidisciplinary, cross-faculty collaboration with researchers at the Columbia University in New York, funded through a USD1.3M grant from the Fogarty International Centre at the National Institutes of Health in the USA.
• Aiming to reduce the prevalence of crime and violence in Guyana, the Ministry of Home Affairs developed the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme. The University of Guyana, mainly through the School of Medicine, is conducting victimisation surveys in fulfilment of one of the programme’s objectives, ‘to strengthen Guyana Police Force crime prevention and investigation capacity. The project is being financed through a loan facility of the Inter-American Development Bank.
• Shivana Lakhram/Pharmacists’ Knowledge, Attitude and Practices regarding Non-Prescription Antibiotic Use and Resistance (MPH Thesis).
• There were six final year students, and three Lecturers research papers presented at international and regional conferences of CHARPA.
i. The trends in recurrent teenage pregnancy in region 4, Guyana.
• Research Accepted for presentation at National Conference Undergraduate Research (NCUR) through the University of Montana (USA) in 2020.
i. Predictors of Physical activity Engagement among Chronic Disease Patients at Region 10 Guyana.
ii. A Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study on Job Satisfaction among Registered Nurses at four Regional Public Hospitals in Guyana.
X. NOTABLE VISITORS
Two Representative from the University of Maryland concerning the BSc in Psychiatric Nursing.
XI. MAJOR AWARDS
• Stacy James – Scholarship award for a Masters in Sustainable Development with a focus on natural products.
• Karishma Jeeboo – Executive Service Award for Excellence in Service to Caribbean Pharmacy from the Caribbean Association of Pharmacists.
XI. PUBLIC AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
• Jewel Edmondson-Carter – Guyana Essential Medicines List and The Guyana National Formulary Committees.
• Stacy James – National Medicines Policy Committee.
• Karishma Jeeboo, Caribbean Association of Pharmacists Council Member and Education Chair; Guyana National Formulary Editor.
XIII. TRAINING
• Ms Shivana Lakhram - MPH 2021
• Ms Jewel Edmondson-Carter and Dr Karishma Jeeboo - Instructional Methods in Health Sciences Education, 2020-2021
XIV. MAJOR STUDENT ACTIVITIES
• World Pharmacists Day Celebrations and Activities 2020 – Collaborative Efforts of the School of Pharmacy, University of Guyana Pharmacy Students’ Association and the Guyana Pharmacists Association to host a Virtual Pharmacists Appreciation evening and Jeopardy Competition.
• The University of Guyana Pharmacy Students’ Association raised funds for graduating students’ activities and offer relevant mental health seminars for the Guyanese populace. Three Mental Health seminars were offered via Zoom and streamed live on Facebook and were done by Ms Michelle Amsterdam, Ms Caitlin
Viera and Ms Raiza Khan. Fundraisers included an ‘exams destresser box’ and a raffle.
• Our students supported the Caribbean Association of Pharmacists Annual Students’ Research and Leadership Symposium. The University of Guyana School of Pharmacy had the most students in attendance and were incredibly involved and participated in said activities. They were awarded US$500 for their continued students’ work.
XV. STUDENT AWARD
• Jaiwantie Bacchus, Student of Excellence Award for the Best Graduating Student 2020/2021
• Ms Deepa Odit, Valedictorian (Sponsored by the Guyana Pharmacists’ Association)
XVI.
NUMBERS GRADUATED 2020
• Bachelor of Science Nursing (36)
• Bachelor of Science Medical Imagine (12)
• Bachelor of Science Medical Technology (25)
• Bachelor of Science Environmental Health (11)
• Diploma General Psychology (40)
• Bachelor Dental Health (5)
• Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) (25)
• Bachelor of Science Optometry (11)
• Bachelor of Science Medical Rehabilitation (6)
• Master of Public Health (3)
• Bachelor of Science (Upgrade) (6)
• Bachelor of Science Pharmacy (33)
XVII. DEMONSTRATION OF STUDENTCENTEREDNESS AND IMPACTS
A. Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Complete “lockdown” initially – in the preliminary stages (first month) of the outbreak in Guyana, even remote operations were minimal as the University engaged in the conversion of in-person processes to online operations
• Ongoing operation in “Safe Mode”, which comprises:
i. in-person campus visits for essential services only
ii. strict enforcement of safety protocols on and off-campus (examples of the latter being clinical attachments)
iii. expansion and upgrading of existing online services – Moodle, Student Records Management System, Human Resources Information and Management System
iv. introduction of online meeting/ teaching and relevant platforms –Moodle, Zoom, Turnitin
v. policies for staff and student wellbeing – including financial amnesty for students who could not meet deadlines for payment of tuition and fees, access to free counselling services for mental health and emotional support, and reduced course loads/leave of absence if requested
vi. relevant training for teaching and administrative staff
vii. administrative upgrading/restructuring, including expansion of offices providing essential online services and support, and introduction of OOHAS
• Frontloading of didactic content – this was done so that all essential in-person exposure for courses with practical components could be done over an abbreviated period.
• Alternative methods of assessment for practical courses.
• Continuous assessment was and continues to form part of the college’s method of assessment
• Training/orientation of staff and students in relevant virtual platforms and how to gain the maximum benefit from online teaching/learning, etc. e.g., use of Moodle for formative assessments in the MBBS Clinical Sciences
• Modified final examination format e.g., for the MBBS exit examination there were unmanned OSCE stations, no in-person patient interactions, social distancing, etc. were implemented as planned and the school was able to successfully graduate 25 of 28 students in the final year (the other three took leave of absence).
• Contribution to public health response
– many of the students volunteered at Covid-19 call-in centres and other lowexposure venues, and both staff and students provided related health talks to the general public.
• Further to feedback from staff and students on the challenges of online examinations, the College decided to allow some in-person midsemester and final assessments for some programmes. All Covid-19 protocols including physical distancing, masking and sanitization were observed. Formative written assessments were (and are still being) conducted via Moodle.
• Students in all programmes have been allowed to resume clinical attachments/ rotations, provided that all COVID precautions are met. Students were encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID; if they refused, they were given the option of deferring their clinical activities to a later date (with the understanding that this might delay their graduation).
B. Obtaining Student Feedback on Teaching/Learning during the Pandemic
Dr Sarah Gordon continues to contribute to general quality assurance of teaching and learning in the MBBS programme. In the second semester of 2020/2021, she created two online survey instruments in collaboration with the Pre-Clinical Coordinator and Administrative Officer. Both surveys were conducted via email using Google forms. This was a strategy that was also adopted by the other schools within the college. The first instrument was an evaluation form that allowed students to provide feedback on the quality of instruction they were receiving and the second instrument was developed specifically to ascertain how the COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting the students.
The chief outcome (impact) of all these actions has been a return to almost “normal” delivery of programmes within the College, and the graduation of the majority of students in final year classes.
XVIII. IMPORTANT COLLABORATIONS
XVIII. IMPORTANT COLLABORATIONS
1. A collaboration with the University of Southern Caribbean for the development of a BSc in Nutrition programme.
1. A collaboration with the University of Southern Caribbean for the development of a BSc in Nutrition programme.
2. The School of Dentistry collaborated with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburg. England to aid in the development of the school.
2. The School of Dentistry collaborated with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburg. England to aid in the development of the school.
3. School of Dentistry collaborated with the Commonwealth Dental Association (CDA) and as result, the Guyana Dental Association was officially admitted as a member of the CDA.
3. School of Dentistry collaborated with the Commonwealth Dental Association (CDA) and as result, the Guyana Dental Association was officially admitted as a member of the CDA.
4. The School of Pharmacy made several collaborations focused on Curriculum Review: The Bachelor of Science programme is under review, and the new curriculum will be launched for the 2022/2023 academic year and Accreditation by the year 2025/2026. The School is working assiduously to ensure that infrastructural works are completed in tandem with the launch of the new curriculum. There is currently support from PAHO, the UWI, Mona and Utech, Jamaica.
It is envisioned that the one-year upgrade in pharmacy will be completely online, and MOUs will be formed with clinical sites/regional training hospitals across the Caribbean for these students to complete their final year clinical rotations before graduating.
4. The School of Pharmacy made several collaborations focused on Curriculum Review: The Bachelor of Science programme is under review, and the new curriculum will be launched for the 2022/2023 academic year and Accreditation by the year 2025/2026. The School is working assiduously to ensure that infrastructural works are completed in tandem with the launch of the new curriculum. There is currently support from PAHO, the UWI, Mona and Utech, Jamaica. It is envisioned that the one-year upgrade in pharmacy will be completely online, and MOUs will be formed with clinical sites/regional training hospitals across the Caribbean for these students to complete their final year clinical rotations before graduating.
Dr Cecil Boston, Dr Karishma Jeeboo and Mrs Edmondson-Carter paid an onsite visit to the University of the West Indies, Jamaica and the University of Technology,
5. Dr Cecil Boston, Dr Karishma Jeeboo and Mrs Edmondson-Carter paid an onsite visit to the University of the West Indies, Jamaica and the University of Technology, Jamaica to pursue collaborations in various areas. These included review
programme outline and discussion around the matriculation of our BSc in Pharmacy students into the PharmD degree, exchange of pharmacy students between countries and possibilities for preceptorships, a physical tour of your state-of-the-art sterile laboratory facility and other laboratories at UWI, Mona, to be better advised on the way forward pertaining to our laboratory facilities at the University of Guyana, and research collaboration. In addition, plans were made to involve UG in collaborative research and undergraduate project supervision. Both UWI, Mona and Utech are interested in students’ exchanges especially as it relates to clinical training.
Jamaica to pursue collaborations in various areas. These included review programme outline and discussion around the matriculation of our BSc in Pharmacy students into the PharmD degree, exchange of pharmacy students between countries and possibilities for preceptorships, a physical tour of your state-of-the-art sterile laboratory facility and other laboratories at UWI, Mona, to be better advised on the way forward pertaining to our laboratory facilities at the University of Guyana, and research collaboration. In addition, plans were made to involve UG in collaborative research and undergraduate project supervision. Both UWI, Mona and Utech are interested in students’ exchanges especially as it relates to clinical training.
BSc Pharmacy students posed for a photo while on clinical rotations.
In photo: Top- (L)Dean, College of Medical Sciences, Dr Cecil Boston (R) Dean, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Professor Minerva Thame, Bottom: (L) Dr Karishma Jeeboo, Director, School of Pharmacy (UG), Dr Clarke, Coordinator, UWI Doctor of Pharmacy programme, Mrs Jewel Edmondson-Carter.
Utech, Jamaica – Head of School, Pharmacy (far left) and UG team.
BSc Pharmacy students posed for a photo while on clinical rotations.
Utech, Jamaica – Head of School, Pharmacy (far left) and UG team.
6. The School of Medicine collaborated with the Ministry of Health and the Georgetown Public Hospital for the creation of the Joint Relations Committee to manage the Dr Yesu Persaud Clinical Education Centre as of January 2021.
7. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT)Delivery of the Speech-Language Therapy/ Audiology and Occupational Therapy tracks of the BMR programme continues to be possible because of the existing partnership between the programme (now the school as well) and overseas academics/ practitioner.
8. Partnerships with King’s College London (KCL) and Columbia University, New York (CUNY).
9. The link with KCL was established via one research project (CONTACT) but has since extended to collaboration on grant applications for other projects, presentations by local staff at symposiums and in Masters’ courses in the UK, support for a PhD application for one junior staff member, and development of short courses. The CUNY partnership is new (the GRITT project) but has the potential to lead
to collaboration in multiple areas, including staff and student development/training, research, policy development and mental health care/practice initiatives.
10. The School of Nursing made several notable collaborations for the development of several new programmes, namely, BSc Cardiovascular Nursing and BSc Mental Health Nursing which was made possible through the following: The Ministry of Health, The Georgetown Public Hospital, The Institute of Health Science Education. The National Insurance Scheme, The Nursing Council and Nurses ‘Association, Doobay’s Medical and Diagnostic Hospital, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, St. Joseph University, Connecticut USA, Northwell Hospital (Centre for Global Health) USA, University of Birmingham United Kingdom, and University of the West Indies School of Nursing Trinidad.
XIX. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2022
• Continued piloting of integrated examinations, the introduction of the integrated case study course within all programmes. These activities form part of the College’s response to CAAM-HP’s concern about assessment methods in the MBBS programme.
• Evaluation of the implementation of the Assessment Strategy and Blueprint by Professor Sarah Strasser as one of the key activities in the World Bank Funded GESIP project.
• Outfitting and occupation of the Yesu Persaud Clinical Education Centre.
• Preparation for the 2022 CAAMHP Accreditation exercise, including conducting the institutional self-study.
• The CAAM-HP Accreditation Exercise (projected to occur after July 2022).
• Identification of the Contractor for the new CoMS (World Bank-funded) building; initiation of construction (these are included even though they are not within the control of the College because they are goals that the College would like to see achieved as soon as possible).
• Establishment of the CoMS Centre for Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine and the SoM NCD/Implementation Science Research Unit.
• Elaboration of the Quality Assurance Framework, and engagement of a Quality Assurance officer – the University will be establishing a Quality Assurance Office in preparation for institutional accreditation by the Guyana National Accreditation Council, and the College is expected to benefit from their activities.
• Formalisation of our Social Accountability agenda.
• Development of a Five-Year Strategic Plan for the College.
• Continued development of short courses for staff and/or students outside of established curricula and delivery of these courses to both a local and overseas audience (via online platform).
• Proposal of a combined MBBS-MPH programme to the College and University Boards.
• Proposal for a major-major and major-minor programme for the BSc Environmental Health.
• Refurbishment of the Optometry Laboratory (updated quotations are being obtained; funds have already been approved).
• Refurbishment of the Pharmacy lab.
• Creation of a Rehabilitation Skills Laboratory (quotations are being obtained for essential equipment and furniture; funding will be sought from the Learning Resources/Facilities Fees Fund).
• Introduction of “Meet and Greet” sessions for staff and students, to allow in-person interaction and a chance for the members of the College to become familiar with each other, in light of the continuing online mode of operation.
• Continue to work on the accreditation for all programmes.
• Increasing the College’s research output.
• Increasing the number of students within each programme through aggressive marketing and upgrading of our facilities and programmes.
• Providing avenues for staff development.
• Increase FTE system for School of Dentistry by increasing the number of Clinical Supervisors to be appointed, as well as more Full-Time employees for the BDS Program.
• Conduct a National Dental Health Survey.
• Develop a journal that would become an avenue for staff to publish.
• Monthly research seminars for staff to help foster and develop individual research profiles.
BSc Pharmacy students on clinical rotations
Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry
I. VISION
The Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry will be a reputable institution highly regarded for significant contribution to a better quality of life for the people of Guyana and the Region through excellence and leadership in teaching, research, extension, and collaboration that encourage entrepreneurship and sustainable use of natural resources in Agriculture and Forestry.
II. DEPARTMENT DEMOGRAPHICS
The Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry has two departments: Department of Agriculture and Department of Forestry, and a Division of Agriculture (UGBC).
The Agriculture Department has 21 full time staff - 15 at Turkeyen Campus and six at the Tain Campus, Division of Agriculture (UGBC). The department is supported by 10 part-time staff. The Forestry Department has seven fulltime staff and is supported by one part-time staff.
III. PROGRAMME OFFERINGS
The Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry offers the following programmes:
(Turkeyen
o Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture (Animal Science Option- 0101)
o Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture (General Option- 0101)
o Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture (1201)
o Master of Science (Agro-technology & Business
UGBC Agriculture (Total)
o Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture (General Option- 0101)
o Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture (1201)
Forestry (Total)
o Associate of Sciences Degree in Forestry (4101)
o Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry (4201)
IV. SUMMARY OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS
The Agriculture and Forestry departments continue to make significant strides in improving its programme offering and delivery. To this end, the Faculty has improved its staffing, staff competencies, quality management systems (ISO9001 work in progress) and assurance standards that will guarantee professional graduates who are competent. The greater number of applicants continue to opt for a degree in Agriculture and to a lesser extent in Forestry, this has reposed the confidence in the department to ensure that they are properly trained for a career in Agriculture and Forestry even in the face of serious competition from other sectors, such as oil and gas and the Covid-19 pandemic. Hence, the department is cognizant of these challenges confronting its graduates and has embarked on ensuring that they are given all the necessary competencies to carve their space and transform the fledgling agriculture sector.
The department continues to collaborate with both national and international agencies for the best interest of its students. This year, the department has collaborated with International Universities such as Virginia State University, Florida Agriculture and Mechanics University and University of Belize among others; local and regional agencies such as Ministry of Agriculture Hydrometeorology Department, CARDI, IICA, BNTF, GFC, CI, Iwokrama, Anton Dekom, SBB Suriname, CELOS, WWF, and NAREI in order broaden the capacity and minds of the students and engage other stakeholders.
The department has collaborated with sister faculties in ensuring the programme offering is interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary to extend the options available to our applicants and that our graduates are flexible to function in a dynamic society. Surgeons of Edinburg and the Commonwealth Dental Association to strengthen ties and support for the advancement of the University of Guyana, School of Dentistry.
V. NEWLY APPOINTED AND PROMOTED STAFF
A. Appointed Staff
• Ms Donna Morrison - Reader
B. Promoted Staff
• Dr Jean David
• Ms Ida Sealey-Adams (re-joined)
• Mr Kevin Kokil (Division of Agriculture, UGBC).
• Mr Bissessar Persaud (Division of Agriculture, UGBC)
VI. MAJOR STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS
1. The Research Centre saw some major upgrades to the facility over the year. There were the resuscitation of the vermicompost bins greater production of vegetables in deep tunnel shade houses, installation of lights, electrical outlets, construction of a trestle, concrete flooring under Aquaponics Station to prevent the constant flooding whenever there was a heavy rainfall and CCTV cameras have been placed on the Centre to deter pilfering of the equipment or produce. In addition, a seedling nursery has been constructed at the research centre.
Dr Lawrence Lewis Dean, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry
Construction of a seedling nursery on the Research Centre
The Research Centre held three separate mini fish market sale of fresh farm-raised tambaki and tilapia fishes for the first time.
IV. SUMMARY OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS
The Agriculture and Forestry departments continue to make significant strides in improving its programme offering and delivery. To this end, the Faculty has improved its staffing, staff competencies, quality management systems (ISO9001 work in progress) and assurance standards that will guarantee professional graduates who are competent. The greater number of applicants continue to opt for a degree in Agriculture and to a lesser extent in Forestry, this has reposed the confidence in the department to ensure that they are properly trained for a career in Agriculture and Forestry even in the face of serious competition from other sectors, such as oil and gas and the Covid-19 pandemic. Hence, the department is cognizant of these challenges confronting its graduates and has embarked on ensuring that they are given all the necessary competencies to carve their space and transform the fledgling agriculture sector.
The department continues to collaborate with both national and international agencies for the best interest of its students. This year, the
department has collaborated with International Universities such as Virginia State University, Florida Agriculture and Mechanics University and University of Belize among others; local and regional agencies such as Ministry of Agriculture Hydrometeorology Department, CARDI, IICA, BNTF, GFC, CI, Iwokrama, Anton Dekom, SBB Suriname, CELOS, WWF, and NAREI in order broaden the capacity and minds of the students and engage other stakeholders.
The department has collaborated with sister faculties in ensuring the programme offering is interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary to extend the options available to our applicants and that our graduates are flexible to function in a dynamic society. Surgeons of Edinburg and the Commonwealth Dental Association to strengthen ties and support for the advancement of the University of Guyana, School of Dentistry.
V. NEWLY APPOINTED AND PROMOTED STAFF
A. Appointed Staff
• Ms Donna Morrison - Reader
B. Promoted Staff
• Dr Jean David
• Ms Ida Sealey-Adams (re-joined)
• Mr Kevin Kokil (Division of Agriculture, UGBC).
• Mr Bissessar Persaud (Division of Agriculture, UGBC)
Agriculture sponsored by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), November 23-December 13, 2020.
11. Ms Ida Sealey-Adams on June 11, 2021attended an online Panel Discussion entitled “Riding the Pandemic Wave: Effective Marketing Strategies.’ This Panel discussion was organized by the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, University of the West Indies.
12. Ms Samantha Providence-ForresterCertificate of Completion in Mobile Learning with Multimedia- a four-week online Course – Commonwealth of Learning, November 13, 2020.
13. Ms Samantha Providence-ForresterCertificate of Completion in Blended Learning Practice – Commonwealth of Learning and Athabasca University, Canada, February 7– March 6, 2021.
14. Ms Samantha Providence-ForresterCertificate of Completion in Introduction to Technology-Enabled Learning – Commonwealth of Learning and Athabasca University, Canada, March 7 –17 April, 2021.
15. Ms Samantha Providence-ForresterCertificate of Completion in Learning to Learn Online – Commonwealth of Learning and Athabasca University, Canada, March 20 – May 1, 2021.
VII. NOTABLE VISITORS
1. Prof Gregory MacDonald, a Fulbright US Scholar joined the University of Guyana, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry for six months. He will assist the Faculty with teaching at both undergraduate and graduate level and also attempt the revision of the book, Weeds of Guyana and conduct extension work on weed management and identification.
2. Dr Usha Palaniswamy a Farmers-toFarmers Volunteer from Partners of Americas visited the Faculty and conducted two training programmes, one online and the other face to face. These training were
for Seedling nursery management and Vegetative Prorogation of Vegetable and ornamental plants.
GRADUATION STATISTICS
X. DEMONSTRATION OF STUDENT CENTERED-NESS AND IMPACTS
The Faculty continues to engage GNBS to have the Faculty ISO 9001:2015 Standard certified in “Quality Management System”. The Certification will enhance the studentcentered activities and research conducted in the Faculty.
This student-centered approach has led to Faculty members continuously upgrading their competencies is various fields such as:
Picture of a Tambaki and Tilapia sampled from the aquaculture station.
VIII.
XI. STUDENT PRIZES AWARDED
In the introductory meeting with FAF staff Dr Palaniswamy presented copies for one of her books to the Dean, Dr Lawrence Lewis.
VI. MAJOR STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS
1. The Research Centre saw some major upgrades to the facility over the year. There were the resuscitation of the vermicompost bins greater production of vegetables in deep tunnel shade houses, installation of lights, electrical outlets, construction of a trestle, concrete flooring under Aquaponics Station to prevent the constant flooding whenever there was a heavy rainfall and CCTV cameras have been placed on the Centre to deter pilfering of the equipment or produce. In addition, a seedling nursery has been constructed at the research centre.
2. Ms Shenella Benjamin has proceeded to Arizona State University (ASU) Global Development and Innovation Graduate Certificate Program as part of the practical face to face aspects of the programme
3. On October 21-23, 2020, ten staff members benefitted from training as part of the Technical Assistance Programme for the Faculty’s ISO 9001:2015 Standard certification by Guyana National Bureau of Standards on the Internal auditing for ISO management systems.
4. On February 25, 2021, Mr Stephon Paul and Dr Charles among other UG staff members attended a Hydromet’s Stakeholders meeting via Zoom. “Where” a weather-based agriculture intelligence presentation on a variety of software available to farmers to identify droughts, floods, pest and disease forecasting among other things.
5. On April 13, 2021, the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry in collaboration with the Farmer-to-Farmer Programme –USAID through Partners of the AmericaGuyana held a virtual training session for 3 weeks on “Seedling Production and Nursery Management. Ten staff members benefitted from this training.
6. Ms Susy Lewis participated and successfully completed an online noncredit course authorized by the University
of Michigan and offered through Coursera entitled Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python), March 31, 2021. See below course certificate.
7. Participant in SER’s Members in Action program, March 30, 2021, available at: Members in Action: Susy Lewis, University of Guyana - Society for Ecological Restoration (ser.org)
8. Attendant in the virtual presentation of Advances in Remote Sensing to support Coastal Habitat Monitoring and Resiliency, held on April 28, 2021. Hosted by the Society of Restoration Ecology (SER).
9. Mr Stephon Paul on April 28, 2021 attended the Hydrometerological Service’s Tenth National Climate Outlook Forum via Zoom. The focus of the session was the Seasonal Climate outlook for the periods May to July 2021 and August to October 2021. The forum was hosted by Mr. Komalchand Dhiram, Specialist Meteorologist (Climatology).
10. Dr Jean David and Ms Coretta Samuels, Certificate of Achievement, The Gender Impact of Technological Upgrading in Agriculture sponsored by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), November 23-December 13, 2020.
11. Ms Ida Sealey-Adams on June 11, 2021attended an online Panel Discussion entitled “Riding the Pandemic Wave: Effective Marketing Strategies.’ This Panel discussion was organized by the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, University of the West Indies.
12. Ms Samantha Providence-ForresterCertificate of Completion in Mobile Learning with Multimedia- a four-week online Course – Commonwealth of Learning, November 13, 2020.
13. Ms Samantha Providence-ForresterCertificate of Completion in Blended Learning Practice – Commonwealth of Learning and Athabasca University, Canada, February 7– March 6, 2021.
14. Ms Samantha Providence-ForresterCertificate of Completion in Introduction to Technology-Enabled Learning – Commonwealth of Learning and Athabasca University, Canada, March 7 –17 April, 2021.
15. Ms Samantha Providence-ForresterCertificate of Completion in Learning to Learn Online – Commonwealth of Learning and Athabasca University, Canada, March 20 – May 1, 2021.
VII. NOTABLE VISITORS
1. Prof Gregory MacDonald, a Fulbright US Scholar joined the University of Guyana, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry for six months. He will assist the Faculty with teaching at both undergraduate and graduate level and also attempt the revision of the book, Weeds of Guyana and conduct extension work on weed management and identification.
2. Dr Usha Palaniswamy a Farmers-toFarmers Volunteer from Partners of Americas visited the Faculty and conducted two training programmes, one online and the other face to face. These training were for Seedling nursery management and Vegetative Prorogation of Vegetable and ornamental plants.
The Faculty continues to engage GNBS to have the Faculty ISO 9001:2015 Standard certified in “Quality Management System”. The Certification will enhance the student-centered activities and research conducted in the Faculty.
This student-centered approach has led to Faculty members continuously upgrading their competencies is various fields such as:
VIII. IMPORTANT COLLABORATIONS
1. The University of Guyana, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry and National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) held a meeting on August 16, 2021 to discuss the development of a quinoa project. This collaboration was initiated by the Felix Quinoa Farming Industries Limited (FQFIL),
Brigham Young University (BYU) and other stakeholders over a few years ago to develop a good understanding of Quinoa cultivation in Guyana.
2. The Ministry of Agriculture, Hydrometeorological Department and the University of Guyana, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry (UG-FAF) agreed to collaborate on climate change resilient projects. As a result, MOA agreed to setup a mini meteorology station on UG, Turkeyen Campus to support research activities on campus. In addition, through the Hydromet Department, the Caribbean Agriculture Development Institute (CARDI) has gifted the University of Guyana a DAVIS Automatic Weather Station.
3. The Basic Needs Trust Fund –Implementation Agency (BNTF-IA) Guyana, Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the University of Guyana, Faculty of Agriculture & Forestry (UGFAF) and the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) noted the concerns of farmers in this changing climate and have taken the initiative to design and collectively implement a project geared towards the promotion of proven measures to adapt to climate change. The project titled “Building Climate Resilience through Climate Smart Agriculture – Shade house Technology to Ensure Food Security and Create Rural Wealth” which will be executed within Regions #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 10, is funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Government of Guyana (GoG) to be completed in 2022.
4. An Inter-institutional International partnership to increase the number of globally competent students to fuel the Food, Agricultural, Natural and Human (FANRH) Sciences Workforce was proposed. Virginia State University (VSU) partnered with Florida A&M University (FAMU), the University of Guyana (UG), the Guyana School of agriculture (GSA), and the United States Department of
Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection Service-International (USDA-APHIS-IS) in Guatemala and submitted a proposal entitled, “Training Globally Competent Students for the Food, Agricultural, Natural and Human Sciences Workforce; An 1890 and Latin American Institutional Partnership.” This programme has started online due to the Covid-19 Pandemic but will proceed to the face to face mode in 2022.
5. Biotechnology Laboratory Facility. The sweet potato project titled “Building, Teaching, Research and Extension Capacity at University of Arkansas, APB to Enhance Global Learning and Strengthen Production in Guyana and the Arkansas Delta” The faculty has received a commitment for Professor Moore to continue, however, the Faculty was finally able to secure funds to purchase consumables for the biotechnology. Equipment such as Refrigerator, Water Bath, Gel- Electrophoresis Kit, Gel Documentation System, UV-Spectrophotometer, Refrigerated Micro-Centrifuge, PCR Machine, Water Purification System, Clean Bench as well as -20and -80 freezers are safely housed in a specialized lab in AG 4.
The role of Agriculture and Forestry in an Oil and Gas Economy: The role of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry 2020 to 2025 and beyond continues to be the Faculty mantra for our research agenda.
XII. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2022
A. Strategic Direction/Goal of the Faculty is to:
• have a highly functional institutional governance and culture system
• have an enhanced administrative and financial management systems that meet national and international standards.
• have a well-defined systems and strategies for engagement with partners.
• become ISO 9001 2015 Quality Managements System certified.
B. Projected Growth for the Next 10 Years
It is expected that the Faculty will grow and expand in its student numbers within the next 10 years to a projected doubling. It is projected that the Staff Development will produce 10 PhDs and five new Senior Lecturers. This would be due to the expansion in the number of programmes offered and the diverse agricultural activities that will emerge. Also, our programmes will target both regional and international students in both areas of Forestry and Agriculture.
The expansion of the programme offerings will manifest into introduction of:
• PhD Agriculture
• MSc in Forestry
• MSc in Agriculture Extension,
• MSc in Food Technology and Agroprocessing
• BSc Agri-entrepreneurship and Management
• BSc Landscape Ecology
• Post Graduate Diploma/Certificate in Biotechnology
• Post Graduate Diploma/ Certificate Policy and Extension Education
• Post Graduate Diploma/Certificate Food Safety
• Certificate in Climate Smart Agriculture
Areas of priority development include:
• A new building with labs and room facility for the above named programmes, office space for lecturers and graduate students
• Hiring and training of experienced, knowledgeable and skilled lecturers for Graduate programs
• Establishing a small Food processing facility inclusive of cold storage
• Scaling up renewable energy project using of biomass
There will be an increase in research output to address the issues in the Agriculture and Forestry sectors, for example Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), Green State Development Strategy (GSDS), Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+), Restoration and Rehabilitation of mined out and abandoned areas, Climate Smart Agriculture and Shade House Technology and Climate Change,
etcetera. Additionally, there will be a focus on increased agricultural production in terms of crop, livestock, and fisheries and consequently establishment of supporting food processing and storage facilities.
Consequently, it is envisaged that there will be an expansion in classroom and laboratory space to accommodate the increase in student numbers, state of the art equipment and improved teaching technology.
The Faculty will seek to acquire lands to develop a mega-farm. This would represent an integratedmodel farming complex which would feature technological innovations. The Faculty will also focus on product development, specifically botanical extracts to be used as insecticides, commercial Biochar to be used as soil amendments and tissue culture (micro-propagation) and macropropagation products to be used as planting materials.
In addition, aspects of co-generation involving Biogas digesters and renewable energy systems will be employed. Also, aspects of food science and technology will be integrated for example food processing, storage, marketing, and preservation. A common thread of all activities of this complex will be entrepreneurship and business innovation to accommodate the new and existing programmes as well as support the business arm with the production of crops, livestock, and fisheries. It will also involve feed manufacturing. Further the Faculty will pursue a product development venture. Products such as Botanical Extracts to be used as Insecticides; Commercial production of Biochar to be used as soil amendments and potting soil mixtures; and Tissue Culture (micro-propagation) and macropropagation products to be used as planting materials will be promoted. These products will be available and sold on the market and to be used by farmers.
XIII. CONCLUSION
The Faculty has completed another successful year despite the problems faced due to lockdown
and the Covid-19 pandemic. The Faculty intends to redouble its efforts by introducing relevant delivery strategies of our programmes to enable them to be successful in the future years.
Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences
I. VISION
A community of students and staff dedicated to the provision of an exciting learning experience characterised by high-quality teaching and research that positively impacts the development of society.
II. DEPARTMENT DEMOGRAPHICS
The Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences (FEES) has six non-academic staff, nine full-time staff and approximately 24 part-time staff in the Department of Environmental Studies. The Department of Geography has seven full-time staff and approximately 19 part-time staff.
III. PROGRAMMES OFFERED
The Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences offers the following programmes:
• Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) (6204)
• Bachelor of Science (Environmental Studies) (6203A)
• Bachelor of Science (Geography) (6201B)
• Diploma in Land Administration and Management (6001)
• Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management [from 2021] (6406)
• Environmental Management [from 2021] (6403)
• Natural Resources Management [from 2021] (6404)
• Oil and Gas and Renewable Energy [from 2021] (6405)
• Master of Science (Urban and Regional Planning) (6402)
• Doctor of Philosophy (Biodiversity) [PhD] (0791)
IV. ENROLMENT
V. SUMMARY OF BUDGET FOR 2020
VI. SUMMARY OF DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
The Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences has completed 19 journal publications, two book chapters and two books.
A. Department of Environmental Studies
• Approval of New Programmes
The Department of Environmental Studies has expanded its postgraduate offerings to include four specialised Master of Science and Master Degree programmes; Environmental Management, Natural Resources Management, Oil and Gas and Renewable Energy, and Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management.
• Training and Development of Staff with Mr Davon Van-Veen
The Department held a training session on the preparation of mark sheets in the SRMS on February 22, 2021.
• Technical/Conference Presentations
The department completed three conference proceedings.
B. Department of Geography
• Conference Proceedings
The department completed eight conference proceedings.
• Technical Presentations
Technical Presentations done by the department was seven.
• Training Workshops Conducted
The department conducted three Training Workshops.
• Major Research Projects
The Department of Geography completed six major research projects.
VII. MAJOR STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS
• Oyedotun, T. D. T. - Awarded the Archipelagic & Island States (AIS) and United Nations Development Programme – Indonesia (UNDP) Joint Research Innovation Grant in April 2021 for research on “The Guyana coast, catchment and marine observatory: data integration analysis for monitoring of coastal dynamics” (with Dr Helene Burningham of University College London).
• Oyedotun, T. D. T. - WWF - Guiana Grant 2021 to conduct a BIODEV 2030 National Context Analysis with Dr Oluwasinaayomi Faith Kasim, Mr Seon Hamer and Mr Stephan Moonsammy.
VIII. RESEARCH PROJECTS
Conference Proceedings
Williams, P., P. Thompson, C. Venture, E. Andrews
R. Ashram (Panelists), 2021. “Approaches to Traffic Management in the City of Georgetown: Alternative Solutions”, Caribbean Urban Forum (CUF), Panel Discussion
Oyedotun, T. D. T. / Sediment contamination, and pollution: Deterrence to mangrove restoration, ECSA 58 – ECMECS 13 Estuaries and coastal seas in the Anthropocene, (Elsevier). [Presented]. Book of Abstract can be found at: https://elsevier.my.conferences.cc/api/data/
Oyedotun, T. D. T. Micro-climatic and hydrological indicators of the influence of restorated mangroves in Guyana, ECSA 58 – ECMECS 13 Estuaries and coastal seas in the Anthropocene, (Elsevier) [Presented]. Book of Abstract can be found at: https://elsevier.my.conferences.cc/ api/data/file/60afb0d0daa0ee26a6fbbd9d/ Abstract%20book.pdf (O44.6). [Presented]. / (2021)
Chan-Bagot, K., Oyedotun, T. D. T., Conway, C., Simard, M. / Evaluation of mud-bank morphodynamics of two sites on Guyana coast: A remote sensing analysis of synthetic aperture radar images. Science, Technology, and Innovation for Sustainable Development in a Greener Caribbean. Caribbean Academy of Sciences, 22nd Biennial Conference and General Meeting [Presented]. / (2021)
Oyedotun, T. D. T. / Circular economy solutions towards sustainable waste management: Case of Guyana. Invited keynote talks at Special Session of United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD) on International Partnership for Expanding Waste Management Services of Local Authorities (IPLA) – an SDG Partnership for UN Sustainable Development Goals, at 16th International Conference on Waste Management and Technology (16th ICWMT), 25 to 28 June 2021. [Presented] / (2021)
Oyedotun, T. D. T. / Coastal area’s matters in the face of Economic Developments: Realities from Guyana. Coastal Zone Canada 2021 Conference. https://www.coastalzonecanada.org/czc2021/ [Presented] / (2021)
Oyedotun, T. D. T. Evaluation, and assessment of the state of Guyana’s coastal environment through SDG 14.1. State of the Coast 2021 Conference. https://www.stateofthecoast. org/ [Presented] / (2021) Book of Abstract can be found at: https://3887972e-b695-41d9b719-f333cf15ac7e.filesusr.com/ugd/8be722_ ed53c0021ee04967906268fc3f6752c7.pdf (Page 194) / (2021)
Dr Temitope D. Timothy Oyedotun
Dean, Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences (FEES)
Zutta, B., Oyedotun, T. D. T., Simard, M., and Herndon, K. / Development of a mangrove monitoring and evaluation system in Guyana. American Geophysical Union 2020 Fall Meeting, 01–17, December 2020. https:// agu.confex.com/agu/fm20/meetingapp.cgi/ Paper/772417 [Presented] / (2020)
Technical/Conference Presentations
Ashley Adams delivered a presentation at the University of Guyana Centre for Communication Studies (UGCCS), as part of its degree programme, facilitating the course titled Reporting and Writing: Specialized Journalism - Science, Health, Climate Change and Environment, 0n the topic Climate change and the debate on global warming on June 2nd, 2021.
Shanomae Rose (May 11, 2021) Factors Influencing Student Use of Moodle at University of Guyana at the Virtual MLFTC Doctoral Research Conference.
Shanomae Rose (September 22, 2021). Factors influencing the use of Moodle by students at the University of Guyana. Centre of Excellence for Teaching and Learning (CoETaL) Virtual Biennial Teaching Conference for Tertiary Educators September 20 - 22, 2021.
IX. GRADUATION STATISTICS
X. DEMONSTRATION OF STUDENT CENTERED-NESS AND IMPACTS
A. Department of Environmental Studies
i. ENV3300: Internship
The Department commenced this course in the 2019/2020 academic year.
Agencies were willing to accommodate students although the COVID-19 pandemic occurred. In the 2020/2021 academic year, there were two batches of students totaling 63 who were required to complete this course.
ii. Eco-Trust Student Club Activities (Collaborations, Competition, and Webinar Events)
The Eco-Trust Society was involved in many activities during the year under review. These included:
• Clean energy and sustainable development webinar. This was done virtually and hosted by Mr Orville Critchlow, Lecturer.
• In commemoration of World Environment Day under the theme “Green Economy as A Tool For A Greener Environment”, a webinar was held, Mr Stephan Moonsammy was the presenter.
• World Arbor Day tree planting session- partner NAREI, this project was in commemoration of World Arbor Day.
B. Department of Geography
i. University of Guyana Geographical Society (UGGS) - Secondary School Geography Revision Booklet Project
In October 2020, the UGGS prepared four weeks of Lessons and corresponding Worksheets for Grades 10 and 11 Geography students for the Ministry of Education. The Lessons incorporated various thematic areas in Geography. Booklets were prepared for distribution to students via the internet. In cases where students did not have access to the soft copies, the Ministry printed copies for distribution to schools. The UGSS was awarded GYD$ 200,000 for the Worksheets.
ii. Student Research Projects Completed
• MSc in Urban Planning & Management – Three projects were completed.
• Undergraduate Final Year Research Projects – 15 projects were completed.
• Students of the MSc in Urban Regional Planning Programme - five presentations were made at the CUF 10 in June 2021.
iii. Launching of GEOScience and Planning Journals
Launch of the Journal of GEOScience and Planning - The Department of Geography launched the Journal of GEOScience and Planning (JGSP) virtually on June 8, 2021. This is in keeping with the Department’s Plan of Action for the 2020-2021 academic year. The JGSP is the official online and open-access Journal of the Department of Geography (https://jgsp. uog.edu.gy/)
iv. Development of Short Training Courses
A short course titled “Settlement and Housing Development Strategy” was approved in August 2021. The course incorporates the concepts of the New Urban Development Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals, Techno-Centric and People-Centric Design Thinking for Smart, Green, Energy Efficient, and Resilient Cities.
XI. IMPORTANT COLLABORATIONS
A. UG, NASA, SERVIR-Amazonia Sign MoU to support research, geospatial skills to help Guyana manage climate risks
In October 2020, the UGGS prepared four weeks of Lessons and corresponding Worksheets for Grades 10 and 11 Geography students for the Ministry of Education. The Lessons incorporated various thematic areas in Geography. Booklets were prepared for distribution to students via the internet. In cases where students did not have access to the soft copies, the Ministry printed copies for distribution to schools. The UGSS was awarded GYD$ 200,000 for the worksheets.
B. Caribbean Urban Forum 2021
The FEES hosted the delayed Caribbean Urban Forum tagged “Urbanisation: Processes, Policy, and Emergency Challenges” on June 15-16, 2021. The forum brought together researchers and policymakers from across the world. It was declared open with a comprehensive remark by His Excellency, Dr Irfaan Ali, the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
C. FEES held a series of SARS Workshop and Training on Mangrove Forest Monitoring
The FEES in collaboration with SERVIRAmazonia, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Spatial Information Group (SIG), and CIAT (International Center for Tropical Agriculture) hosted three series of International Course (workshops/training) in the year 2020. One of which was held virtually from September 1423, 2020. This training workshop/course was titled “Mapping and monitoring mangrove forests using Google Earth Engine”.
D. UG-FEES and Archipelagic Island States (AIS) Webinar on the Innovative Approach
The Faculty collaborated with Archipelagic and Island States Forum (AIS Forum) in organising a tangible value-added webinar on Friday 16 April 2021 tagged “The Scholars Spaces: The Innovative Approach of Coastal and Marine Management”. The webinar and panel discussion comprised of Mr Phillip Da Silva, Ms Linda Johnson-Bhola, Professor Helene Burningham (University College London), and Dr Temitope Oyedotun. In attendance were Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin, UG 11th Vice-Chancellor, Mr Akhmad Sani, Coordinator of AIS Forum Secretariat; and Dr Paulette Bynoe, Deputy Dean, School of Graduate Studies and Research (SGSR), who delivered remarks.
E. Guyana Strategy for Informal Settlement Upgrade and PreventionStakeholders Consultation-Zoom Link
The Faculty participated in a virtual stakeholder
launching and consultation on the Guyana Strategy for Informal Settlement Upgrade and Prevention Program (GSISUP) hosted by The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) on February 4 and February 17, 2021.
F. Request for the second execution of the Diploma in Land Administration and Management (LAM) Special Programme
The Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) continued to collaborate with the Department of Geography and requested a second execution of the Diploma in Land Administration and Management (LAM) as a special programme to staff of the agency.
G. UG-Department of Geography and Western Illinois University Collaboration
An Agreement for Cooperation was signed by the University of Guyana and Western Illinois in April 2021 for the creation of pathways to Masters’ degrees in GIS, the option for a summer school experience at Western Illinois for the University of Guyana Faculty students; access to existing excellence scholarships, student exchanges, and other specifically crafted scholarships and assistantships at Western Illinois; options for staff exchange, research, and training in best practices at both Universities.
XII. NOTABLE VISITORS
1. Dr Sandra Werner, Advocacy and Issue Management Advisor, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited delivered a guest lecture on June 29, 2021, to students of ENV 3207.
2. ExxonMobil Guest Lecture – Mr Mike Ryan, Production Manager delivered a guest lecture on January 25, 2021 to students titled “Productions Operations Overview”.
3. Mr Jermaine Critchlow, Sustainability Manager at Aurora Gold Mine (AGM) Inc organised and delivered a virtual tour on March 1, 2021, of the mining operation.
4. The Department of Energy in Guyana Guest Lecture - Mrs Marissa Foster-Gordon and Mr Trent Piaralall, Technical Officers, Ministry of Natural Resources delivered a guest lecture on December 7, 2020,
to students on “Managing Hydrocarbon Resources-A Governance Perspective”.
5. Virtual Field Exercise of Aurora Gold Mine by Mr Jermaine Critchlow
6. The Department of Environmental Studies organised and successful hosted a “Virtual Panel Discussion on Big Data for Environmental Management” which took place on August 20, 2021. The virtual panel comprised of Dr Trevor Caughlin, Dr Anand Roopsind, Dr. David Alexander, and Dr Troy Thomas.
XIII. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2022
• To increase student intake by 10% for the Department of Environmental Studies and Geography through outreach activities.
• Procuring more funding for research and facilities development.
• Development of more student support services and student advancement.
• Improve Programme Offerings: To review and revise the BA Geography/Economics (double major).
• To increase the research output of the undergraduate and graduate students as well as Academic Staff by at least 20%.
Faculty of Education and Humanities
I. VISION
The vision of the Faculty of Education and Humanities is to produce wellrounded graduates with mastery in skills needed to function nationally and internationally in an environment fostered by continuous quality assurance, staff development, ongoing research, and improved undergraduate and graduate programming.
II. ADJUSTMENT TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
The 2020/2021 Academic Year started with the faculty leadership under a new Dean, Dr Roslin Khan, and new Assistant Dean, Dr Tamir Nnena De Lisser, Administrative Officer, Mr Peter Ramsaran, and the Dean’s Personal Assistant, Ms Trishana Felix. Due to the large number of students in the faculty, a second Assistant Dean, Dr Lidon Lashley, joined the Team before the end of the first semester, and this team worked collaboratively with all departments to facilitate the adjustment of both students and staff to the requirements of functioning in the Emergency Mode of Operation occasioned by the Covid-19 Pandemic.
The two most significant measures included the creation of an online Assistant Deans’ Office, with the Support Staff providing services via Zoom, Instagram, Live chat, Telegram, and other forms of social media, and the formation of the FEH Online Training Team to provide training for all full time and part time lecturers to transition from in-person to virtual or blended teaching, including teaching on the Moodle Platform. These efforts were further supported on an ongoing basis by the Software Department and the Tactical Onlining Services Unit. In keeping with the Faculty’s efforts to enhance the delivery of services
rendered to our students, the FEH Administration reactivated the process for the active functioning of the Language Centre and the official acceptance of the Guyanese Languages Unit (GLU). In addition, the Team developed and presented a proposal for the Use of English Service courses taught to students from all faculties by lecturers of the Language Centre, to be allocated enough tutorial groups to number no more than 25 students per group. The presentation also included the division of the Modern Languages Service courses in Spanish, French, and Portuguese, taken by students from multiple faculties, to be divided into sections of 25 each. The proposal was approved by the Academic Board and all faculties are now required to timetable the times and days for these service courses before timetabling their own courses. This measure is aimed at ensuring that students taking these courses would no longer be bogged down by timetable clashes. The establishment of the Guyanese Languages Unit (GLU) was approved by the Academic Board. The FEH Administration also re-activated the work of the subcommittee on plagiarism for students to meet the challenge of the increase of such incidents. The document produced was accepted to be used in the production of the General Plagiarism Policy of the University. In its endeavours to continue celebrating the achievements of FEH students, 149 students who earned GPAs of 3.4 to 4.0 were inducted into the FEH Dean’s Honour Roll in a virtual Ceremony.
Dr Roslin Khan Dean, Faculty of Education and Humanities
III. DEMOGRAPHICS AND PROGRAMMES OFFERED
B.Ed. English
B.Ed. Education-Secondary
B. Ed.
B.Ed. Literacy Studies
FT (2 shared with Foundation & Management and 2 with LCS), 29, PT, 2 support staff (Turkeyen)
(3 shared with LCS), 16 PT, 1 support staff (Tain)
BA in History
Service Courses (7 Courses taught to students from the Faculties of Agriculture and Forestry, Natural Sciences, Education and Humanities, Social Sciences (Law), and SEBI)
BA in Literature
Modern Languages Fine Arts
AA in English Modern Languages Fine Arts and Anthropology
Certificate of Competence in Spanish and in French
Service Courses for all other Faculties) (ENG 1105 – 1903; ENG 1203 – 825; ENG 1205)
Services Courses in Modern
Languages-Spanish, French, and Portuguese
500 (SEBI, FNS, FSS, FEES & CMS)
FT, 3 PT, 1 support staff (Turkeyen)
(Tain)
FT, 15 PT and 2
staff (Turkeyen) Full-time Teaching Staff shared with Curriculum & Instruction), Part-time Staff, same support staff as C & I). (Tain)
Research and Graduate Studies
M. Ed. Early Childhood Education 11
Curriculum & Instruction 34
Post-Graduate Diploma in Education 135 FT included in Curriculum & Instruction and Foundation & Education Management, 1 Support Staff (Turkeyen)
Measurement & Evaluation 12
Literacy Studies 4
Management & Supervision 4
Curriculum & Instruction Project 1
IV. BUDGET
The Actual Budget for 2020: $176, 204
Capital Expenditure: UA Staff-$227, 172; UB Staff-$3, 547; Part time $64, 612
Total = $235, 331
Line Items - $417,132
Learning Resource and Other Costs –NIL
Total In House Capital Cost – NIL
Total: Education and Humanities: $176, 204
IV. SUMMARY OF DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
A. Department of Curriculum and Instruction
The primary focus of the Department in 2020/2021 was the implementation of the 3204B and 3206 programmes for students to meet the required 120 credits approved by the Academic Board in August 2019. All B. Ed. Programmes now carry the stipulated minimum of 120 credits. To supplement this, the Department undertook a ground-breaking initiative to produce an eHandbook to provide the students with the relevant information on their programmes of study and other related matters with the relevant online links.
The Department continued to deliver all courses via the remote learning using mainly Moodle and Zoom. However, these were complemented by other online resources such as WhatsApp, Google Classroom, among others.
B. Department of Foundation and Education Management
In keeping with its vision and mission to offer the highest standards of proven methodology in the theory, practice, and administration, and
faced with the Covid-19 Pandemic, the staff successfully completed the transitioning from face-to-face to online teaching for the entire year. Additional Staff Help-Clinics and Drop-In Sessions to address the questions and concerns of students regarding the course delivery modes and assignments, continued to be an important departmental activity, there was a noticeable increase in research on virtual/ remote teaching. Construction commenced on the innovative initiative – the Early Childhood of Excellence on Campus, which the Department led in seeking funding from the Inter-American Development Bank, and the work of the Early Childhood Programme was further enhanced by the collaborative publication of a textbook, The State of Sociodramatics in Guyanese Early Childhood Settings with Stories from Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.
C. Department of History and Caribbean Studies
Faced with the continued challenge of low student enrolment, the Department initiated a review of the History programme (which is still ongoing), acquired the services of a new lecturer to spearhead the development of courses in Caribbean Studies and to collaborate with the Department of Language and Cultural Studies to develop under-graduate and graduate programmes in Cultural Studies. The funding for the Walter Rodney Chair was re-activated and a search was activated for a visiting professor, who is expected to be instrumental in the reactivation of the offering of the graduate programmes in History. In response to the effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Department continued to follow the decisions made by the Faculty and completed both semesters in the virtual mode.
D. Department of Language and Cultural Studies
Committed to fostering the exploration of research in the Humanities with a focus on areas of culture and language at the intersection of the humanities with society and the world, the Department initiated divisional and intentional planning to increase intake in its programmes. The Post-Graduate Diploma in Translation (Spanish) was advertised, and negotiations initiated with the Ministries of Education and Foreign Affairs to sponsor suitable teachers to purse studies in this diploma, with a view to providing national services in the relevant Ministries. The Spanish Lecturers in the Modern Languages Division worked collaboratively to develop a Student’s Companion for the content in service courses taught to students from other faculties. The process of the establishment of the Guyanese Languages Unit and the Language Centre were approved by the Academic Board. However, before its approval, the GLU Starter Group performed stellar national services in the translation of the Covid-19 materials into the 10 Guyanese Languages in collaboration with the JLU, UWI, Mona Campus. Another remarkable initiative was the volunteer work led by the Coordinator of the Creative Arts Division to renovate the Creative Arts Studio with funding sourced by the Office of the ViceChancellor. As in all other Departments, the procedures developed by the Faculty were followed in adapting to virtual teaching in the conditions caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic.
E. Research and Graduate Studies
During the 2020/2021 Academic year, the focus was on making every effort to ensure as many students as possible who had timed out from 2009 exercised the option, to either return and complete their theses, or, if they met the requirements, to graduate with the Advanced Graduate Diploma in Education. These efforts resulted in nine students opting to return to complete their thesis and 44 qualifying to take advantage of the opportunity offered by the Exit strategy to graduate with the Advanced Graduate Diploma in Education.
VI. MAJOR STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS
• Staff members continued to be actively engaged in research activities in their respective disciplines. Most lecturers in their areas of expertise, individual publications, conference presentations, and unpublished research projects.
• The Department of Foundation and Education Management has completed six Journal articles in Caribbean and International Journals, the International Journal of Early Years Education, one book chapter, and published one book by LHM Publishers. There were also academic and Teaching Conference presentations, technical presentations, and a variety of webinar presentations.
• The Pan-cultural Perspectives on PlayChildhood Development and Early Education by Syracuse University, Pennsylvania State University, Bloomsburg University, University of Guyana, University of Trinidad and Tobago, St. George’s Medical School, Grenada, UWI, Barbados, Shortwood Teachers’ College, Jamaica, was published by LMH Publishers in Trinidad and Tobago. In support of the UG Early Childhood Centre of Excellence (UG ECCE), the construction of which began in the academic year under review, there was continued collaboration with UWI Early Childhood Centre of Excellence, Jamaica, UNICEF, and Basic Needs Trust Fund Implementing Agency (BNTF-IA) Guyana, the Ministries of Education and Social Protection. Conceived in 2010, UG ECCE received funding support of $GYD160, 247, 131.00 from the Caribbean Development Bank and the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, through BNTF_IA.
• In the Department of History and Caribbean Studies, ongoing collaborative research and public service activities by members include mental health and substance abuse misuse in Guyana’s prisons as well as on crime and punishment in Colonial Guyana. These activities are being carried out by means of collaboration by the University
of Guyana with the Guyana Prison Service, and the Georgetown Public Hospital (GHPC).
• The following Lecturers were awarded Doctoral Degrees:
1. Dr Winifred James Kippins (EdD)
2. Dr Nequesha Dalrymple (PhD)
3. Dr Volda Elliot
4. Dr Lidon Lashley (the Commonwealth Scholarship Recipient, whose stellar Dissertation was accepted without any required corrections)
Conference Presentations/Public Lecture
Akima McPherson – Paper at Caribbean Studies Association Conference: “Caribbean Maternal Bodies in the art of Agostino Brunias and Renée Cox” (June, 2021).
Al Creighton – Paper at Colloquium: “The Baker’s Story: Images of the Chinese in W.I. Literature” (December, 2020).
Mark Tumbridge – Paper at Colloquium: “ARF Weber’s Those That Be In Bondage” (December, 2020).
Andrew Kendall – Public Lecture at Central University of Chile: “Loneliness in Contemporary Latin America Cinema” (May, 2021).
Andrew Kendall – Paper at Society of Caribbean Studies: “Howard Arlen and Caribbean Culture on the American Stage” (July, 2021).
Romona Bennett – Paper at Society of Caribbean Studies: “Interior Landscape, Exotic Romance: the ‘Ideal’ Indigenous Woman in W. H. Hudson’s Green Mansions” (July, 2021).
Carmen Yusuf – Paper at Caribbean Studies Association Conference: “Fiscal integration and sustainable development in the Caribbean” (June, 2021).
Winslow Craig – Publicly presented artwork –“In Limbo”: sculpture; “The Rod of Connection: From Earth to Sky”; mixed media (2020).
VII. NUMBERS GRADUATED
According to the University of Guyana’ Report:
Graduate Statistics 2020/2021, a total of 412 students graduated from the following programmes: Certificate of Competence in Spanish (1), Bachelor’s Degrees (309), Associate Degrees (3), Master’s Degree (9), and PostGraduate Diploma & Advanced Graduate Diploma (93).
VIII. DEMONSTRATION OF STUDENT CENTEREDNESS AND IMPACTS
At the start of the 2020/2021 Academic year, the Faculty of Education and Humanities determined that it was necessary to continue addressing collaboration among all departments. Such collaboration took the form of a continued review of the report of the FEH Colloquium on January 23, 2020, in which the question about the kind of graduate the FEH wishes to produce became the focus of our deliberations.
While the importance of addressing the sixteen characteristics of an FEH graduate continued to engage our deliberations and operations (striving to produce graduates who will be analytical and well informed, leaders, agents of change, ethical, moral, competent in their fields of study, among others), the requirements caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic continued to transform our reality as we adapted more and more to mastering our limitations in technological skills and coping with our new virtual norm.
Unlike Faculties that have two semesters, our plans to complete semester two with enough time remaining for semester three, were affected by the start of the Academic Year in the last week of October 2020, and, consequently, the late start of semester 3. Additionally, we continued with our student-centred strategies to guide our students by virtue of ongoing training in remote learning, allocating online office hours for one-on-one consultations, replacing final examinations with continuous assessments, granting “I” grades to allow students more time to complete outstanding assignments, making allowances for students, especially those in outlying regions who faced serious internet challenges, among other measures. Other innovative strategies, such as different instructional delivery tools (breakout groups,
Padlet discussions, and weekly reflections) continued to impact on our students in positive ways.
Unfortunately, as happened last academic year, some students from most interior regions continued to be affected by the lack of dependable internet and Wifi access. Also of grave concern, was the increasing incidents of plagiarism, and to address this, the previously formed sub-committee was reconvened to complete the section of the policy pertaining to students. The final draft was submitted to the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor-Academic Engagement and is in the process of being approved.
IX. IMPORTANT COLLABORATIONS
Apart from ongoing research activities with local, regional and international agencies by Departments, the now fully approved Guyanese Languages Unit in the Department of Language and Cultural Studies, continued to collaborate with the Jamaica Language Unit and with the Linguistics Department, and Academic Departments from UWI, Mona Campus, to award a Certificate in Translation to Translators of Covid-19 material in the nine Indigenous languages and in Guyanese Creole, translations that were done for the Ministry of Health to heighten awareness of the dangers of the Covid-19 Pandemic in our outlying regions and rural communities. An earlier mentioned ongoing initiative that deserves to be repeated, is the construction of the University of Guyana Early Childhood Centre of Excellence (UG-ECCE), a project that was conceived in 2010 and the construction of which started in the 2020/2021 academic year.
X. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2022
All Departments will continue to collaborate and to work individually to address the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that were identified by the Faculty’s SWOT Analysis of our Strategic Plan, a plan that aligns in many ways to the University of Guyana Blueprint 1. The strategies include ongoing improved quality of services to students, programme reviews, improved infrastructure, continued opportunities for staff development, enhanced
technology, enhanced eLibrary resources, continued online training for lecturers, etc.
The Department of History and Caribbean Studies is currently executing a review of the History programme, and plans are in place to develop courses in Caribbean Studies as well as to work jointly with the Department of Language and Cultural Studies to develop undergraduate and graduate programmes in Cultural Studies. This Department intends to create greater awareness among the nonuniversity community through the launch of a public lecture series on different areas of research, starting in November 2021. Measures are in place to recommence the offering of the post graduate Diploma in Translation in 2022 as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees in Cultural Studies. A substantive review of the BA in English and Fine Arts will also be undertaken in the 2021/2022 academic year.
In the Departments of Foundation and Education Management and Curriculum and Instruction, future projections include: producing more research remote learning and teaching, creating greater understanding and practice of valid and appropriate online assessments, engaging lecturers in all faculties to fully utilize the services provided by the newly established Inclusion Centre to ensure the implementation of strategies to facilitate inclusivity, diversity, and equity, referring students in need of counselling services, paying closer attention to mental health issues.
The Department of Research and Graduate Studies will work closely with the School for Graduate Studies and Research to enhance its work at the graduate level. It intends to develop a Master’s Degree in Education with a Final Examination, promoting the completion of master’s theses in a timely manner, and to engage newly appointed Professor Stafford Griffith in reviewing this Department intends to develop a Master’s Degree in Education with a Final Examination and to engage newly appointed Professor Stafford Griffith in reviewing all aspects of the doctoral programme with a view to launching the degree in the 2022/2023 Academic Year.
Faculty of Engineering and Technology
I. VISION
The vision of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET) is to be globally and nationally valued, student centred research and teaching institution with the purpose of providing students with a supportive and academically enriching educational environment and the values of student first, professionalism, excellence in teaching and research, responsiveness, and sustainability.
II. PROGRAMMES OFFERED AND ENROLLMENT
III. SUMMARY OF DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
A. Department of Architecture Department Vision
To produce highly skilled, educated, and motivated global ambassadors who will work towards enhancing the sustainability of the built environment through the application of
approach to learning.
Staff
Verlyn Klass Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology
B. Department of Electrical Engineering, Division of Industrial Engineering
Department Vision
To provide an enabling and student-centred environment for the impartation of a wide range of skills and concepts in Electrical Engineering and to help inculcate aptitudes and attitudes that would aid in a seamless transition into the workplace and the practice of Engineering.
Staff
Our graduates with the Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science Programs in Electrical Engineering and Industrial Engineering have gained valuable knowledge and competencies to function in our diverse marketplace. Operating in the virtual space via Zoom has brought new challenges. However, fellow lecturers have adapted with student results showing improvement. The virtual environment has pushed our lecturers to utilize more virtual labs and enhanced teaching/lecturing techniques. Two departmental lecturers have been selected by the University to undertake the PhD program in Innovation in Global Development studies at Arizona State University.
C. Department of Petroleum and Geological Engineering
Department Vision
To develop a strong engineering programme that would produce graduates to meet the country’s needs over the next decade and beyond.
The department benefitted from a MUD lab donated by Halliburton Inc. and four lecturers were trained in its operation. Several software programmes have also been donated by Halliburton and will soon be installed on the faculty’s computers.
An MOU for the Bachelor of Applied Science in Petroleum Engineering was signed with the University of Trinidad and Tobago and this programme was approved to commence academic year 2021/22. Sixteen students who have completed the Associate of Science degree have registered for this programme. The second batch of Associate of Science programme has also commenced this year.
V. MAJOR RESEARCH PROJECTS AND OTHER MAJOR STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS
Dr Anna Perreira
(Collaborated as key local expert consultant on study and contributed as co-author for report to the ILO via the University of the West Indies Open Campus) - ILO., March 2021. “Green business case study – Dominica, Guyana and Saint Lucia”. ISBN: 9789220350331 (Web PDF). https://www.ilo.org/caribbean/informationresources/publications/WCMS_816569/lang-en/index.htm.
Conference Chair for 22nd Biannual Conference for the Caribbean Academy of Sciences, cohosted by the University of Guyana form August 9–14, 2021
Forum Committee Member for the 10th Caribbean Urban Forum held on June 16-18, 2021
Planning Committee for the UGGI Green Economy Workshop (GEW21) held on October 18 to 22, 2021.
Norton-McLean, Shion “Impact of Socio Culture on 19th & early 20th Century Domestic Architecture in Georgetown” 2020
A. Department of Electrical Engineering, Division of Industrial Engineering
• Guyana Energy Agency,
• Guyana Power and Light,
• Banks DIH,
• Demerara Distillers Limited
IV. GRADUATION STATISTICS
The department continues to forge relationships with key professional at the Caricom Secretariat, ASU, and Canadian Based Scholars.
B. Department of Petroleum and Geological Engineering
• The University of Trinidad & Tobago on the petroleum programmes
• Halliburton for laboratory and software equipment
• GGMC for provision of lecturers, work attachment and final year projects
VII. TRAINING WORKSHOPS
Collaboration between SPE Georgetown Section and University of Guyana, Faculty of Engineering and Technology:
Guest Lecture Series: Aspects of Oil Reservoir and Production Engineering
• March 17, Lecture I: Reserves Assessment (calculate recoverable reserves for field)
• March 24, Lecture II: Introduction to Economics
• March 31, Lecture III: Production and Field Development
• April 7, Lecture IV: Introduction to reservoir simulation
CV Writing and Interview Strategy by Ms Katherina Gardenas, Halliburton, April 16, 2021,
CV Writing and Interview Strategy by Kimberly Baldeo Recruiting Manager and Shanta Ramdass Recruiting Coordinator, Schlumberger, June 25, 2021
2. Mr Espinosa, Guyana Gold Board, Air Pollution Expert, service provided: Develop of the Standards Operation Procedures (SOP) for the Mercury Abatement System in Georgetown City and other Branches.
3. Ms Debora Cecil, Word of Faith Ministries, Secretary/Pastor.
D. Department of Mechanical Engineering Staff
Vice-Chancellor Prof Paloma Mohamed Martin, Halliburton Country Manager Vahman Jurai, and other officials at the commissioning of MUD Lab
4. Mr Basheer Khan, Assistant Dean.
5. Ms Elena Trim, CTVET Consul Member, Chair for Accreditation and Certification Committee, SPE Georgetown Section Executive Board member, President Caribbean Academy of Sciences Guyana Chapter, Caribbean Space Society, Space Advocate Club, University of Guyana Contact person.
6. Dr Anna Perreira, Consultant Architect, Founder and Director Centre for Urban Renewal and Building Sustainability (CURBS), Vice President of the Caribbean Academy of Sciences Coordinator for the University of Guyana Growth in a Resource abundant Economy and Environment (GREEN) Institute (UGGI).
7. Mrs Shion Norton-McLean, Architectural and Interior Designing Consultant and Project Management Consultant.
8. Ms Odesa Hamer, Consultant Architect.
9. Ms Dahlia Durga, Vice President- Guyana Heritage Society (NGO) and Contract Architect
10. Mr Dhanraj Singh, Ai Architects – Consult, design. Manage, build and Aerial services.
11. Mr Godfrey Proctor, Contract Architect (Guyana/US) and Consultant/Designer on Master Plan and Building Design of Housing Developments (Guyana/US).
12. Mr Kurt Gonsalves, Consultant Architect.
IX. DEMONSTRATION OF STUDENT CENTRED-NESS AND IMPACTS
A. Department of Petroleum and Geological Engineering
Despite limited staff resources every effort has been made to help the students to succeed in their programmes. Assistant Dean Anil James has coordinated the final year project for the geology students and Dr Chater has provided the necessary feedback to the student project ideas. Meetings were held with students of all year groups to discuss various issues including Industrial Exposure and Professional Development, final year projects, etcetera.
B. Department of Electrical Engineering, Division of Industrial Engineering
Our graduates with the Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science Programs in Electrical Engineering and Industrial Engineering have gained valuable knowledge and competencies to function in our diverse marketplace.
The curriculum brings exciting changes in the virtual space with:
• the utilization of more technology and modern software to help students understand concepts and theories.
• exposure to new technologies.
• a greater link of theory with practice in the real world.
• unconstrained electives creating more rounded students.
• ethical expectation of the graduates when they enter the workforce.
Students also have open access to all levels of administration in the faculty to raise concerns and seek clarification on issues affecting them.
Students’ projects and lecturers’ research continue to be a major driver in the department.
X. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2022
A. Department of Architecture
• To prepare the department for ABET accreditation.
• To recruit more lecturers for the department with advanced degrees.
• To engage and conduct more research activity.
• To establish collaborations with regional and international organisations and universities to enhance our delivery of the programmes.
• To establish a departmental newsletter.
• To develop new course and programme offerings.
• To initiate a departmental lecture series.
• To conduct public awareness programmes on the field of architecture in hopes of increasing our applications to the department and educating the
public on the architectural practice in Guyana.
B. Department of Electrical Engineering, Division of Industrial Engineering
To continue working on the ABET accreditation drive.
C. Department of Petroleum and Geological Engineering
• To acquire a Head of Department and other full-time staff.
• Development of the Bachelor of Science Mining Engineering programme,
• Inclusion of more oil content courses in the Geology Bachelor Degree Programme,
• Development of a Petroleum Geoscience Bachelor Degree programme.
Faculty of Natural Sciences
I. VISION
The vision of the Faculty of Natural Sciences is to be the Centre of Excellence in Pure and Applied Sciences, spearheading scientific advancements, innovation, and human resource development locally and internationally.
II. FACULTY DEMOGRAPHICS
A. Faculty Office and Office of the Dean
Dean: Dr Troy Thomas
Assistant Deans:
1. Ms Diana Seecharran – Administration
2. Mr Dave Sarran – Student Services
Administrative Officer(ag): Ms Rajshrie Balram
Personal Assistant: Ms Latoya Khemraj
Clerk/Typist: Mrs Joy Austin
Office Attendant: Mr Mark Marshall
B. Heads of Departments
Biology: Prof Abdullah Ansari
Chemistry: Ms Samantha Joseph
Computer Science:
1. Ms. Penelope Defreitas
2. Ms Aurel Liddell
3. Mr Max Baird
Mathematics, Physics and Statistics: Mr Antalov Jagnandan
Centre for the Study of Biological Diversity, Director: Dr Gyanpriya Maharaj
III.
IV. PROGRAMMES, ENROLLMENT AND GRADUATION
V. SUMMARY OF DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
A. Office of the Assistant Dean Career Fair
The Faculty of Natural Sciences participated in the 12th Annual Career Fair exercise of the University of Guyana. To facilitate the execution of the virtual event, the Faculty established planning and production teams comprising staff and students of the various departments. The activities executed were; development of
Dr Troy Thomas Dean, Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS)
posters for each department within the Faculty, Repackaging and digitization of materials utilized in the previous years, production of new digital items example videos/demonstrations and testimonials from past students, and interaction with the vFairs platform to meet and interact with prospective students.
Student Awards Ceremony
The Faculty aimed to acknowledge, honour and recognise graduates of year 2019/2020 and continuing students within the Faculty of Natural Sciences who had demonstrated excellence throughout their academic journey at the University of Guyana. The ceremony also aimed to recognise the achievements of the students despite challenges they experienced with the abrupt adjustments they had to make on account of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
B. Department of Biology
The Department of Biology at the University of Guyana is positioned on the proverbial “growing edge” as the global thrust of conservation and preservation of food supplies intensifies. The Department of eighteen full-time academics is charged with the herculean task of studying biological systems in a, “near pristine but also vulnerable biosphere” while simultaneously monitoring the sustainability of the delicate balance that still exists in the conservationexploitation continuum of vast areas within Guyana.
Over 94% of the academic staff possess advanced degrees, and three of our lecturers are currently enrolled in doctoral programmes in USA.
C. Department of Computer Science
In addition to executing, it academic programmes, the Department of Computer Science collaborated with various organisations to work with various target groups in Guyana. The programmes focused on equipping youth with skill and empowering persons with disabilities.
D.
Department of Mathematics, Physics & Statistics
The academic year 2020/2021 has seen continued advancements to the MPS Department. This is consistent with the department’s vision and mission. The progress is multi-layered and includes staffing, students, acquisition of equipment, club activities and cocurricular activities.
VI. SUMMARY OF MAJOR RESEARCH PROJECTS COMPLETED AND OTHER MAJOR STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS
For the academic year, the Faculty of Natural Sciences recorded a total of 31 newly published articles and book chapters at a rate of approximately 0.53 per academic staff. Much of this research was collaborative across departments and even across faculties.
A. Department of Biology
Among several completed research during the year, two major projects undertaken by members of the department include (1) Ms Tameka King- Biodiversity Specialist conducting avifaunal diversity surveys at the Stronghold Goldmining Inc, Region 8, the East Demerara Water Conservancy, Region 5, and the Port of Vreed-en-Hoop Project, Region 3, Guyana. A comparative assessment of avifaunal diversity and abundance in the Felicity-Chateau Margot Mangrove Restoration Site: Baseline (2014) vs (2019)-presentation at University of Guyana-2020. (2) Ms Kimberly Craig-Technical presentation-The State of Mangroves in GuyanaIwokrama Series November 2020.
Ms Kimberly Craig was the Best Graduating Student (with distinction) from Nation University and University of Bedfordshire (MA Education Leadership 2021 cohort), Dr Mohammad Kafeel Ahmad Ansari received the International Scientist Award (CISA-2021), and Dr Ramwant Gupta received the Excellent Scientist Award: Farmers training program-2021, jointly organized by Indian Council of Agricultural Research and National Institute of Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, India. National Award for Excellence in Higher Education-2020.
B. Department of Chemistry
Research completed in the Department of
Chemistry focused mainly on antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of plant extracts and this was done largely with a focus on combatting the Covid-19 pandemic. This research effort was driven by the work of Prof Raymond Jagessar.
C. Department of Computer Science
Research completed by member of the Computer Science department focused on mobile learning adoption in the Caribbean. This was a collaborative effort among Mr Lenandlar Singh (CS department), Dr T. Thomas (MPS department) and Mr D. Renville (MPS department). Research on cultivating positive ICT perceptions among girls was also done by Ms Penelope DeFreitas, Ms Alicia Layne, Ms Juanelle Marks, and Mr Ryad Lakhan.
D. Department of Mathematics, Physics & Statistics
The MPS Department continues to strengthen its capacity through upgrades in staff qualification, research, and publication. During the year, Dr. Troy Thomas and Mr. Dwayne Renville in collaboration with Mr. L. Singh (CS department) published research on mobile learning adoption in the Caribbean while Dr. Vincent Anthonisamy published on bivariate distributions with transmuted conditionals and Mr. Antalov Jagnandan and Mr. Shawn Jagnandan published on issues related to errors made in and preparedness of students for first year mathematics at the university. Dr. Thomas also collaborated with Ms. E. Tyrell, Dr. K. Jeboo, Ms. J. Edmondson-Carter and Dr. R. Kurup from the College of Medical science to publish research on practitioners’ attitudes and beliefs about bush medicine and on the effect of an educational intervention on practitioners’ knowledge about bush medicine.
At the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr. Thomas voluntarily led the effort of a diverse group of volunteers to collect data from Guyanese and to report on knowledge, attitudes and practices related to Covid-19 in Guyana (see report at https://theconsultancygroupinc.com/ covid-19-report.html). The overarching aim was to provide information that both citizens and policy makers might consume in the effort to
help combat the spread of the virus in Guyana. Additionally, Mr. Antalov Jagnandan has completed an Advanced Post Graduate Diploma in Education- Management and Supervision.
D. Centre for the Study of Biological Diversity
The major projects completed by staff at the CSBD are:
a. Devya Hemraj - UGUFWWF Research Grant Programme: Building human capacity for natural resource management in Guyana. Awarded to complete MSc research entitled “Habitat structure and morphology of Fishes in blackwater creeks along the Linden Soesdyke Highway, Guyana”,
b. Kaslyn Holder-Collins -CAM museology
– An introduction to museum studies, Commonwealth Association of Museums, Aug 2021,
c. Dr Gyanpriya Maharaj served as in-country coordinator for the Guianas Sustainable Natural Resources Management Project, WWF-GUIANAS, NORAD Grant, 2020. Project Title: Achieving a Green State: Building human capacity for natural resource management in Guyana.
Ms Christell Chesney completed an MSc in Conservation and Rural Development at the University of Kent.
VII. DEMONSTRATION OF STUDENT CENTRED-NESS AND IMPACTS
A. Department of Biology Vision
1. Teaching – To present a high quality, standardized, relevant and up-to-date curriculum using proven teaching methods and modern technologies.
2. Research – To engage in high quality, innovative, cutting-edge research or scientific relevance and development and policy oriented in an atmosphere of academic freedom, and in collaboration with local and foreign.
3. Community outreach and involvement – To meaningfully engage with the local community, responding to its needs and
supporting national development through public awareness, the advancement of appropriate ethics and direct action.
4. Business – To support businesses though quality advisory services and marketoriented research.
Students in the Department of Biology have the option of participating in the Botany Club, Tokoye Club, Trustees of Nature Club, and the Journal Club. Additionally, they are involved in several field trips to local geographical regions of interest where they conduct ecological studies, observing the intricacies of the complex interrelationships between native fauna and flora. Data collected from the students’ fieldwork have been useful in instructing project baseline studies of Guyana’s rich diversity. The field trips have also served to equip students with the skills and knowledge to make informed decisions in matters of general Biology, Biodiversity, Conservation and Management in the government and business sectors, and in academia.
B. Department of Chemistry Vision
To provide high quality teaching, research and public service that make a tangible contribution to the discipline and its related areas relevant to the need of Guyana, the Region and the world. The department is host to an active student club, the UG Chem Club. The latter is the main way through which students are mentored within the Department. Each cohort has a representative responsible for encouraging students to participate in Club activities. During annual elections a Faculty representative is selected to support and guide students in these activities but more importantly to host at least one professional development workshop per semester.
Letters of commendation prepared by the Department and signed by the Head of Department and Dean of the Faculty, were issued to students in all cohorts who had a GPA of 3.4 or higher.
C. Department of Computer Science Vision
To be the Vanguard of information and communications technology education in Guyana.
In 2020/2021, the Computer Science Department’s Social Media club and the UG Robotics club collaborated with Caricom to run the Girls in ICT Day - Web Adventures activity. More than 300 individuals across the Caribbean participated in this event.
D. Department of Mathematics, Physics & Statistics
Vision
The Department of Mathematics, Physics and Statistics strives to be the model of academic excellence and expertise, fostering human capital development in all of its disciplines as a proficient knowledge center embodying research, integrity and leadership.
The members of the Department are actively involved in co and extra-curricular activities that complement work and studies. The University of Guyana Astronomical Society (UGAS) continues to be well supported by MPS Department through human as well as physical resources in the form of our telescopes and gadgets. In addition, the UGMASS (University of Guyana Mathematics and Statistics Society) continues to provide academic assistance to students on and off the university campus with the aim of increasing interest in the subjects of Mathematics and Statistics.
E. Centre for the Study of Biological Diversity Vision
The vision of the CSBD is the realisation of a state of total awareness of Guyana’s biodiversity and the harmonious integration of human livelihoods with this biodiversity while realizing our ambitions for national development.
VIII. IMPORTANT COLLABORATIONS
A. The Avasant Foundation Digital Skills Training Programme
The Department of Computer Science collaborated with the Avasant Foundation and IDB to run the Digital Skills training programme.
To date approximately 180 Guyanese students have benefited from this training initiative, which exposed them to the following courses: Basic Mathematics, Basic English, Communications Sales and Marketing, Leadership skills and Social Behaviour, Fundamentals of Digital Skills, Microsoft Office 365, Project Management, UX Design, Mobile Applications, Web Design and Development, Master Data Management, Entrepreneurship. Members of the department, Ms Penelope DeFreitas, Mr Owen Grant and Ms Juanelle Marks, served as trainers for this project.
B. Web Development Training with the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD)
The Computer Science Department has worked with the GCOPD to empower individuals with disabilities. During the summer of 2021, Ms Penelope DeFreitas and part-time lecturer –Mr Shameer Amerullah, trained a group of participants with disabilities such as visual impairments and cerebral palsy. This upskilling project introduced nine participants to the world of Web development, whereby they were trained to create simple websites using HTML and CSS. The participants also collaborated in teams to produce websites using authoring tools like Google sites.
C. The Caribbean School of Data’s Digital and Data Literacy Training Programme
The Department of Computer Science partnered with the Caribbean School of Data and the University of the West Indies to run the Digital/Data Literacy training programme. This project empowers young adults to build their digital capacities in areas such as productivity tools, data analysis and web authoring. To date, 125 of a targeted 150 Guyanese adults have been trained and the department is currently piloting the Advanced programme, which focuses on areas such as Data Preparation, Data Visualization and Geospatial Data Analysis and Visualization.
The project was funded by Google. The following department members and other individuals have served as trainers: Ms Penelope DeFreitas, Ms Juanelle Marks, Mr Owen Grant, Mr.Dave Sarran, and Mr Rayad Lackhan. Guest lecturers on the project include: Ms. Rajshrie Balram (Administrative Officer, Faculty of Natural Sciences), Mr Travon Sheoprashad (Part-time Lecturer), Mr Bryn Bowen (Greenheart Consulting LLC), Mr Phillip Gajadhar (Ministry of Natural Resources). The CSOD-UG programme is being co-managed by Ms Penelope DeFreitas and Ms Juanelle Marks.
D. The Guyanese Girls Code collaboration with Office of the Prime Minister
The Computer Science Department is especially proud of the Guyanese Girls Code (GGC) programme. The GGC programme targets females in grades five to ten and is aimed at introducing them to the field of ICT, with special emphasis on skills like problem solving and programming. To date, the programme has trained approximately 200 Guyanese females between the ages of 9 and 15 years old. The GGC programme was developed in response to low enrolment and graduation statistics of females in the Computer Science Department at UG and to the severe underrepresentation of females in ICT around the globe.
Launching of the Guyanese Girls Code 2021 Programme. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/ photo/?fbid=2788912701420316&set=pcb.2788913171 420269
This project was funded by the Guyana government through the Ministry of Public Telecommunications (2018 - 2020) and in 2021 by Office of the Prime Minister. The following Department Lecturers have served as trainers on the GGC programme: Ms Penelope DeFreitas, Ms Alicia Layne, Ms Juanelle Marks, Mr Rayad Lackhan. The following Computer Science Department alums have also served as trainers on the GGC programme: Ms Maryam Nasir, Ms Zeenat Wilson, Ms Farnaz Baksh, Ms Stephanie Simon, Ms Vanisha Munroe, Ms Alissa Hodge, and Ms Samantha Sheoprashad.
E. STEM-Robotics Training Initiative with GCOPD, MoPT, ExxonMobil, UG Robotics Club
From September to December 2020, the Computer Science Department ran the STEMRobotics training initiative collaboratively with the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) and the University of Guyana Robotics Club (UGRC). The programme focused on helping participants develop twenty first century skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking; to solve basic problems related to STEM and Robotics; to build confidence in starting personal projects; to develop soft skills such as making presentations and communicating ideas. For this programme, the participants were 56 special needs students from six schools: David Rose School for Handicapped Children, Diamond Special Needs School, St. Barnabas Special Needs School, Open Doors National and Vocational Training Centre, North Georgetown Secondary School and St. Roses High School.
The GCOPD, and sponsors – ExxonMobil and the Ministry of Public Telecommunications – provided robotic kits and tablets for the programme.
XI. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2022
• The Department of Mathematics, Physics and Statistics intends to review its curriculum, provide training and workshops in Systematics and bioinformatics, project management and research proposal grant writing and introduce a Master’s programme in Biology.
• The Department of Chemistry intends to begin the process of accreditation by considering the ACS and IFT bodies for the all the programmes offered by the Department of Chemistry, provide Academic advising, mentorship, career guidance and placement for all enrolled students in addition to streamlining the provision of analytical services.
• The Mathematics, Physics and Statistics department is committed to continuous upgrading of its services. These include improving the skills and qualifications of staff, offering post graduate studies in Mathematics and statistics, and restarting the BSc offering in Physics.
• The Centre for the Study of Biological
Diversity (CSBD) hopes to continue its multiple collaborations and to offer training programmes in biodiversity data collection, analyses, and use, in an online format. The CSBD hopes to expand its current training options from focusing on species and ecosystem data, to genetic data collection, systematics, and bioinformatics and to expand the biodiversity collection housed in both the museum and herbarium. It also hopes to continue to offer student grants to support biodiversity research at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
Faculty of Social Sciences
I. VISION
The Faculty of Social Sciences recognises its role as the largest constituent of the National University – The University of Guyana which is the National Institution of Higher Education. The Faculty of Social Sciences recognises its dynamic role in fashioning national consciousness and creating research, services, products and graduates of the highest quality who are experientially, practically and attitudinally equipped to position Guyana as a regional and global leader. At the core of this mission are the ideals of relevance, service, excellence, advancement, personal, intellectual, academic, and other freedoms.
• Assistant Dean (Student Affairs): Queenela Cameron, MA, BSoc Sc.
• Director, Centre for Communication Studies: Nelsonia Persaud-Budhram, MSc, BSoc Sc
• Head, Department of Economics: Dianna Da Silva Glasgow, PhD, MSc, BSoc Sc.
• Head, Department of Government and International Affairs: Donna Mc Kinnon, MA, Postgrad Cert (Bioethics/ Research Ethics), DipEd. (Social Studies), BSoc Sc.
• Head, Department of Law: Kim Kyte Thomas, PhD (ABD), LLM, LLB, LEC, Cert. Gender Studies
• Head, Department of Sociology: Andrew Hicks, PhD (ABD), MA, DipEd, BSoc Sc.
• Coordinator, Division of Social Sciences, UGBC: Chelsey Halley Crawford, MSc, BSoc Sc, DSW
ii. Bachelor of Science Degree (Business Economics)
C. Department of Government and International Affairs
i. Bachelor of Science Degree Public Management
ii. Bachelor of Science Degree International Relations
iii. Diploma in Public Management
D. Department of Law
i. Bachelor of Law (LLB)
E. Department of Sociology
i. Master in Social Work
ii. Bachelor of Social Science (Social Work)
iii. Bachelor of Social Science (Sociology)
iv. Associate Degree in Social Work
IV. MAJOR FACULTY DEVELOPMENT
During the past academic year, there were a number of major developments in, and for the Faculty.
1. Department of Law in collaboration with the central administration successfully renegotiated some conditions of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Council of Legal Education. Consequently, 50 spaces are reserved for the University of Guyana law graduates in Law Schools across the Anglophone Caribbean. The Hugh Wooding Law School will accept 25 graduates, while the additional 25 will be given spaces at the Norman Manley Law School, UWI Mona Campus, and the Eugene Dupuch Law School, Bahamas.
2. Additionally, the University of Guyana now has full responsibility for the first and second marking of all examination scripts. This ends the external arrangement of transmitting scripts to be second-marked by UWI Cavehill Law Faculty.
3. The Department of Law has increased its student cohort for the Programme from 60 to 120 students, commencing academic year 2021/2022. The Department also commenced increasing the number of academic faculty and employed other quality controls to maintain the highest academic standards.
4. The Centre for Communication developed a Master in Communication Studies (MCS) and gained the approval of the Academic Board to introduce the programme from the academic year 2021/2022. This new postgraduate programme offers three areas of specialization: Social Change Communication (SCC), Strategic Communication (SC), and Visual Communication.
5. The Department of Sociology has commenced the process of transitioning the delivery of the Master of Social Work programme (MSW) from York University expatriate faculty to University of Guyana faculty. This transition will be completed before the commencement of the academic year 2022/2023.
6. The Faculty, in collaboration with the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Engagement, and the Commonwealth of Learning has commenced the review of the Commonwealth Master of Business Administration and Public Administration (CMBA/CMPA) programmes.
7. All Departments have commenced a human resource, publication, and research profile internal audit. The finding of the internal audit will inform the development of the Faculty’s strategic plan for 2022-2032.
8. Physical spaces within two offices were merged and converted into a Zoom Room. The Zoom Room will provide lecturers with a conducive environment to record lectures and asynchronous and other learning activities.
9. The Department of Sociology, through the University’s Office of the Deputy ViceChancellor, Institutional Advancement signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Right of the Child - Guyana to conduct a Situational Analysis of the Needs of Children living with Disabilities in Guyana. Findings of the Disability SitAn will inform the Commission’s national response to promoting, advancing and realising the rights of children living with disabilities.
V. NEWLY APPOINTED AND PROMOTED STAFF
Appointed staff:
• Dr Paulette Henry - Dean
• Ms Dionne Frank - Assistant Dean
• Mr Isaiah Gandadeen - Lecturer 1, Department of Economics
• Dr Duane Edwards - Senior Lecturer, Department of Sociology
• Justice Kenneth Benjamin - Professor, Department of Law
• Ms Excellence Dazzell - Lecturer 11, Department of Law
• Mrs Donna McKinnon- Head, Department of Government and International Affairs
• Dr Dianna DaSilva-Glasgow- Head, Department of Economics
• Dr Taijranie Rampersaud - Coordinator, Master in Communication Studies
Dr Paulette Henry Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS)
• Ms Coya Halley - Lecturer 1, Division of Social Sciences
• Dr Paulette Henry - Interim Head, Graduate School of Social Sciences
Promoted staff:
• Ms Queenela Cameron - Lecturer 11
• Ms Dionne Frank - Lecturer 11
VI. SUMMARY OF DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
A. Centre for Communication Studies
Full-time Staff
Persaud MSc, Postgrad Dip, BSoc Sc Lecturer 1 Director
MSc, Postgrad Dip, BSoc Sc Lecturer 1 Director
Carolyn Walcott PhD, MA Lecturer II
Carolyn Walcott PhD, MA Lecturer II
Rhonda Hamilton-Weekes MSc Lecturer I
Rhonda Hamilton-Weekes MSc Lecturer I
Denise Hopkinson MA; BSc Lecturer I
Denise Hopkinson MA; BSc Lecturer I
Taijrani Rampersaud PhD Lecturer II
Director, UG Broadcasting
Taijrani Rampersaud PhD Lecturer II Director, UG Broadcasting
Clarence Brotherson MSc Lecturer I
Clarence Brotherson MSc Lecturer I
Theleisha DeSouza MA, BSc Lecturer I
Theleisha DeSouza MA, BSc Lecturer I
Administrative Staff
Orpheao Griffith Studios Manager
Orpheao Griffith Studios Manager
Sasha Alphonso-McRae Clerk/Typist II
Sasha Alphonso-McRae Clerk/Typist II
Keshia Braithwaite Clerk/Typist II
Keshia Braithwaite Clerk/Typist II
B. Department of Economics
Full-time Staff
Thomas Singh PhD, MSc, BSoc Sc Senior Lecturer
Dianna DaSilva- Glasgow PhD, MSc, BSoc Sc, Cert Lecturer II
Errol La Cruez MPA, MBA, PG Dip, BSoc Sc, IMF Cert Lecturer I
Mootoovereen Channatambi MSc, BSoc Sc, BA Lecturer I
Sydney Armstrong MSS, BSoc Sc (Economics) PhD Candidate Lecturer I
Anand Persaud Post-Grad Dip, BSoc Sc, Ed Mathematics Lecturer I
Keisha Solomon PhD, MSc, BSoc Sc Lecturer I
Name Position
Secretary I
Anand Persaud Post-Grad Dip, BSoc Sc, Ed Mathematics Lecturer I
Anand Persaud Post-Grad Dip, BSoc Sc, Ed Mathematics Lecturer I
Keisha Solomon PhD, MSc, BSoc Sc Lecturer I
Keisha Solomon PhD, MSc, BSoc Sc Lecturer I
Administrative Staff
Name Position
Name Position
Karen Rollox-Yarde Secretary I
Karen Rollox-Yarde Secretary I
Part-time Staff
Name Qualifications
Name Qualifications
Rank
Desmond Thomas PhD, MSc Senior Lecturer
Desmond Thomas PhD, MSc Senior Lecturer
Richard Rambarran MSc, BSoc Sc Lecturer I
Richard Rambarran MSc, BSoc Sc Lecturer I
Jason Allicock CMBA, BSoc Sc Lecturer II
Jason Allicock CMBA, BSoc Sc Lecturer II
Colin Luckie Dip International Trade Policy BSoc Sc Economics Lecturer
Colin Luckie Dip International Trade Policy BSoc Sc Economics Lecturer
Dennis Pile MSc Economics, BSoc Sc Economics Lecturer I
Dennis Pile MSc Economics, BSoc Sc Economics Lecturer I
Mohamed Chaitram MSc Economics Tutor
Mohamed Chaitram MSc Economics Tutor
Safrana Cameron BSoc Sc Economics Tutor
Safrana Cameron BSoc Sc Economics Tutor
Sean Seaton MSc Economics Tutor
Sean Seaton MSc Economics Tutor
Jamal Bahadur BSoc Sc Economics Tutor
Jamal Bahadur BSoc Sc Economics Tutor
Seagal Sooklall MSc Economics Tutor
Seagal Sooklall MSc Economics Tutor
Orsino Jones BSoc Sc Economics Tutor
Orsino Jones BSoc Sc Economics Tutor
Dellon Welch MSc Economics Tutor
Dellon Welch MSc Economics Tutor
The University of Guyana Economics Society (UGES) facilitated the following activities Participation of 26 students in Spanish Classes with the Venezuelan Embassy;
• Introduction of a tutoring system that matched upper-level students with lowerlevel students (all majors doing ECN 1100/1200) on a paid basis;
• Installation of additional officers including assistant class representatives/mentors for years one-three, a Social Media Officer and a Chief Editor for the UGES magazine. These positions were sent to the Student Welfare Department to facilitate acknowledgement on the transcripts of students;
• Fund raising activities including Easter BBQ and a Golf and Bake Sale;
• Public outreach activities including radio talk to promote UGES with Selector Nazim Mohamed, and Focus Fri-showcasing
• Executive and selected general members.
• Continuation of outreach for support of landscaping and mural work around UGES physical location;
• Social outreach projects including:
i. Honouring faculty and staff and observing special days such as Mother’s/ Father’s Day posts, birthday posts for Executive members and faculty staff; Sympathy packages for fellow members; posts for special days such as Arrival Day, World Wildlife Day, International Women’s Day, International Men’s Day.
ii. Seawall clean-up with NGO Seawalls and Beyond
iii. Easter Charity Visit – Hararuni Girls and Shaheed Orphanages
iv. Health outreach to Mr. Chinnatambi following robbery
• Academic collaborations included:
Nelsonia Budhram
Nelsonia Budhram Persaud
Karen Rollox-Yarde
i. Two collaborative webinars with UWI for their Economic Week: ‘Colors of the Caribbean and Regional Economic Development ii. AMICORE VIP sponsored three members of the UGES for the Regression Analysis classes
• Public economic discussions/activism including Budget Talk Youth Edition with Move on Guyana and Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC).
• Signing of the Climate Justice Pledge with Policy Forum Guyana, Stock Exchange Workshop and the Guyana Association of Security Companies and Intermediaries.
C. Department of Government and International Affairs
Vision and Mission statements:
• To be recognised as the department of choice for accredited higher education, and research in Political Science and Public Affairs.
• To provide high quality education, training, research and advisory services pertaining to the structure, behaviour and development of national and international institutions.
• To cultivate ethical leaders who have a consciousness of their national, regional and global responsibilities
Challenges
Some of the challenges experienced by the department were:
• Adjustment to the use of technology for education delivery;
• Effects of using the computer for extended periods;
• Low/slow internet and the effects on education delivery.
Vision of the Future
The Department will continue to take advantage of opportunities to improve its programme delivery through the use of its five-year strategic plan. The department also looks forward to establishing greater collaboration with universities in the region and internationally, so that both staff and students can benefit from the knowledge sharing through teaching and research, tours and student and staff exchanges.
Student Activities
The department commenced an internship programme with the Attorney General Chambers. The first batch of interns included three final-year students who were selected to work with the Chambers for eight weeks. The second batch included ten students.
Collaboration
The department started discussions with the Consultant for The Support for the Criminal Justice System programme through the Ministry of Legal Affairs to embark on designing a oneyear accredited prosecutorial training course for police prosecutors and persons who hold a Bachelor of Law Degree and wish to undergo such training.
Lecturer II
O’Neil Greaves MSc; MBA; BSc Lecturer II
Kadasi Ceres MPhil, BSc Lecturer I
Kadasi Ceres MPhil, BSc Lecturer I
Kadasi Ceres MPhil, BSc Lecturer I
D. Department of Law
Name Qualifications Academic Rank
The department also commenced crossdepartment engagements to expand its postgraduate offering and to resuscitate the postgraduate programmes in Legislative Drafting.
Kevin Fogenay MSc, BSc Lecturer I
Kevin Fogenay MSc, BSc Lecturer I
Kevin Fogenay MSc, BSc Lecturer I
Remi Anderson MSc BSc Lecturer I
Remi Anderson MSc BSc Lecturer I
Remi Anderson MSc BSc Lecturer I
Queenela Cameron MSc; BSoc Sc Lecturer II
Queenela Cameron MSc; BSoc Sc Lecturer II
Queenela Cameron MSc; BSoc Sc
II
Rawle Lucas MA; BSc Lecturer I
Rawle Lucas MA; BSc Lecturer I
Rawle Lucas MA; BSc
I
Nedd-Sandy Secretary I
Sandra Peters Personal Assistant
Sandra Peters Personal Assistant
Kirley Bacchus MSc; BSc Lecturer 1
Kirley Bacchus MSc; BSc Lecturer 1
Rhonexie Anderson MSc; BSc;Dip PM, Cert. Lecturer 1
Rhonexie Anderson MSc; BSc;Dip PM, Cert Lecturer 1
Rhonexie Anderson MSc; BSc;Dip PM, Cert. Lecturer 1
Lavern Fraser BSc Tutor
Lavern Fraser BSc Tutor
Lavern Fraser BSc Tutor
Nicketa McLean BSc Tutor
Nicketa McLean BSc Tutor
Nicketa McLean BSc Tutor
Takato Castello BSc; LLB; ACCA Tutor
Takato Castello BSc; LLB; ACCA Tutor
Takato Castello BSc; LLB; ACCA Tutor
Candacy Griffith BSc Tutor
Candacy Griffith BSc Tutor
Candacy Griffith BSc Tutor
Onika Bobb BSc Tutor
Onika Bobb BSc Tutor
Onika Bobb BSc Tutor
Dylon King BSc Tutor
Dylon King BSc Tutor
Dylon King BSc Tutor
Kenny Valladares BSc Tutor
Kenny Valladares BSc Tutor
Kenny Valladares BSc Tutor
Kim Kyte-Thomas LLM, LLB Lecturer II
Name Qualifications Academic Rank
Staff
Justice Duke Pollard LLM, LLB Professor
Kim Kyte-Thomas LLM, LLB Lecturer II
Melissa Lynch M.L (First Class), LLB (Distinction) Lecturer I
Kim Kyte-Thomas LLM, LLB Lecturer II
Justice Duke Pollard LLM, LLB Professor
Melissa Lynch M.L (First Class), LLB (Distinction) Lecturer I
Justice Duke Pollard LLM, LLB Professor
Kamadyah Young LLM Lecturer I
Melissa Lynch M.L (First Class), LLB (Distinction) Lecturer I
Donna McKinnon MA; DipEd. (Social Studies), Postgrad Dip; BSc Lecturer I
O’Neil Greaves MSc; MBA; BSc Lecturer II
Name Position
Amanda Nedd-Sandy Secretary I
Donna McKinnon MA; DipEd. (Social Studies), Postgrad Dip; BSc Lecturer I
O’Neil Greaves MSc; MBA; BSc
Amanda
Donna McKinnon MA; DipEd. (Social Studies), Postgrad Dip; BSc Lecturer I
Name Position
Amanda Nedd-Sandy Secretary I
Sandra Peters Personal Assistant Full Staff
Staff
New Administrative Position
The department recommended the amendment of its organisational structure to improve the delivery of services to the students, particularly in light of the increased intake from 2021/2022 academic year. A post was created for a second Coordinator with the approval of the Faculty and University’s senior administration. Both Coordinators will support programme administration and student advisement.
To ensure that the department maintains and strives to improve the quality of service, It was proposed that additional lecturers be retained to increase the academic staff of the department.
E. Department of Sociology
• Organisation: CCFMP Empowerment Organization - Saving Society Through Social Intervention – focused on Men in Family Relationships. The aim was to motivate men towards having improved attitudes and behaviours to promote happier and healthier families. The activities included conflict resolution, parenting skills, leadership in the home, proper child care and alternative, problem solving and resolution skills, men’s health, challenges faced by men in the family.
• Organisation: The Female Infused with Education Association (FIEA) – the aim was empowerment of young females through a sensitization campaign, the target population was Females 15 - 25 years old and activities included girls to women transition and personal development training
Andrew Hicks PhD (ABD), MA, BSoc Sc (Sociology) Lecturer 11 Head
Andrew Hicks PhD (ABD), MA, BSoc Sc (Sociology) Lecturer 11 Head
Leann Kendall Postgrad Diploma, BSoc Sc (Sociology) Lecturer I
Leann Kendall Postgrad Diploma, BSoc Sc (Sociology) Lecturer I
Pearline Henry MEd, BSoc Sc Lecturer 1
Pearline Henry MEd, BSoc Sc Lecturer 1
Student-led practicum activities
Students enrolled in the SOC 4200: Professional Development 11 conceptualised projects using social group work approaches. The following is a summary of the practicum activities undertaken:
• The Orchid Project – focused on HIV/AIDS and the activities addressed stigma, offered support and promoted healthy lifestyles among those infected with/affected by HIV/AIDS. This was done virtually.
• Organization - Working Women Alliance (WWA) – the aim was to empower unemployed single mothers, the target population was unemployed single mothers. Activities included personal development training, life skills and sexual and reproductive health.
• TAKJO’s Parental Association – the aim was to empower single parents (males & females) who are experiencing emotional
frustration, the target group was single parents. Activities included personal development training and parenting education classes using the ABC method.
• Educators Empowerment and Development Group – the aim was to equip teachers with the skills necessary to bring about a balance and a change in their teaching techniques during the pandemic, the target group was primary school teachers. Activities included introduction to work and wmpowerment, discussion on safety and integrity of the education system, discussion on learning and Education, life skills, self-care, interpersonal relationship skills, mental health and self confidence
• Building Foundation to Empower Single Parents Mothers (BFESPM) – the aim was to empower, equip, strengthen, educate, impart knowledge and create positive change in their lives and the target group included single mothers.
• The Girls Foundation – the aim was to facilitate the effective transition of girls to women and the target group was adolescents.
• LRRJS Sisterhood Association – the aim was to strengthen community-led development and foster healthy decision making for teenage mothers and the target group was teenage mothers.
Disaster Response
Students were involved in practicum activities which included: Flood relief project and outreach to Kwakwani, Region 10. This project was organised by Mrs. Shonell Smith-Enoe and Mrs Debbie Hopkinson and executed by 2nd, 3rd ,and 4th year students. Students and Lecturers visited the area and delivered over 200 hampers of food and sanitary supplies.
Hotline and UG Cares
Postgraduate students enrolled in the Master of Social Work programme collaborated with the Mental Health Unit, Ministry of Health to provide psychosocial support and referral services to Covid-19 institutionalised patients and their families, students and staff of the Government Technical Institute, sensitise the general public on managing grief, loss and trauma during the pandemic.
Edutainment
Students used diverse edutainment activities to engage juveniles in detention and care centres Edutainment activities included dance, poetry, song, puppetry, videos, memes, skits, and motivational messages. These activities were also stored on flash drives donated by UNICEF and distributed to residential homes for children in Georgetown.
Webinar Series
Name Position
Nicole Grant Secretary I
Name Position
Nicole Grant Secretary I
Full-time Staff
Administrative Staff
Students had two mandates:
Kwakwani residents departing by boat after collecting hampers for a cluster of homes.
Group of year-two students, who participated in the disaster response in Kwakwani
Students’ preparation flood relief hampers
• To provide the public and specifically identified groups with information on how to access available welfare services;
• To provide practical tips to the public on how to manage fear, trauma associated with pain, grief, and crises resulting from the Covid-19.
F. Division of Social Sciences, Berbice Campus
Full-time Staff
VII. MAJOR AWARDS
1. Dr Paulette Henry has been named one of the Commonwealth Wise Women.
Rishee Thakur PhD Senior Lecturer
Rishee Thakur PhD
Lecturer
Paulette Henry PhD; MSc.; BSoc Sc; Cert. Senior Lecturer
Paulette Henry PhD; MSc.; BSoc Sc; Cert. Senior Lecturer
Angelina Autar MA, BSc (Sociology) Lecturer I
Angelina Autar MA, BSc (Sociology) Lecturer I
Chelsey Halley-Crawford MSc, BSoc Sc, DSW Lecturer I
Chelsey Halley-Crawford MSc, BSoc Sc, DSW Lecturer I
Coya Nietta Halley MA, BSoc Sc, CPCE Class 1 Grade 1 Certificate Lecturer I
Coya Nietta Halley MA, BSoc Sc, CPCE Class 1 Grade 1 Certificate Lecturer I
G. University of Guyana GREEN Institute
Full-time Staff
Green Workshops
After a hiatus of one year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Institute hosted its second iterations of the Green Workshop. The workshops were held from October 18 - 21, with welcome remarks offered by Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohamed Martin. Presentations were made by Chancellor, Professor Edward Greene and a plethora of international scholars including Professors Michael Ross, Edward Cartright, Roger Vickerman, Jay Mandle, Ulric Trotz, and Jeanette Bulkan, Ms Audreyanna Thomas among others. A special gender and youth panel discourse wrapped up the workshop.
Programme Offerings
UGGI is currently a non-teaching academic unit but has commenced consultation with the Faculty and other stakeholders on developing a postgraduate programme.
2. Ms Donna Mc Kinnon was awarded a scholarship under the Caribbean Research Ethics Education Initiative to pursue a Master of Science in Bioethics/Research Ethics at the Clarkson University, Grenada. The CREEi Scholarship is funded by the Fogarty International Center of the National Health Institutes. 3.
VIII. PUBLIC AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
4. Dr Paulette Henry - Mentor of Women in Academic in Commonwealth countries. She has been assigned to mentor four women from St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, Papua New Guinea, and Sri Lanka.
5. Ms Dionne Frank - Vice President (ag), Association of Caribbean Social Work Educators and Executive committee member with responsibility for membership and outreach, Caribbean Sociological Association (CASA).
6. Ms Denise Hopkinson - Convenor of Review Panel to update and review the Digital Media Units 1 - 3 and Specimen Papers for the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) and Advisor, Organisational Communication - Somwaru Travel Service
7. Mr Sydney Armstrong - Board of Directors,
1. Protected Area Trust and Chairman, Board of Governors - Tutorial High School
Protected Area Trust and Chairman, Board of Governors - Tutorial High School
2. Dr Dianna Da Silva - Board of Directors, Guyana Office for Investment and Board of Directors, Environmental Protection Agency
5. Dr Dianna Da Silva - Board of Directors, Guyana Office for Investment and Board of Directors, Environmental Protection Agency
Cameron, Queenela. (2021, June 4). Presenter, Mental, Neurological and Substance Abuse Disorders in Guyana’s Jails from 1822 to present. Virtual presentation.
Cameron, Queenela. (2021, June 4). Presenter, Mental, Neurological and Substance Abuse Disorders in Guyana’s Jails from 1822 to present. Virtual presentation.
3. Mr Errol La Cruz - Member of the negotiations team - Debt relief and restructuring negotiations with Government of Kuwait and Ministry of Finance, Guyana and Member of the negotiations teamDebt relief and restructuring negotiations with the Government of the United Arab Emirates and Ministry of Finance, Guyana
6. Mr Errol La Cruz - Member of the negotiations team - Debt relief and restructuring negotiations with Government of Kuwait and Ministry of Finance, Guyana and Member of the negotiations team - Debt relief and restructuring negotiations with the Government of the United Arab Emirates and Ministry of Finance, Guyana
4. Ms Kim Kyte Thomas - President DORCUS Mending Hearts
7. Ms Kim Kyte Thomas - President DORCUS Mending Hearts
5. Ms Nelsonia Budhram Persaud - Secretary, University of Guyana Alumni AssociationGeorgetown Chapter and Campus Advisor - University of Guyana Turkeyen Campus Lions Club
8. Ms Nelsonia Budhram Persaud - Secretary, University of Guyana Alumni AssociationGeorgetown Chapter and Campus Advisor - University of Guyana Turkeyen Campus Lions Club
6. Ms Leann Kendall - Member, Guyana Psychological Association and GUYPSYCH representative on the National Taskforce for the Prevention of Sexual Violence
9. Ms Leann Kendall - Member, Guyana Psychological Association and GUYPSYCH representative on the National Taskforce for the Prevention of Sexual Violence
7. Mr Kadasi Ceres - Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).
10. Mr Kadasi Ceres - Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).
Kim Kyte Thomas performing public service in her capacity as President of DORCUS Mending Hearts
IX. SUMMARY OF PROJECTS COMPLETED
A. Conference, Seminar, and Panel Presentations
IX. SUMMARY OF PROJECTS COMPLETED
A. Conference, Seminar, and Panel Presentations
Cameron, Queenela. (2021, May 31). Presenter, Incarceration, social control and mental health in Post-1966 Guyana. 45th Annual of the Caribbean Studies Association Conference, Georgetown, Guyana.
Cameron, Queenela. (2021, May 31). Presenter, Incarceration, social control and mental health in Post-1966 Guyana. 45th Annual of the Caribbean Studies Association Conference, Georgetown, Guyana.
Cameron, Queenela. (2021, July 8). Presenter, The colonial originals of present-day challenges in Guyana’s jail sectors. British Society of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Virtual presentation.
Cameron, Queenela. (2021, July 8). Presenter, The colonial originals of present-day challenges in Guyana’s jail sectors. British Society of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Virtual presentation.
Frank, Dionne. (2021, June 24). Moderator, Reimagining resilience and disaster management. ACSWE Reimagining Social Work Webinar Series.
Frank, Dionne. (2021, June 24). Moderator, Reimagining resilience and disaster management. ACSWE Reimagining Social Work Webinar Series.
Frank, Dionne. (2021, July 15). Presenter, Regulating Social Work in the Caribbean: An urgent need. Association of Caribbean Social Work Educators Reimagining Social Work Webinar Series. Virtual presentation.
Frank, Dionne. (2021, July 15). Presenter, Regulating Social Work in the Caribbean: An urgent need. Association of Caribbean Social Work Educators Reimagining Social Work Webinar Series. Virtual presentation.
Frank, Dionne. (2021, March 16). Discussant, Commemorating World Social Work Day: The State of Social Work in Guyana. The Pastor Kay Show. Virtual presentation.
Frank, Dionne. (2021, March 16). Discussant, Commemorating World Social Work Day: The State of Social Work in Guyana. The Pastor Kay Show. Virtual presentation.
Hopkinson, Debbie. (2021, September 21). Presenter, Transition from face-to-face learning to online virtual platforms. The University of Guyana, CoETaL Conference Biennial Teaching Conference for Tertiary Educators. Virtual presentation.
Hopkinson, Debbie. (2021, September 21).
Presenter, Transition from face-to-face learning to online virtual platforms. The University of Guyana, CoETaL Conference Biennial Teaching Conference for Tertiary Educators. Virtual presentation.
Walcott, Carolyn. (2021, February 19-20). Presenter, Contested Patrimony: A Thematic Analysis of Guyana’s Newspaper Framing of Oil Discoveries, Journalistic Challenges Navigating the Sector and Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Media Representation. 24th annual Conference of the Americas. The Americas Council. University System of Georgia, University of North Georgia.
Walcott, Carolyn. (2021, February 19-20). Presenter, Contested Patrimony: A Thematic Analysis of Guyana’s Newspaper Framing of Oil Discoveries, Journalistic Challenges Navigating the Sector and Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Media Representation. 24th annual Conference of the Americas. The Americas Council. University System of Georgia, University of North Georgia.
Walcott, Carolyn. (2021, August). Discussant, 104th Conference of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC), International Communication Division. August 2021.
Walcott, Carolyn. (2021, August). Discussant, 104th Conference of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC), International Communication Division. August 2021.
B. Project Reports
B. Project Reports
Henry, P. (2021). Social norms: Drivers of sexual abuse in Guyana. ChildLink Guyana Inc. Henry, P. (2020). 2021 - 2026 Strategic Action Plan for the Women and Gender Equality
Henry, P. (2021). Social norms: Drivers of sexual abuse in Guyana. ChildLink Guyana Inc.
Henry, P. (2020). 2021 - 2026 Strategic Action Plan for the Women and Gender Equality
Ms
Protected Area Trust and Chairman, Board of Governors - Tutorial High School
8. Dr Dianna Da Silva - Board of Directors, Guyana Office for Investment and Board of Directors, Environmental Protection Agency
9. Mr Errol La Cruz - Member of the negotiations team - Debt relief and restructuring negotiations with Government of Kuwait and Ministry of Finance, Guyana and Member of the negotiations team - Debt relief and restructuring negotiations with the Government of the United Arab Emirates and Ministry of Finance, Guyana
10. Ms Kim Kyte Thomas - President DORCUS Mending Hearts
11. Ms Nelsonia Budhram Persaud - Secretary, University of Guyana Alumni AssociationGeorgetown Chapter and Campus Advisor - University of Guyana Turkeyen Campus Lions Club
12. Ms Leann Kendall - Member, Guyana Psychological Association and GUYPSYCH representative on the National Taskforce for the Prevention of Sexual Violence
13. Mr Kadasi Ceres - Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).
IX. SUMMARY OF PROJECTS COMPLETED
A. Conference, Seminar, and Panel Presentations
Cameron, Queenela. (2021, May 31). Presenter, Incarceration, social control and mental health in Post-1966 Guyana. 45th Annual of the Caribbean Studies Association Conference, Georgetown, Guyana.
Cameron, Queenela. (2021, June 4). Presenter, Mental, Neurological and Substance Abuse Disorders in Guyana’s Jails from 1822 to present. Virtual presentation.
Cameron, Queenela. (2021, July 8). Presenter, The colonial originals of present-day challenges in Guyana’s jail sectors. British Society of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Virtual presentation.
Frank, Dionne. (2021, June 24). Moderator, Reimagining resilience and disaster management. ACSWE Reimagining Social Work Webinar Series.
Frank, Dionne. (2021, July 15). Presenter, Regulating Social Work in the Caribbean: An urgent need. Association of Caribbean Social Work Educators Reimagining Social Work Webinar Series. Virtual presentation.
Frank, Dionne. (2021, March 16). Discussant, Commemorating World Social Work Day: The State of Social Work in Guyana. The Pastor Kay Show. Virtual presentation.
Hopkinson, Debbie. (2021, September 21). Presenter, Transition from face-to-face learning to online virtual platforms. The University of Guyana, CoETaL Conference Biennial Teaching Conference for Tertiary Educators. Virtual presentation.
Walcott, Carolyn. (2021, February 19-20).
Presenter, Contested Patrimony: A Thematic Analysis of Guyana’s Newspaper Framing of Oil Discoveries, Journalistic Challenges Navigating the Sector and Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Media Representation. 24th annual Conference of the Americas. The Americas Council. University System of Georgia, University of North Georgia.
Walcott, Carolyn. (2021, August). Discussant, 104th Conference of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC), International Communication Division. August 2021.
B. Project Reports
Henry, P. (2021). Social norms: Drivers of sexual abuse in Guyana. ChildLink Guyana Inc.
Henry, P. (2020). 2021 - 2026 Strategic Action Plan for the Women and Gender Equality Commission Women and Gender Equality Commission
La Creuz, Errol. (2021). Demand forecast for Guyana Power and Light Corporation for energy demand in Guyana for the next 10 - 30 years.
La Creuz, Errol. (2021). Feasibility study for the development of consolidated log yard in Guyana. International Food and Agriculture Organisation.
La Creuz, Errol. (2021). Feasibility assessment for the generation, distribution, and transmission effects in the electricity sector. Guyana Power and Light Corporation.
La Creuz, Errol. (2021). Feasibility study for the development of a wharf at Charity, Essequibo. Ministry of Public Works
Singh, Thomas. (2021). Socio-economic impact of the closure of GuySuCo Estates o sugar workers in Guyana. International Labour Organization (ILO).
Thomas, T. & Singh, T. (2021). Report on Chinese Embassy - Guyana Poll. Diplomatic Mission, People’s Republic of China.
The Faculty of Social Sciences future plans include the following activities:
• Resuscitate the Faculty’s annual research seminar. Postgraduate and undergraduate students conducting supervised research to fulfil the requirements of their programme will be encouraged to participate as presenters. (February 2022)
• Development of strategic plans for all departments. Departments are expected to propose new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and professional development short courses. (January 2022)
• Lobby and seek Academic Board’s approval for the recruitment of two faculty-based researchers and one grant writer. (January 2022)
• Improve the national research profile of the research of every academic faculty. The Faculty will be introducing research clusters in the areas of social policy, sustainable development, crime, and criminal justice, political economy, disaster preparedness, governance, and social change communication. (August 31, 2022)
• Establish a Social Work Practicum Unit in accordance with the guidelines in the Global Standards for the Education and Training of the Social Work Profession. (Commencement of the academic year 2022/2023)
• Create the portfolio of a Field Education Director to manage the execution of all social work practica, train practice teachers in social services agencies and negotiate practicum spaces for undertaking agency-based field education in the public and nongovernmentalsectors. (Commencement of the academic year 2022/2023)
• Introduce a Master of Science in Health Care Management. A cross-faculty curriculum development process has commenced inclusive of consultations with relevant stakeholders, designing and planning the curriculum. (The Faculty projects to present the programme to the Academic Board no later than March 2022, following the approval of the relevant academic committees)
• Introduce a Master in International Business and International Law (To be finalized for the academic year 2022/2023)
• Introduce a suite of programmes and short courses to prepare humanitarian and social workers to respond to emerging emergencies among forced migrants and communities in emergencies. (March 2022)
• UGGI has commenced work on developing a suite of bridging courses on sustainable development and the green economy. Additionally, the Institute has commenced consultations with internal and external stakeholders on the development of postgraduate programmes. (March 2022)
XII. STUDENT AWARDS
Title of Award
Second Best Graduating Student - Bachelor’s Degree with the Second Highest GPA (Berbice Campus)
Graduating Student with a Bachelor’s Degree who has attained at least a Pass with Credit and has made the greatest contribution in other areas of University activities (Berbice Campus)
Prime Minister’s Medal – Best Graduating Public Management Student
The Pro-Chancellor Medal - Best Graduating Law Student at the University of Guyana
The Vice-Chancellor Special Award - Best Graduating Student, other than the winner of the President Medal or the Chancellor Medal in the Faculty of Social Sciences
The First Distinguished Professor Clive Y. Thomas PrizeBest Graduating Student in Economics.
Rashleigh Jackson Prize- Best Graduating International Relations Student
Republic Bank Limited Chairman’s AwardBest Graduating Student with the Bachelor’s Degree in the Faculty of Social Sciences
The Shirley Alma Paul Memorial AwardBest Graduating Degree Student majoring in Communication
Sybil Patterson Award for Best Graduating Social Work Student
Recipient
Carlettea Kursatte
Davindranauth Sewnauth
Desiree Noble
Shawn Shewram
Nikita Blair
Leyland Lucas Dean, School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI)
School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI)
I. OVERVIEW
Kezia Bridgewater
Marnel Brotherson
Nikita Blair
Nikita Blair
Sarika Ghaness
SEBI is proposed to be value-driven and to rebrand the business management field into a modern, studentcentered, and competitive entity with a focus of improving delivery to students through action learning whilst meeting the needs of industry. Increasing competition and the need for accredited programs demand that operational processes be revisited. Additionally, improvements in facilities and use of technology are important ingredients to capture diverse, techsavvy, time-conscious, and serviceoriented students.
II. VISION
The vision of the School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation is to educate and develop entrepreneurial and innovative leaders and managers with the skills, competencies, predisposition, and habits of mind to contribute to the social vitality and sustainable economic advancement of the nation and the global community.
III.DEPARTMENT DEMOGRAPHICS
SEBI is comprised of three departments: Entrepreneurship and Management, Accountancy and Finance and Supply Chain Management, Marketing and Sustainable Tourism Management. These departments are staffed by six full-time and two temporary full time staff in the Entrepreneurship & Management Department, five full time staff (Accountancy, Finance, Procurement & Supply Chain Management Department, and five Full time staff in Marketing & Tourism Department. All departments have
been in the unfortunate position of relying heavily on part-time staff.
SEBI also has a Dean, two Assistant Deans, three Academic Advisors, an Administrative Officer, two Administrative Assistants, and a Secretary.
It is important to note that SEBI’s full-time staffing was reduced by one person, as Mr. Hugh Todd was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
IV. BUDGET
SEBI received a budget allocation of $168M. However, a significant amount of these resources will not be expended. This is a result of the restricted conditions under which we are operating. These conditions have limited many of the activities that SEBI intended to undertake. Hence, this should not be seen as a situation where SEBI has overestimated its budgetary needs.
V. SUMMARY OF MAJOR RESEARCH PROJECTS
SEBI’s faculty have been very active in the areas of teaching, research, service, and professional development ensuring their development and the achievement of student-centered learning objectives. Their teaching continues to be lauded by students as providing them with unique opportunities to expand their knowledge and ensure their professional success. Through the use of simulations, other practical exercises, and projects, students have demonstrated the ability to translate theory into practice and master the materials presented to them. Noteworthy has been the performance of students in the GloBus simulation by final year students in the Business
Dr
Policy & Strategy class. Their performance resulted in global recognition of their talents and showed that students, when challenged, will rise to the occasion by meeting and, in some cases exceeding expectations. Similar results were demonstrated in the Project Management course, which had to be adapted to replace the Practicum for final year students. The Practicum course, in its original format, could not be offered because it would involve student involvement with organizations and expose them to possible infections at the height of the pandemic.
Major reviews have commenced in the Accounting and Finance Department. The Diploma in Accountancy and Banking and Finance, like the other Diploma programs, continues to attract students. For the new academic year, we have received permission to offer the programme on both campuses. This is in keeping with our desire to offer a number of programmes online and gain greater access to the prospective student body. A comprehensive review of both the Diploma in Banking and Finance, and the Diploma in Accountancy have commenced. These programme reviews will result in updates to the program structure and course outlines of some courses. We expect these reviews to be completed and updated programmes to be offered in the academic year 2022-2023.
VI. MAJOR STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS
• Dr Pierre has collaborated with an organization to investigate export orientation of local agro-processors.
• Ms Evelina Singh led the team that drafted the outstanding BSc in Sustainable Tourism Management. She was also one of the main drafters of that programme.
• Ms Singh also reviewed and redrafted the course outline for MNG3202 Business, Society and Ethics. Both documents were successfully approved by the Academic Board.
• Prof Leyland Lucas continues to work on issues relevant to expanding the reach and importance of SEBI. He continues to serve as a Commissioner at the Public Utilities Commission and is actively involved in matters related to telecommunication liberalization in Guyana.
• Messrs. Edwards and Aaron, along with Misses. Gobin, Connelly, and Alves are all pursuing Doctorates in Leadership and Innovation at Arizona State University;
• Ms. Ashmi Mangal is pursuing her PhD at Arizona State University;
• Ms. Persaud is doing her Doctorate at the University of Central Lancashire;
• Ms. Ismael at the University of the West Indies Open Campus.
These faculty members continue to make progress and we look forward to their return to full-time teaching. While in these programmes, they continue to be very active in their research and continue to teach classes. We are pleased that, going forward, the policy of a reduced load, thereby affording them the opportunity to excel in their studies.
VII. PROGRAMMES OFFERED
Each department offers several programmes. With total enrollment at 1380 students, the table below shows the distribution by programmes for the reporting period.
SEBI is phasing out a couple of programmes. The Bachelor of Social Science Programme in Management has been replaced with the new Management Programme, and the Bachelor of Arts in Tourism Studies has now been replaced with the Bachelor of Science Programme in Sustainable Tourism Management.
VIII. DEMONSTRATION OF STUDENTCENTEREDNESS AND IMPACTS
SEBI is staffed by three Academic Advisors who continue to offer valuable student-centered advice to students at all levels. This has especially resulted in a smoother transition for first-year students. Given that SEBI’s enrolment is growing there is now a need for at least two additional Advisors. Although they are academic advisors, we support their efforts to become more qualified and rise in the ranks of academia. Despite the challenges faced following the Covid-19 lockdown and subsequent move to teaching online, all programmes were successfully integrated into the new dispensation with minimal interruptions. Students are adjusting well to the online mode of delivery.
IX. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2022
The management of SEBI recognizes that the landscape in which education will take place going forward has been significantly transformed and is unlikely to return to prior approaches. No longer can we place large numbers of students into classrooms; buildings cannot be constructed fast enough to deal with the demand and programme delivery issues; competitors focused on online delivery methods are major players in the tertiary education sector. In general, the pandemic has not only forced us to adapt to this new approach to education delivery, but also to adapt speedily. Hence, SEBI has embraced the challenge. As in the past, SEBI remains committed to the pursuit of goals and objectives that are in keeping with national development goals and creating a student-focused approach to learning. SEBI intends to:
• Successfully launch three online Masters Programmes in the areas of Supply Chain Management, Procurement Management, and Entrepreneurship. These programmes
are designed to address critical shortages within the national landscape and provide the nation with competencies and capabilities essential to development. It is important to note that these programmes will seek to utilize the most qualified faculty within the institution and the Diaspora. We use the concept of Diaspora broadly to acknowledge that highly qualified individuals, with no familial connections to Guyana, may be available to SEBI. In the interest of providing our students with the best educational experience, we will use these personnel when available.
• Revise a number of its programmes. All Diploma programmes will be reviewed with a view to enhancing their quality and relevance. As new concepts and themes emerge, SEBI must ensure that programmes are covering the relevant materials to provide students with the necessary skills for success. Degree programmes will also be reviewed as part of the regular review process, which should occur every four years.
• Expand the use of simulations as part of the learning process. Our experiences show that students, when challenged, will rise to the occasion. Their performance within the past academic year further shows that simulation exercises are a vital part of the educational experience. To further develop their academic experiences, more courses will incorporate simulation exercises as part of the educational process.
• Offer a number of short courses in keeping with market needs. These will include training in customer service for medical personnel and for bank employees. These courses will be marketed to the relevant agencies and offered online for a fee. We will also work closely with our colleagues in other faculties/schools/institutes/colleges to identify courses that can be offered as part of their existing and newly developed programmes.
• Reintroduce internships – these are intended to provide students with valueadded experience to ensure that, upon graduation, they will enter the job market with both practical and academic training
which will ease their transition into fulltime employment and enhance their marketability. With both the easing of restrictions and the embracing of new work modes by various institutions, SEBI intends to pursue these internship opportunities, while protecting the health and well-being of its student population.
• Continue to pursue a two-prong approach to faculty development. One, we will continue to provide existing faculty with as many opportunities as possible to enhance their qualifications. Appropriate measures will be enacted to provide faculty with the necessary course reductions and other institutionally-approved measures to increase the likelihood of their success, returning to the faculty as highly-qualified terminally-trained colleagues. Two, we will recruit qualified individuals interested in joining the faculty. Where possible, individuals with terminal degrees will be engaged; those with Master’s degrees will be recruited with the expectation that they will pursue graduate training in the near future; Some of our outstanding undergraduates will also be engaged as instructors, with the understanding that graduate training will be pursued within the near future. This last approach has been employed by the University for several decades and we intend to embrace it.
• Devise a new approach to contracting employees. Employing full-time faculty who are within the Diaspora will require some adjustments to the contrasting process. We hope that this matter speedily engages the University Administration.
• Increase student enrolment – SEBI recognize the need to better inform applicants of the relevance of other programmes. We will do our best to grow programmes, especially those in the areas of Entrepreneurship, Finance, Supply Chain Management, and Sustainable Tourism Management. We will work closely with the Registry and DECC to better inform prospective students of the valuable options available at SEBI.
• Seek to execute additional strategic MOUs. One recently executed MOU is with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce &
Industry (GCCI). This MOU will provide students with professional training through internships and other attachments with GCCI member organizations. In addition, opportunities for research and consulting by faculty will be pursued. Guyanese businesses are rich with data and understanding the dynamics behind their successes and failures is important to their development and academic research. SEBI will also seek to revitalize a previously executed MOU with the Guyana Tourism Authority and THAG. With the introduction of our new programme in Sustainable Tourism Management, and the national drive towards Ecotourism, it is essential that SEBI work closely with these entities to support student development and programme goals. There are emerging opportunities for collaboration within the regulatory sector as well for SEBI students. Internship and permanent employment opportunities will be pursued with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) as that agency’s importance to national development is raised.
University of Guyana Library
I. VISION
It is envisaged that the human resources, services and buildings of the Library will be expanded and improved in keeping with the growth of the University and with the expectations of the rapidly advancing technology. Improved services will include automation of all Library systems and services, and online access to other Libraries, both locally and overseas, in order to facilitate sharing of information, as well as to support teaching and research programmes.
II. OVERVIEW
For the period under review, the Library continued to work in a blended way, both at the physical library and remotely. In this way, it was able to provide a limited service to patrons at the physical library to augment the online services which were implemented in the previous year and initiated in this period under review, as a reaction to the constraints created by the campus lockdown in an attempt to combat the effects of Covid-19.
III. DEPARTMENT DEMOGRAPHICS
A. Collection Development
For this period under review, the Library strengthened its collection development efforts with the acquisition of recommended e-books, print books, subscription to recommended print journals and other e-resources. Gifts and Donations continued to enhance the collections significantly.
Turkeyen Campus Library
The acquisitions budget was augmented by the following donations, among others:
• The Republic Bank Limited monetary donation of GYD$300,000.00 towards the subscription of three business journals.
• The Cheddi Jagan School donation of books and audiovisual materials to the value of GYD$1,139,245.00.
Collection development was also achieved through international and local purchases. Purchases were made to the value of GYD$18,725,732.00.
Staff member enjoying the leisure corner in the University of Guyana Berbice Campus Library.
Donations processed and added to the collection were valued at GYD$4,454,270.00.
Berbice Campus Library
Purchases of books and journals were made to the value of GYD$ 475,775.09.
Donations received for the period under review were valued at GYD$ 56,140.00.
IV. ELECTRONIC RESOURCES
The library continued to provide access to electronic resources through its subscriptions to databases such as EBSCO, JSTOR, HINARI, and the Lexis Library. The Library also downloaded and made available within copyright limits, free digital materials in an attempt to supplement the readings for courses and programmes.
V. ONLINE SERVICES
The Library continued to provide most of its services online in the following ways:
• Online clearance for graduates through the SRMS
• Library Registration forms (This is still under construction but patrons can now register online)
• The library’s Help Desk and other social media platform such as Facebook, Live Chat, the Library’s portal and website
• Online Interlibrary loan (ILL) Request form to facilitate interlibrary loans
• The ‘Click and Collect’ service which allowed patrons to e-mail or WhatsApp the datails of the items/ information they were requesting and to arrange a date and time to collect the items at the physical library. In some instances, the items were scanned and e-mailed to the patron
• Online Request Purchase form which allowed for requests for items to be purchased to be done from anywhere outside of the walls of the physical library.
• Answering of e-mail or WhatsApp queries to satisfy requests for items or information
• Scanning of requested chapters of books for lecturers and students.
VI. BARCODING OF LIBRARY COLLECTIONS
The Library continued its project of barcoding its collection to make it compatible with the Koha Information Library Management System. In spite of the restricted working hours, some 4,042 items were barcoded.
VII. INFORMATION LITERACY SESSIONS
These sessions were designed to help students to research and use the library’s databases, to avoid the pitfalls of plagiarism and to improve their writing skills specifically in the areas of referencing and citation. In the context of Covid-19, some 24 or more of these sessions were done for Faculties at the request of Deans or Lecturers.
The Library also enhanced its Information Literacy sessions in the following ways:
• Presentations on Academic Integrity –to this end, a Module on this topic was prepared at the Request of the Registry for the Orientation programme
• How to use Reference Management Software such as Zotero
VIII. LIBRARY PROMOTION
The Library participated in the following activities in order to publicise and showcase its services and resources:
a. Orientation for New Full-time and Part-time lecturers during the period September 1626, 2021 (Virtual).
b. Orientation for New and Continuing Students (Virtual).
c. Inaugural Virtual Career Fair 2021 – Staff members served as panelists for the Library’s Webinar and manned the Library’s virtual booth.
d. The Berbice Campus Library mounted virtual exhibitions on its Facebook page for serval commemorative occasions such as Education Month, Amerindian Month, International Women’s Day and International Nurses Day.
IX. MAJOR COLLABORATIVE ACTIVITIES
A. Berbice Campus Library
The American Embassy indicated an interest in setting up an American Corner in the library and to this end, the Embassy donated some books and prospectus for the various programmes within the US.
Staff also volunteered to work at PACE’S Vaccination Outreach – April 9 and May 21, 2021. Staff also collaborated with DECC with regard to the photography booths for Convocation 2020.
B. Turkeyen Campus Library
The staff of the Learning Resource Centre collaborated with the Department of Events, Conferences and Communication (DECC) in March 2021 with regard to photographing and videotaping events for Convocation 2020.
Staff members also performed rapporteurial duties at the following:
• The Blueprint UG 2040: Encounter 3 from April 19 – 21, 2021.
• The Caribbean Urban Forum form June 16 – 18, 2021.
• The Inaugural Senior Administrative Leardership On-boarding Seminar (SALOS) from July 28 – 29, 2021.
• The ERC Symposium in collaboration with the University of Guyana from December 14 – 15, 2020.
The Library also collaborated with the UG Press with regard to vetting two (2) manuscripts to ensure that the style of citation was in conformity with that of the APA 7th Edition. The University Librarian also chaired the Library Exhibition Committee for the University of Guyana School of Graduate Studies (UGSGR) Inaugural Graduate Research Symposium.
The Library also provided the following assistance to external agencies:
i. Through the Office of the University Librarian, the Library collaborated with the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly-Guyana (IDPADA-G) Secretariat in relation to designing a series of activities to meet the terms of the MOU signed with the Dutch Archives on June 25, 2021.
ii. The library also conducted training for staff of the National Library with regard to implementing the Koha Integrated Library Management System (ILS).
iii. Staff members also reorganised the Library of the Late President Hugh Desmond Hoyte from February-July 2021. This was done at the request of the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly-Guyana (IDPADA-G) and the activities included cleaning, listing and grouping materials into categories for donations and for a core Presidential Collection.
X. NEW LIBRARY BUILDING
This project is currently at the Draft Final Design stage where the Consultants submitted for approval, bills of quantities and detailed cost estimates for the proposed works. The Draft Report was accompanied by other reports detailing the plumbing, heating, ventilation and conditioning (HVAC) requirements including the electrical and information technology security drawings. The University of Guyana submitted its comments on the draft report to the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and was awaiting the No Objection of CDB to move to the final stage of the project, the Final Report. For the Final Report, the Consultants would be tasked with preparing the bidding documents to allow UG to solicit bids from qualified contractors.
Meetings were held with members of the Steering Project Committee, Senior Technical Officers from the Estates Maintenance Division and Faculty of Engineering and Technology to check for the completeness of the drawings and bills of quantities and equipment and that these were in keeping with international standards. Additionally, the Tactical Online Services Unit (TOS) provided advice on the necessary IT related infrastructure.
XI. STAFFING MATTERS
The Library is serviced by approximately 85 staff members at the Turkeyen Library and approximately nine staff members at the Berbice Campus Library, consisting of Librarians/ Assistant Librarians, Administrative staff, Library Assistants, Clerical staff, binders and cleaners.
Staff members attended various Online Conferences/ Workshops/ Seminars which were used as a vehicle for staff development. Some of the more significant ones were:
• Workshop hosted by CoETaL – Customer Service Training (May 24, 2021); Introduction to Mixed Methodology (May 24, 2021); Mapping Methodology (July 2, 2021) among others.
• Blueprint UG 2040: Encounter 3 from April 19 – 21, 2021
• The Caribbean Urban Forum from June 16 – 18, 2021
Staff members also attended professional Conferences hosted by IFLA and ACURIL, in addition to reading for degrees at both the graduate and undergraduate levels and for various programmes at the IDCE.
Due to the prevailing situation as a result of the pandemic, the Turkeyen Library’s Annual ‘Reading is Fun’ programme funded by Courts (Guyana) Ltd. was not held; this was also the case at the Berbice Campus Library.
A.
Promotions
1. Ms. Donette Washington – Promoted to Librarian 1 w.e.f. November 20, 2020
2. Ms. Ayoade Nkofi – Promoted to Library Assistant 1 w.e.f. April 20, 2020.
B. Long Service-Awardees
The following staff members became eligible for long-service Awards as follows:
• Thirty (30) Years: Ms. Patricia Glasgow; Ms. Carol Parris ; Ms. Donette Washington
• Twenty-Five (25) Years: Ms. Simone Bernard
• Twenty (20) Years: Ms. Clyden Harris ;Mr. Yashwant Ramroop; Ms Bibi Safi Ann Harper-Fenty
XII. VISITORS
Due to Covid-19 Pandemic, the Collections of the Caribbean Research Library were closed to the public. However, a virtual service was
offered to facilitate enquires for various types of information. Approximately 18 requests for information from both local and overseas users were satisfied using this service.
XII. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2021/2022
Below are some of the more realistic projections and plans for 2022:
• Digitization of rare items in the CRL Collection (collaboration has commenced with the University of Texas at Austin in this regard)
• Continuous building of the e-collection and e-resources to meet the needs of the curricula
• Completing the Final Draft of the New Library Building
• Sourcing opportunities for Librarians to acquire the professional skills to rebuild a core of professionals to facilitate the advancement of the strategic thrusts of the Library
• Sourcing opportunities to retrain personnel to manage a New State-of-the-Art Library. Hopefully, this will materialise with the CDB project
• Building a more student-centred and friendly library. If plans to reopen the campus materialize in 2022, the spaces in the old library building will have to be redesigned in the context of the Covid 19 Pandemic
• Develop proposals to embed teaching materials into the online platform
• Enhance the Information Literacy programme with the intention of delivering it either as a credit or non-credit course
• Examine the role that the Library can play in the programme of its parent organization for inclusivity
• Accelerate the attempts to attract funding/ donations for the Library either through budgetary or other means.
The goals take into consideration funding and other constraints.
XVI. DEMONSTRATION OF STUDENTCENTREDNESS AND IMPACT
The Library continued to demonstrate that its students were the most important client by making the library accessible outside the physical walls through its online services as noted in this report.
It also recognized the needs of students to understand how to research, write and to use relevant software to enhance their writing skills and therefore accelerated its teaching role to provide such assistance to its students. There were many challenges and there is still much to do but the library will continue to react to the changes and challenges of its environment to meet the needs of both its primary and extramural clients in a blended way.
XVII. GRATITUDE
The Libraries (Turkeyen and Berbice) express gratitude to its donors who continued to demonstrate its confidence in the Library as a major unit to support teaching, learning and research for its parent organization and the nation as a whole. Special thanks are extended to the Vice-Chancellor and Senior Management Team who provided the necessary resource and support to the Library.
XVIII. APPENDIX: STATISTICS
For this period, the building and its collections were closed to the public and therefore limited access to the physical collection was provided through a ‘click and collect’ service. This is reflected in the reading room, loans and other statistics.
Therefore, given this restricted access, what would be more instructive was the use made of the library’s online databases as seen in the statistics below:
EBSCO host Usage (Database Searches) for September 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021
For the academic year 2020/2021 there were 27,109 searches using the EBSCO database and 30, 417 items were investigated/read.
EBSCO host Usage (E-books) for September 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021
For the academic year 2020/2021 there were 1,523 online views of e-books from the EBSCO academic e-book collection.
JSTOR Usage (Database Searches) for September 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021
For the academic year 2020/2021 there were 29,838
LexisLibrary (Database Searches) for September 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021
access activities and 51,264 searches were made using the LexisLibrary database.
JustisOne (Database Searches) for September 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021.
Prof Gomathinayagam Subramanian, A.A, PhD
Director, University of Guyana Berbice Campus
University of Guyana Berbice Campus (UGBC)
I. DEPARTMENT DEMOGRAPHICS
The Berbice Campus has 31 UB staff, 32 full-time teaching staff, four (4) UA academic staff, and three (3) UA non-academic staff.
II. PROGRAMMES OFFERED - ACADEMIC YEAR (2020/2021)
/
Foundations and Education Management
Education and Humanities
Natural Sciences
Curriculum and Instruction
Language and Cultural Studies
Department of Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Department of Mathematics, Physics and Statistics
Department of Government and International Affairs
Social Sciences
Department of Sociology
School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation
College of Medical Sciences
Entrepreneurship and Business Management
Accountancy and Finance
Marketing and Tourism Management
III.ENROLEMENT
• Bachelor of Science (Agriculture)
• Bachelor of Education (Administration)
• Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)
• Bachelor of Education (Primary Education)
• Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
• Associate of Arts (English)
• Bachelor of Science (Biology)
• Associate of Science (Biology)
• Associate of Science (Chemistry)
• Associate of Science (Computer Science)
• Associate of Science (Mathematics)
• Bachelor of Social Science (Public Management)
• Diploma in Public Management
• Bachelor of Social Science (Social Work)
• Associate of Social Science (Social Work)
• Bachelor of Science (Management)
• Diploma in Accountancy
• Diploma in Marketing
• Bachelor of Science (Nursing)
IV. BUDGET
Below is a summary of UGBC financial balances as of June 2021:
V. SUMMARY DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
Below is a summary of UGBC financial balances as of June 2021:
A. Office of the Director
The Office has one support staff, Ms. Telesha Jacobs who has continued to offer support to the office during the University’s online period. The Director collaborated on several publications, training courses, conducted special lectures, and has also served as a conference moderator. He also obtained three major awards during the reporting period.
B. Library
The Library, lifeline to teaching and learning, adapted strategies necessary to provide support and services despite the COVID-19. For instance, virtual exhibitions were done, google links were provided to access e-Materials, the click and collect service was introduced, etc. During the period under review, the Library functioned without a substantive Deputy Librarian. Notwithstanding this, staff members worked to ensure that quality service was delivered in a timely manner. Significant activities such as the Reading/Literacy programme, external training, work study attachments, binding research continued to be severely affected. Further, the statistics and other income generating activities continued to suffer. Work continued for the reporting period in Work from Office and Work from Home (WFO and WFH).
C. Division of Agriculture
The Division has been involved in providing the country with qualified professionals in the various agricultural agencies such as National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NARI), Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), Fisheries, High Schools, and the University. However, staff members within the Division after participating in the University of Guyana Blueprint exercise decided it was time for the faculty and students to be involved
in “Rural Development”. This exercise also gave indications for ideas in terms of incorporating new forms of technology and innovative teaching to facilitate effective online learning during the pandemic.
D. Division of Education and Humanities
The Division played active roles in the creation of policy documents, including the UG Inclusion Policy and the UG Draft Plagiarism Policy. Also, a proposal for the creation of onsite and online writing centres to service the Tain and Turkeyen campuses was resubmitted for consideration and implementation. Lecturers collaborated in the creation of Pre-University Reading and Writing Courses and Modules for IDCE. All lecturers are proficient users of a range of virtual teaching/ learning platforms offered by the University, for example, Moodle, Zoom, and Turnitin to serve the students during the online period. Two staff members are currently pursuing their PhD’s which would further enhance the quality of the Division.
E. Division of Natural Sciences
The Division was able to build capacity and strengthen its skills and competency by recruiting two full time staff members. Staff participated in online training sessions to improve their teaching skills using ICT.
F. School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovations
Despite the challenges faced following the Covid-19 and subsequent move to teaching online, all programmes were successfully integrated into the new dispensation with minimal interruptions. Students are adjusting well to the online mode of delivery.
VI. SUMMARY MAJOR RESEARCH PROJECTS COMPLETED
• Mr Phillip Da Silva, A.A., Reader “Investigating the diversity of endophytic fungi colonizing the leaves of three species of mangroves in Corentyne, Berbice, Guyana” [Joint research with Vashti D. Sital and Ferial Pestano]
• Mr Phillip Da Silva, A.A., Reader “Plastic
debris along coastal beaches: A review of literature on distribution and classification” [Joint research with Jemima Moothu]
• Mr Vishal Mahabir, Preparation and Characterization of Acetylated Cellulose Bioplastics from Bagasse, Rice Hulls and Coconut Husk (2020/2021).
• Mr Vishal Mahabir, Removal of Metals from Water Using Carbonised Waste from Cherry.
• Mr Vishal Mahabir, Preparation and Characterisation of Fibrinogen from Bovine Plasma
• Ms Pamela Rose
• Integrating high-impact practices in a language teaching course, 2020
• Gender and ninth-grade learners’ preferences in writing classrooms, 2021
• Teaching Beyond the Classroom: A Project-Based Innovation in a Language Education Course, 2021
• Exploring faculty perceptions of the research curriculum for teacher practitioners
• Supporting writing in higher education: A model for the University of Guyana (collaborative paper with Ms Camanie Khedaroo)
• COVID-19 and first-year students’ preparations and expectations of higher education studies in Guyana (collaborative paper with Ms. Camanie Khedaroo, Ms Simmone La Rose and Mr David Cort)
• Ms Grace Lambert
• The impact of the learning climate on final year nursery education students’ learning styles at UGBC, June 2021.
• Research paper submitted to the Caribbean Journal of Ed. [Awaiting update].
• Dr Dennis Gill
• Ongoing work on a book linked to PhD research on “Reparation, Psychoanalysis and Caribbean Masculinity”
• Exploratory work on a paper on the “The Humanities in the context of the COVID 19 pandemic”
• Ms Camanie Khedaroo
• Master’s Thesis – Reading
Comprehension: The Relationship between Attitudes and Performance of Guyanese Undergraduates
• Supporting writing in higher education: A model for the University of Guyana (collaborative paper with Ms. Pamela Rose)
• COVID-19 and first-year students’ preparations and expectations of higher education studies in Guyana (collaborative paper with Ms Pamela Rose, Ms Simmone La Rose and Mr David Cort)
VII. MAJOR STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS
A. Prof Gomathinayagam
Subramanian – Director, UGBC received the following awards:
• Certificate of Excellence to Guyana Innovation Prize from the Guyana Economic Trust Agency, 2021.
• Lifetime Achievement Award from the Power of Collaboration, Global Visionary Publishing, 2020.
• “Outstanding Extension Scientist Award in Agricultural Sciences” for the year 2019 from PEARL Foundation for Educational Excellence, Bangalore, India, 2020.
B. Mr Vishal Mahabir, Lecturer I
Received a Certificate for online course on “Understanding Open Educational Resources”, offered by the Commonwealth of Learning, Canada, 2020.
C. Library
• Staff completed the following self-learning online courses:
• University of Guyana’s CoETaL Human Resources course.
• Future learn online course “HR fundamentals” via MOOCS, February 15 - March 19, 2021.
• Commonwealth of Learning (COL) online course- Mobile learning with multimedia.
• Google IT Support Professional Certificate: Technical Support Fundamentals, The Bits & Bytes of
Computer Networking & Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User, May-August, 2021.
• Staff completed the Bachelor of Science (Management) programme at Berbice Campus.
• Staff member enrolled in the Diploma of Public Management programme at Berbice Campus.
IX. IMPORTANT COLLABORATIONS
Prof Gomathinayagam Subramanian – Director, UGBC moderated at the following conferences:
• “First Graduate Research Virtual Conference, Organized by Department of Graduate Programme, and University of Guyana from October 6 to 8, 2021.
• The Caribbean academy of Sciences in collaboration with the University of Guyana 22nd Biennial Virtual Conference held between 9th -14th August, 2021 at University of Guyana.
XI. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2022
A. Office of the Director
• Construction of a new Registry Building
• Construction of Additional Classrooms for both Tain and Johns
• Construction of a permanent stage for Graduation
VIII. TOTAL GRADUATED
IX. DEMONSTRATION OF STUDENT CENTERED-NESS AND IMPACTS
UGBC initiated and hosted in collaboration with lecturers from the University of the West Indies a Roundtable Discussion on “Approaches to Teaching Adult Learners”. The session was open to the university community and the recording was also disseminated. These sessions helped to increase student satisfaction with the delivery of their courses and reduced the number of complaints against delivery of courses and engagement of students.
The Library held information literary sessions. The sessions:
• Assisted patrons with various research needs: referencing, editorial work, plagiarism - responding through the various Library platforms.
• Extracted aspects of the Information Literacy package and customized same for the purpose of access from BCL social media platforms, example, steps to use database, plagiarism, Boolean terms, some took a QA format – Spot the difference
B. Division of Agriculture
• An eventual opening of the Faculty and Campus for the engagement of face-toface learning encouraging fund-raising activities, field trips and tours.
• Recruiting additional Lectures to take on animal science related courses, making our Berbice Faculty less reliant on Turkeyen, hence reducing commuting lecturers.
• Opening of the campus would allow for more hands-on field experience, as such the newly rehabilitated shade house could be utilized to its maximum potential.
• Students could be more actively involved in aquaponics and could therefore get the system running again, with proper monitoring.
• Recruiting of additional staff for active engagement with student projects and mentoring.
C. Division of Education and Humanities
Faculty
• Workshop Series: Conversations on Adult Learning
• Engagement on FEH Radio Programme: Why the Humanities are Important in Contemporary Schooling
• Promotional Events
• Infomercial (Highlights of Divisional Activities), Division Newsletter
• Symposium: Mental Health in Schools
Students
• Debating Competition
• Elocution Competition
• Spoken Word Competition
• Promotional Events
• Community Outreach: Book Drive
• Photo Contest: Capturing Life on Campus
• Seminars – Research Thesis Presentations
• Research Poster Presentations
D. Division of Natural Sciences
• Career day (online)
• Field Trips for some of the biology courses.
• Provide SPSS training to the public.
E. School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovations
• Make available at the UGBC the BSc Marketing programme and the BSc Accountancy programme. This would allow for Berbice based students to pursue further studies in the respective fields;
• To increase enrolment in the Diploma programmes, that is, Accountancy, Banking and Finance, and Marketing so that each realize a minimum of 15% increase;
• To successfully petition the UGBC Administration to provide a dedicated office space to accommodate at least five full-time staff and a clerical assistant. Space should be adequately furnished, conducive for holding meetings, inclusive of a storage cupboard, and filing cabinet.
F. Library
• Increase computers availability to support patrons’ and staff use
• Extend the Information Literacy Sessions and research assistance beyond UG patrons.
• Finding alternative pathways to content and information sharing.
• Use various formats to communicate and advertise the Library services
• Explore the Open Educational Resources (OER) materials for use
• E-everything: Students’ final year research papers, building an online academic staff research bank, internal Library documents, etc.
• Acquire debit /credit Card
• Enhance the virtual Library tour document
• Continue the click and collect and drop box services.
• Continuous staff development- attending relevant events and training, exploring the new collaborative technologies and identifying essential technology skills gap for staff.
• Install security measures for library (Cameras, grill)
• Continue to enhance serving patrons via the virtual and physical doors
REPORTS FROM INSTITUTES
Centre of Excellence for Teaching and Learning (CoETaL)
I. VISION
The Centre of Excellence for Teaching and Learning (CoETaL) is the hub that supports excellence in teaching to enhance the experiences of students.
II. DEPARTMENT DEMOGRAPHICS
The Centre of Excellence for the Teaching and Learning (CoETaL) has two staff members; a Director and an Administrative Assistant.
III.BUDGET
The total budget for the CoETaL is GYD$2,000,000.
IV. SUMMARY DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
A. Human Relations Course
The Human Relations Course was offered to one pilot cohort (September 2020-March 2021) of UoG staff and students and two public cohorts (March and April 2021). Three staff members gave feedback on the pilot course. They reviewed the course based on curriculum design/ content, teaching and facilitation, learning experience and course presentation. They indicated that there were minimal issues with curriculum design/content, teaching and facilitation, learning experience and course presentation. Overall, they felt that some of the modules were well-presented. They also made suggestions for improvements.
Human Relations Course Graduation
The Human Relations Course Graduation took place on 29 June
2021 with 1010 students receiving certificates of completion. This consisted of 90 staff and students from UoG and the remaining individuals from the public, staff, and students. Participants’ feedback indicated that they found the modules useful, informative, and they increased their knowledge. In some instances, participants indicated that they were more understanding of the effects of Covid-19. Indeed, it would be interesting to do a follow-up study in a year to see how useful this HRC was to the participants in their quotidian lives.
B. Senior Administrative Leadership Onboarding Seminar
This two-day seminar was orchestrated in tandem with the Office of the ViceChancellor and PACE. It focused on succession planning and the rules and regulations critical to the effective management of leadership within the University. Directors and Heads of Departments presented valuable information. On 28 July, 75 persons registered and 73 attended, on 29 July, 82 persons registered and 72 attended. Feedback from mentimeter. com indicated that the sessions were informative and beneficial.
C. Biennial Conference
The Biennial Conference provided a space for academics, researchers and other key stakeholders to deliberate on issues and find solutions to the challenges confronting the delivery of tertiary education due to Covid-19. The theme of the conference was “Emergency Remote Teaching, Leading and Learning.” The conference
brought together a cadre of distinguished researchers, educators and key stakeholders as a community involved in tertiary education as they shared their expertise, knowledge and skills with each other. Two hundred and eightynine persons registered for this conference. On 20 September, there was 80% attendance, on the 21st, there was 55% attendance, and on the 22nd, there was 48% attendance. Presenters and participants came from all corners of the globe. Feedback from the conference indicated that it was successful and had an almost palpable synergy.
D. Orientation of New Lecturers
The university ensures that all lecturers are prepared to teach students via its new lecturers’ orientation programme. This year, 108 persons registered for the sessions. However, this number includes senior administrators, current and incoming lecturers. There were 45 new lecturers for this academic year 2021/2022. On 29 September, there were 53 participants, on the 30th, there were 64 participants, and on 4 October, there were 42 participants. Participants indicated that they found the sessions informative. However, 13 out of 45 new lecturers attended all the sessions. Two persons attended two sessions, two persons attended one session and the others never attended any sessions. Therefore, only 38% of the new lecturers attended the sessions.
V. MAJOR STAFF DEVELOPMENT
• Awarded a certificate of completion for the course: Designing and Developing Online Assessment, November 2020.
• Awarded a certificate of completion for the course: Designing and Developing Online Courses, November 2020.
VI. NOTABLE VISITORS
Dr Olato Sam: Ministry of Education, Guyana: Introduction to Mixed Methodology.
VII. CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
International Perspectives on University Teaching and Learning Symposium (IPUTL) June 2nd-4th, 2021. Presentation of paper online. Paper included in conference proceedings.
• Psychological Capital and the HEROs of Online Education: November 2020 (University of Guyana, Faculty of Education and Humanities)
• A Forum to Mark the Abolition of Indentureship 30th December, 2020 Read Prose “A Hindu Bride”
• Research Day Free State University Qwa Qwa, Presentation: COVID-19 and its effects on rural school communities in Guyana: New Directions or Old Methods Retooled. March, 2021
• Keynote Speaker at International Conference on Educational Leadership and Management. Keynote address: Educational Leadership for Public Accountability during the pandemic. March 2021
• International Perspectives on University Teaching and Learning Symposium (IPUTL) June 2nd – 4th, 2021. Presentation of paper online. Paper included in conference proceedings.
• Moderator Caribbean Academy of Science 11th August, 2021.
• Presented at Student/Staff Mixer on Lecturers’ Expectations Faculty of Education and Humanities 26th August, 2021.
• CoETaL’s Biennial Conference: Presentation: COVID-19 and its effects on rural school communities in Guyana: New Directions or Old Methods Retooled. 21st September, 2021.
B. Conference/Programmes
Facilitations Office of Vice Chancellor via CoETal
• Orientation of New Lecturers 29th, 30th September and 1st October, 2021
• Senior Administrative On-Boarding Seminar 28th and 29th July 2021.
• Human Relations Graduation 29th June, 2021.
Dr Charmaine Bissessar Director, Centre of Excellence for Teaching and Learning (CoETaL)
C. Webinars/Conferences Attended
• Caribbean Association for the Advancement of Curriculum Conference31st March, 2021. (Attended)
• Academic Advising and Management Symposium 22nd to 24th March, 2021.
• The Caribbean Studies Association Conference June 1st to 4th, 2021.
• Perspectives Candidates on Guyana- India Relations from 1838 to 2021: A virtual symposium 29th April, 2021.
• Public Lecture: Enablers and Inhibitors of Girls and Women in STEM related TVET: Perceptions and Practices 15th April, 2021.
• Public Lecture: Agile Leadership in Times of Crisis 27th April
• Fighting for Survival: Amerindian Languages of the Caribbean 21st February, 2021.
• Commonwealth of Learning Online Workshop Series: Designing for Authenticity and Reliability 4th March, 2021.
• Resilient Teaching webinar 17th December, 2020
• Natural Sciences Presentations on COVID-19 5th January, 2021.
• Commonwealth of Learning POWER UP: How Learning Design Systems Can Help Scale and Accelerate Learning Design 29th February, 2020.
• Arizona State University: Remote the Connected Faculty Summit 9th – 10th June, 2021
• Approaches to Teaching Adult Learners 14th June, 2021.
• UWI ROYTEC: Impact of Crisis and Isolation on Children 12th June, 2021
• Caribbean Visionary Leadership Symposium 18th and 19th August, 2021.
Co-Editor:
Co-Editor of Journal of Education and Humanities Volume 3 (2020).
Associate Editor Journals:
Power and Education
Equity in Education and Society
VIII. STUDENT CENTERED-NESS AND IMPACTS
Lecturers and students were trained in the following areas:
• Using R as a statistical tool.
• Critical Thinking Skills Training
• Zotero Reference Management System (with Library: Students)
• Qualitative Methodology: Case Study (Staff and Graduate Students)
• Bloom’s Taxonomy
• Mixed Methodology: Theory and Practice (Staff and Graduate Students)
• Academic Integrity (with Library)
• Qualitative Data Analysis (Staff and Graduate Students)
• Introduction to Research Ethics: Students
• Mapping Methodology: (Staff and Graduate Students)
Additional Training:
• Introduction to MS. Excel: (Support Staff)
• Customer Service Training: (Support Staff)
Worked on Plagiarism Policy in tandem with members of the Faculty of Education and Humanities. Human Relations Course is still active with three public Cohorts and three UoG Cohorts.
IX. PUBLIC AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE Boards/Committees:
• Research and Graduate Studies Board 2019 to Present
• Graduate Symposium Board 2020 to Present
• Academic Committee Board 2020 to Present
• CoETaL’s Board 2021 to Present
• Graduate Symposium Board and Co-Chair of Academic Committee August 2021 to Present
X. IMPORTANT COLLABORATIONS
• CARICOM: Designing Authentic Assessments: CARICOM, 1st October 2020
• CARICOM: Network with Lecturers from South Africa.
• KIXLAC: Collaborations and interviews.
• CoL: Continued Collaboration.
XI. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2022
• More focused training in critical areas of pedagogy and andragogy for lecturers.
• Training in specific areas for support staff.
• Training in specific areas for students.
• Facilitation of SALOS (Softer-Skills) Office of the Vice-Chancellor via CoETaL.
CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE (CI)
I. VISION
Confucius Institute at the University of Guyana commenced its operations in 2014. The Institute focuses on the programme in Mandarin Chinese language as well as the academic, cultural, and social events on the UG Campuses and in the Guyanese community. It aims to prepare future citizens who will be ready to promote economic and cultural exchanges between Chinese and Guyanese people. Hence, to consolidate world peace and unity.
II. DEPARTMENT DEMOGRAPHICS
The Institute has five staff members; one Guyanese Director, one Chinese Director, one Chinese Language Teacher, and two volunteer Chinese Language Teachers.
III. BUDGET
The budget for Confucius Institute was GYD$931,095.00.
IV. SUMMARY DEPARTMENTAL REPORT
A total of 295 students have been taught in 14 groups throughout the academic year. Students learned Mandarin Chinese language from Levels 1-6. The Institute organised 15 events; approximately 1561 persons attended these events. Chinese language courses and cultural activities are shared among UG students and staff and Guyanese community as well.
V. PROGRAMME OFFERINGS
The Institute offers comprehensive Chinese courses from Levels 1 – 6. These courses were offered as elective courses.
VI. DEMONSTRATION
OF STUDENT CENTEREDNESS AND IMPACTS
All Chinese language courses and cultural activities were designed for the purpose of students’ involvement. Especially in CI cultural activities, students took part in the events and experience Chinese culture in person. Students are also encouraged to introduce Guyana and Guyanese culture to their friends in China using Chinese language through writings and/or videos.
VII. IMPORTANT COLLABORATIONS
VII. IMPORTANT COLLABORATIONS
The Confucius Institute was involved in several collaborations:
The Confucius Institute was involved in several collaborations:
• In September 2020, CI students and staff produced E-cards and videos to celebrate Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival together with Chinese National Day.
• In September 2020, CI students and staff produced E-cards and videos to celebrate Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival together with Chinese National Day.
• On November 26, 2020, CI students and staff took part in online concert “不不不不Live up to Your Youth” organized by Dalian University of Foreign Languages on Zoom Meetings.
• On November 26, 2020, CI students and staff took part in online concert “不不不不Live up to Your Youth” organized by Dalian University of Foreign Languages on Zoom Meetings.
• On December 27, 2020, CI teachers were invited by the General Consulate of Guyana in Toronto to perform Pipa online dedicated to the Guyana 50th Republic Anniversary Celebration.
• On December 27, 2020, CI teachers were invited by the General Consulate of Guyana in Toronto to perform Pipa online dedicated to the Guyana 50th Republic Anniversary Celebration.
• On February 22, 2021, the Institute collaborated with Queen’s College and CI teachers conducted Chinese New Year Spring Festival introduction online to students of Queen’s College.
Queen’s College and Confucius Institute Teachers conducted Chinese New Year Spring Festival introduction online to students of Queen’s College
Queen’s College and Confucius Institute Teachers conducted Chinese New Year Spring Festival introduction online to students of Queen’s College
• On February 22, 2021, the Institute collaborated with Queen’s College and CI teachers conducted Chinese New Year Spring Festival introduction online to students of Queen’s College.
VIII. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2022
VIII. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2022
In 2022, the Institute will expand its class numbers to enrol more UG and non-UG students to join our language programme. To eliminate the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic intercultural events will be hosted mostly online. We will organize events among Guyanese and Chinese college students from the University of Guyana and Dalian University of Foreign Languages. The Chinese course will also be extended to the secondary education system in Guyana. Research will be carried out on Chinese Language Education in the Guyana Education System.
In 2022, the Institute will expand its class numbers to enrol more UG and non-UG students to join our language programme. To eliminate the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic intercultural events will be hosted mostly online. We will organize events among Guyanese and Chinese college students from the University of Guyana and Dalian University of Foreign Languages. The Chinese course will also be extended to the secondary education system in Guyana. Research will be carried out on Chinese Language Education in the Guyana Education System.
Students and staff produced E-cards and videos to celebrate Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival together with Chinese National Day
Students and staff produced E-cards and videos to celebrate Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival together with Chinese National Day
Confucius Institute Teachers were invited by the General Consulate of Guyana in Toronto to perform Pipa online dedicating to the Guyana 50th Republic Anniversary Celebration.
I. MISSION
Institute for Energy Diplomacy (IED)
The University of Guyana’s Institute for Energy Diplomacy is a research, training and advocacy entity that informs and enriches the understanding, policies, and performance of Guyana’s energy market by pursuing excellence in its advanced multi-disciplinary research on major energy issues, relevant innovative professional training on areas of energy and active engagement with external stakeholders.
II. VISION
The University of Guyana’s Institute for Energy Diplomacy (IED) aims to become the leading energy research and training entity in the GuyanaSuriname Basin.
III. STAFF
The Institute is in its founding year and is staffed by the Director, Mr Alex Armogan. IED will employ an energy analyst in the coming months.
IV. BUDGET
The total budget for the Institute is $27, 019, 000.
V. HIGHLIGHTS
The total budget for the Institute is $27, 019, 000.
A. Research
The Institute has launched IED Analysis and IED Data Visualisation. IED Analysis includes Energy Primers, Profiles, Price Reports and Commentaries. The Institute aims
to monetise these two offerings in 2022. The digital infrastructure for the University’s energy media offering, “UG’s Energy Reader,” is completed and will soon enter the launch phase. IED aims to publish “A Primer on the Latin America and Caribbean Energy Landscape” in 2022.
B. Training and Certification
The Institute offers an Executive Suite of Professional Modular Training and Certification in Energy – Oil and Gas and Renewables. Current courses include Energy Markets, Oil and Gas Value Chain, Energy Transportation and Shipping and Crude Oil Trading. Upcoming courses include Oil and Gas Negotiations, Oil and Gas Project Planning and Management and Energy Project Investment and Finance. IED aims to continue course additions related to energy economics, finance, accounting, and law in 2022.
C. Number Trained to Date
A total number of twenty-three students were trained.
VI. COLLABORATIONS
A. CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited
CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited (CPGL) is supporting the University of Guyana’s Institute for Energy Diplomacy to fund 18 scholarships for Professional Executive Energy Training. This initiative is part of UGIED’s aim to deliver energy upskilling in line with local content requirements and CPGL’s long term commitment to help develop the technical capacity of Guyana and its people. Nine of
the eighteen scholarships are to be awarded to applicants from the Amerindian tribes along with areas outside of the Georgetown area. The Institute is committed to supporting the energy education and training of Indigenous communities.
B. Guyana Oil and Gas Energy
IED has entered into a tripartite agreement with the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber and CBMEX Energy Guyana Incorporated to encourage and facilitate the dissemination, and application of new knowledge and expertise especially in the area of oil and gas development and management.
President of CNOOC Guyana, Liu Xiaoxiang presenting a cheque to the University of Guyana’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin (third from left); Director of UG’s Berbice Campus, Professor Subramanian Gomalthinayagam (first from left); and Director of UGIED Alex Armogan.
Alex Armogan Director, Institute for Energy Diplomacy (IED)
Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE)
I. VISION
To be the best provider of Distance and Continuing Education, using modern technology, to take individuals from where they are to where they want to go, while being mindful to provide training which supports community, workplace, and national agendas.
II. STAFF OF THE IDCE
• Dr Jacqueline Murray, B Soc Sc, MSc, MEd, DBA, Director
• Mr David Cort, Dip. Acc., B Soc. Sc, MBA, Deputy Director
A. HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS
• Jason Phillips, Distance Education/Online Coordinator
Thirty-seven (37) part-time staff delivered course content to the student population for the year under review. They all possess a wealth of skills and knowledge which was used to achieve the course and programme objectives. Our lecturers comprise of staff from various IDCE locations country wide. They include staff from the intra-mural university, present, and former public servants, and employees from private organizations.
III.GRADUATION STATISTICS
Over six hundred students graduated from the IDCE for the 2019/2020 academic year. The table below illustrates a distinction among males and females at the intramural University and across the IDCE Centres.
Dr Jacqueline Murray Director, Institute of Distance and Continuing Education ( IDCE )
IV. REGISTRATION STATISTICS
For the year under review, a total of 247 students registered for courses and programmes in the Distance Education and Programming and Conferences Departments. The table below illustrates the number of students across each department.
V. REGISTRATION STATISTICS
The Institute of Distance and Continuing Education designed the Academic Upgrading Programme to cater to those interested in upgrading their CSEC qualifications and those who may not have written the CSEC exams. In addition, the IDCE Linden location is the only private Centre in Guyana with the School-Based Assessment (SBA) component attached.
For the year under review, 31 students from across Guyana registered for various courses within the Academic Upgrading Programme at the Institute and wrote them at the CXC June 2021 sitting, the courses include:
1. English A
2. Mathematics
3. Principles of Business
4. Principles of Accounts
5. Social Studies
6. Integrated Science
7. Electronic Document Preparation and Management
Seven students opted to defer their exam to January 2022 or May/June 2022 after that option was made available to the students by CXC. Hence, a total of 24 students wrote the exam, and below is a breakdown of the Grades achieved:
(Grade II), EDPM (Grade II), Principles of Accounts (Grade III), and Mathematics (Grade IV). The institute is proud of the students who sat these examinations, especially those from the outlying areas without any physical presence of the IDCE.
VI. STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
While staff members minimized face-to-face interactions for the academic year under review, the following are a few examples of how the institute persevered to help students and stakeholders despite the odds:
a. Online experiments became the norm of our operations. The IDCE took this pathway not only because of the Covid-19 pandemic but to cater to students’ needs in far-reaching areas and those with disabilities. Our students from the Early Childhood Education programme were cooking up magic from the comfort of their own home spaces under the sharp eyes of their lecturer. Therefore, the institute is proud to state that it is on board with the inclusivity policy that the University recently launched.
The Institute’s top student who enrolled for the Academic Upgrading Courses, Mr Joel Whyte, attended classes from Baramita Region 1. He obtained passes in Principles of Business
b. The launch of SRMS allowed for a closer relationship between the IDCE and the wider community. The staff of the IDCE supported students and prospective applicants by assisting them with their applications and registrations. Staff members-initiated phone conversations and Zoom calls to aid
in completing applications and registrations for the IDCE and those interested in programmes at the intramural University. Hence, the IDCE is happy that the centres are no longer isolated to their geographical location. Instead, SRMS allows everyone to work collaboratively, both locally and internationally.
VII. IMPORTANT COLLABORATIONS/ AGREEMENTS
A Memorandum of Agreement was signed between the Guyana Police Force and the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education on December 8, 2020, for an initial five-year duration. This agreement places the institute at the forefront to train officers of the Guyana Police Force in several key areas such as Basic English, Human Resource Management, and Occupational Health & Safety, Critical Thinking, Crime and Criminology, and General Policing. In addition, this agreement undoubtedly strengthens the relationship between the Institute and the Guyana Police Force in enabling both organisations to deliver on their respective mandates.
VIII. ANTI-VIOLENCE CAMPAIGN
The Production Team (DECC) hoisted an AntiViolence banner at the IDCE Centres. This year-long campaign highlights the University’s stance against the violence of all forms as a response to the recent rise in domestic violence cases across the country.
IX. STAFF ACHIEVEMENT
Mr Julian Bynoe, Administrative Officer, completed a UG-sponsored programme – Executive Diploma in Human Resource Management through the University of The West Indies-Cave Hill Campus. This qualification will undoubtedly enhance the management abilities of staff at the Institute.
The Director of IDCE, Dr Jacqueline Murray did an online course Successful Negotiation: Essential Strategies and Skills and received a certificate from the University of Michigan.
X. PLANS AND PROJECTIONS FOR 2022
The following are the projections for the new academic year.
a. Conversion of the IDCE into the Lifelong Learning Open Campus of the University.
b. Establishment of a Centre in Lethem.
c. Construction of modern physical facilities for each centre through Capital Funding from the Government of Guyana. The construction of these facilities will enable the Institute to have a permanent presence in New Amsterdam, Linden where it currently rents space and Mabaruma to bridge the gap in access to education readily accessible to persons living on the coast.
d. Foster the advancement of student satisfaction and student services including scholarships and grants at the IDCE/ Lifelong Learning Open Campus.
e. Marketing campaign to highlight for opportunities for continuing education.
f. Student enrolment drive to increase student population by at least 5 %.
g. Development of a succession plan for critical areas.
h. Staff development training for administrative to bridge skill gaps and to allow for succession planning.
i. Staff development training for teaching staff.
j. Continue to deliver and expand relevant programme and course offerings of the IDCE in consonance with the needs of stakeholders and forge new partnerships locally and internationally to enable the institute to achieve its mandate.
k. Collaborate with intra mural staff in the development of courses.
l. Collaborate in the provision improved physical and technological infrastructure to accommodate online and mixed mode delivery of education.
XI. CONCLUSION
The launching of the SRMS for the IDCE strengthened the ability of the Institute to provide equal access to quality education irrespective of geographical location. This platform increased the visibility of the entity and allowed it to reach stakeholders in many previously underserved and unserved areas. Noteworthy is the student from Baramita, Region 1 who, owing to the IDCE being online was able to enrol for the academic upgrading courses and go on to do well at CSEC. The 2021/2022 academic year is one that the staff of the Institute looks forward to and believes that their resilience over the years is a hallmark that will allow the institute to contribute tangibly to the goal of one graduate per household as articulated in the University of Guyana’s Blueprint 2040.
Institute of Gender Studies (IGS)
I. OVERVIEW
The Mission, Vision, Objectives and Key Priorities of the IGS derived from the University and its partners seeking to reposition the Institute as the hub of national development and social justice through teaching, research, and policy support.
II. MISSION
Build on the existing strengths of the University and its partners, be a hub for multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary teaching, research, dialogue, and action on local and transnational issues on women and gender.
III.VISION
Through the creation of a hub for the interrogation of issues of women, gender and development, the Institute will build up an international reputation of excellence in teaching, research, and social action thereby contributing to the transformation of relations between women and men and gender justice in Guyana, the region and transnationally.
IV. OBJECTIVES
Create a modern and interactive hub for the interrogation of issues of women and gender; build an international reputation of excellence in teaching, research, and social action; contribute to the enhancement and sustainability of the globally endorsed rights of women.
V. STAFF
• One Director
• One Administrative Assistant (w.e.f. June 21, 2021)
• One Research Assistant (half-time 2021-2022 because of enrolment in doctoral scholarship program)
Zoom interview/meeting with 25 School Welfare Officers and Guidance Counsellors from the 10 regions re. concerns re. the psychosocial needs of children and youth in Guyana Schools. November 25, 2020.
Completed Manual: A Gender Responsive Approach to Responding to the Psychosocial Children and Youth in Guyana Schools. December 20, 2020.
Completed script on Women and Agriculture for CIAT project based on completed co-authored policy brief entitled, Climate-Smart Agriculture Investment, May 12, 2021.
Worked with a team of scholars to complete a grant (that we unfortunately failed to receive) re. ‘Empowerment of Women in Academia with Geospatial Technologies and Naturebased Solutions for the Amazon’ with the Universidad Federal do Para, Brazil as lead and the participation of other Co-Applicants Universidad Regional Amazonica IKIAM Ecuador, Instituto Tecnologico de Aeronautica ITA en Brazil and Universidad Sergio Arboleda Colombia. May - June, 2021.
Speaker on Guyanas Feminisms: A cross-border conversation at a specially featured panel for the Caribbean Studies Association conference. June 1, 2021.
Presenter (panel) on: “Gender Studies and Feminisms in the Guyanas” webinar, hosted by the Centre for Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Brown University, USA. March 17, 2021
Organizer/Facilitator/Discussant, Gender, Culture, Media Representations, Misrepresentations and Development with guest speaker Adrian Harewood, CBC Award Winning News Anchor and Journalist. December 23, 2020
Human Rights Violations, Gender Inequity, and the Role of International Criminal Tribunals with guest speaker, Francesca Braga, LLM, (Italy). International Crime and Justice. December 10, 2020.
Invited Keynote: 3rd International Conference on Gender and Sexuality, 15 - 16 October, 2020 hosted by, The Intl. Institute of Knowledge Mgmt., Sri Lanka.
Invited online lecture on Caribbean Feminist Literature – A Look at Jamaica Kincaid’s short story “Girl” and female socialization to 80 students at Stella Maris College, Chennai, India.
June 4, 2020
Taught six-week Professional Development Course to School Welfare Officers based Manual completed re. Psychosocial Needs of Children and Youth in Guyana Schools (UNICEF funded project). 2021
Organized Workshops:
• August 13, 2021 – Addressing LGBTQ+ student and family concerns by V. Leitch (formerly of SASOD)
• August 18, 2021 - Penetrating Patriarchy
• August 25, 2021 - Sexism, Homophobia... Power and Violence by: Dr Kathleen Scott, Author of, Service Learning: An Agent for Social Change (2015)
Upcoming presentations for students in WST4100 course:
December 10, 2021 - Households, Culture, and Prejudice
December 17, 2021 - Poverty and Human Trafficking
By: Dr Kathleen Scott, Author of, Service Learning: An Agent for Social Change (2015)
Hosted by: Dr P. Bullen, Director, IGS
VIII.IMPORTANT COLLABORATIONS
A. Women and Gender Equality Commission: Updated and secured 4.5M GYD in funding for the Institute of Gender Studies, University of Guyana 2017 – 2021.
B. UNICEF contracted to complete manual, “A Gender Responsive Approach to Responding to the Psychosocial Children and Youth in Guyana Schools”. (Done by December 2020) and contracted to teach six-week course based on manual. (Completed by September 1, 2021).
C. University of Calgary. Co-authored book chapter with STEM Professor, Shifting from hegemonic teaching and practices to liberating and affirmative Caribbean Pedagogies.
IX. KEY 2021–22 PRIORITIES
• Introduce online undergraduate and postgraduate teaching programs for faculty, students, and other stakeholders (Masters, Doctoral studies).
• Strongly encourage and support faculty and students to undertake interdisciplinary research linked to the research agenda.
• Together with partners fundraise for the conduct of research and scholarship.
• Contribute towards the delivery of community outreach/extra mural programs in communities, civil society
Dr. Pauline E. Bullen Director, Institute Gender Studies (IGS)
groups, NGOs, and governmental agencies.
• Lobby government and non-government partners (W&GEC and others) to provide an annual Academic scholarship to support one female UG student in the fields of Technology and Sciences: or other nontraditional field of study.
• Encourage government and nongovernment partners (W&GEC and others) to provide an annual Research scholarship to support one UG student to undertake research on a topic related to women and gender studies.
• Utilize the expertise of the University (Centre for communications), and with partners promote advocacy messages to foster critical thinking and actions on women, gender, and human rights.
X. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2022
• Continue with mission as above.
• Teach WST4100 Gender and Development Course.
• Organise workshops for UG students and Community on Gender issues.
• Secure WGEC funding.
• Complete work on IGS ZINE (Short magazine) on “Gender, Sex and Sexuality”.
• Resubmit IGS courses to Academic Board for approval.
Institute of Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (UGIRIE)
I. OVERVIEW
The UGIRIE is a technology transfer facility (TTO) which provides a platform for researchers and innovators within the University of Guyana and allied institutions/individual researchers to share new products and services with industry.
II. VISION
Transforming Guyana’s economy through the dissemination of research findings and innovations in science, arts, and humanities to industry.
III.MISSION
IV. DEPARTMENT DEMOGRAPHICS
The Institute has a Director and one Technical staff on part-time assignment.
V. PROGRAMMES OFFERED
The UGIRIE intends to bridge the gap between knowledge generation and utilization through strategic partnerships thereby facilitating startups and product improvement. Ultimately it intends to facilitate the utilization of Guyana’s vast natural resources to generate new products and services thereby stimulating the Guyanese economy.
Professor Pat Francis giving a speech during the UGIRIE’s Business Development Workshop Award Ceremony.
VI. GAP FUNDING
This facility provides funding to innovators which enables the marketing of products and services. Research targeted in 2021.
• Production of a Value-Added Product from Coconut Oil: Liquid Hand Soap.
• To formulate and test a composite flour from cassava, sweet potato, and wheat flour.
• Production of a supplement from Moringa olifera for Broiler feed.
• Evaluation of Natural Products (Bioplastics from Cellulose Fibers).
VII.BUDGET SIZE
The budget for UGIRIE is GYD$17,000,000.
VIII.SUMMARY DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
The UGIRIE has initiated its mandate to bridge the gap between knowledge generation and utilization through strategic partnerships thereby facilitating business startups and product improvement. To this end, the Institute has marked a milestone in the completion of its first Business Development Workshop during the period March-May 2021. This activity combined theoretical principles with winning strategies in practical steps and taught the UOG students to leverage their university experiences to generate new products and services thereby stimulating the Guyanese economy. On Saturday, June 27, 2021, the Institute hosted a graduation ceremony for 23 students who participated in the 12-week Business Encounter Training programme. The institute continues to mentor students through the Business incubator facility.
IX. MAJOR PROJECTS AND MAJOR STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS
• Conceptualizing and launching the UGIRIE.
• Delivering a 12-week programme on Business development for young entrepreneurs.
• Provided marketing support to Mocha Arcadia multipurpose coop December, 2020 to present (seven events held to date).
• Launch Business incubator. Several businesses are being mentored.
• Supervising four postgraduate students in MSc Agrotechnology and Business.
X. DEMONSTRATION OF STUDENT CENTERED-NESS AND IMPACTS
Our programmes are centred on the development and improvement of businesses based on science and technology. All students at UG and other tertiary intuitions are targeted. The award-winning business development workshops and incubator target young people.
XI. IMPORTANT COLLABORATIONS
The UGIRIE has collaborated with the following establishments within various capacities (i.e., training, mentorship, research work etc.):
• CAMEX Limited.
• Specialist in Sustained Youth Development and Research (SSYDR).
• Mocha Arcadia Multipurpose Agricultural Co-operative Society (MAMPC).
Future collaborations with the following enterprises will include (but will not limit to) the establishment and effective operation of UGIRIE’s Business incubator: Initial steps taken.
• Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE).
• Linden Economic Enterprise (LEN).
• Small Business Bureau.
XII. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2022
Item Macro Project Activity
Advisory Committee and host meetings
One each quarter One meeting Compile a list of industry partners
Linking research and innovation to industry
Meet with industry and related organisation in research and development ● Facilitate transfer of technology to industry-Aquaponics and composite flours being undertaken
● Exhibition of innovation
Course development Business encounters Packaged as an elective and short course delivered throughout Guyana Review project proposals Gap funding Provide Gap funding and begin monitoring Source funding
Exhibitions Provide a platform for the display of innovations Mount two exhibitions virtual and physical
Deliver Course/ Seminars
One each semester Industry/ sector focused
Manual of Regulations Complete manual of policies, agreements, and protocols
Post to website
Lists
Selected Research and Publication Profiles
I. COLLEGE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES
Tyrell, E., Jeeboo, K., Carter, J. E.-, Thomas, T., & Kurup, R. (2020). Attitudes and Practices of Pharmacists and Physicians towards Bush Medicine in Guyana Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research, 11 (4), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.9734/jocamr/2020/v11i430190
Houacine C, Singh J, Singh R, Jeeboo K, Ansari AA, Cummings E, et al. (2021) The Cytotoxic effect of an Ethanol extract of Momordica Charantia, Kuguacin-J and Cisplatin on healthy MCF-10A and MCF-7 and MDAMB-231 breast cancer cell lines employing In Vitro assays. The Gazette of Medical Sciences, 2 (4): 016-029. https://www.doi.org/10.46766/thegms.pharma.21062806
II. FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY
Hartley, D.L., Charles, E., Goring, Z., & Oura, C. (2021). Viruses of Economic Importance in Backyard Poultry in Guyana, South America. ARC Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences 7, 1: 35-43.
Lewis, S., Lewis, L., Charles, E. & Skeete, R. (2020) Pruning as a successful treatment to improve growth of Acacia mangium Willd. Plantation in the reclamation of goldmine spoils of Guyana. SCIREA Journal of Geosciences.
Lewis, S. & Rosales, J. (2021). Landscape elements and its connectivity in three forested landscapes impacted by bauxite mining in Guyana. Unpublished manuscript. University of Guyana.
Ramdial, D.; Sewdien, A.; Rasdan, J.; Critchlow, S.; Tjong-A-Hung, N.; Ospina, A.; Wortel, V.; & Putz, F.E. (2020) Stump Sprout Characteristics of Three Commercial Tree Species in Suriname. Forests, 11, 1130.
Lewis, S. & Rosales, J. (2020) Restoration of Forested Lands under Bauxite Mining with Emphasis on Guyana during the First Two Decades of the XXI Century: A Review. Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection.
III. FACULTY OF EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Oyedotun, T. D. T. & Moonsammy, S. (2021) Linking national policies to beneficiaries: Geospatial and statistical focus to waste and sanitation planning, Environmental Challenges (Elsevier) 4: 100142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envc.2021.100142 /
Oyedotun, T. D. T., Moonsammy, S., Oyedotun, T. D., Nedd, G. A., & Lawrence, R. N. (2021) Evaluation of waste dynamics at the local level: The search for a new paradigm in national waste management, Environmental Challenges, 4: 100130 (Elsevier) https://doi.org/10.1016/j. envc.2021.100130 /
Moonsammy, S., Oyedotun, T. D. T., Renn-Moonsammy, D-M., Oyedotun, T. D., Ally, N., Kasim, O. F., & Famewo, A. (2021) COVID-19 Effects on Municipal Waste Collection Services for Households: Statistical modelling of perspectives from Guyana and Nigeria, Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management, 1-10 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10163-021-01225-4 (Springer)
Moonsammy, S., Oyedotun, T. D. T., Renn-Moonsammy, D-M, & Oyedotun, T. D. (2021) COVID-19 Modelling in the Caribbean: Spatial and statistical assessments. Spatial and Spatio-temporal Epidemiology. 37: 100416 (Elsevier). 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sste.2021.100416
Oyedotun, T. D. T. & Ally, N. (2021) Environmental issues and challenges confronting surface waters in South America: A review, Environmental Challenges 3: 100049 (Elsevier) 1-12 https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.envc.2021.100049
Moonsammy, S., Oyedotun, T. D. T., Oderinde, O., Durojaiye, M., and Durojaiye, A. (2021) Exhaust determination and air-to-fuel ratio performance of end-of-life vehicles in a developing African Country: A case study of Nigeria. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment. Volume 91: (102705) (Elsevier). 1-14 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2021.102705; https:// authors.elsevier.com/c/1cR904rgZijLYk
Oyedotun, T. D. T. (2021) Impacts of COVID-19 on geomorphological fieldwork: Exploration of new initiatives and dimensions. Geological Behavior, 5(1): 1-3. http://doi.org/10.26480/ gbr.01.2021.01.03 https://geologicalbehavior.com/archives/1gbr2021/1gbr2021-01-03.pdf /
Oyedotun, T. D. T. & Moonsammy, S. (2021) Spatio-temporal variation of COVID-19 and its spread in South America: A Rapid Assessment, Annals of the American Association of Geographers; 111 (6): 1868-1879. https://doi.org/10.1080/24694452.2020.1830024; https://www.tandfonline. com/doi/full/10.1080/24694452.2020.1830024
Oyedotun, T. D. T., Kasim, O. F., Famewo, A., Oyedotun, T. D., Moonsammy, S., Ally, N. & RennMoonsammy, D-M (2020) Municipal waste management in the era of COVID-19: Perceptions, practices, and potentials for research in Developing Countries. Research in Globalization Volume 2: 100033: 1-10 (Elsevier). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resglo.2020.100033
Babajide, S., Oyedotun, T. D. T., Oderinde, O., Oguntoke, O., and Babajide, E. (2020) Evaluation of the Impacts of Metals on Soil Samples, Serum Creatinine and Blood Urea Nitrogen of Residents in Selected Industrial Communities in a Developing Country, Environmental Contaminants Reviews, 40-47. http://doi.org/10.26480/ecr.01.2020.40.47 https://contaminantsreviews.com/ paper/1ecr2020/1ecr2020-40-47.pdf
Simmons, D. (2021). Carbon Removal: Opportunities to Restore Ecosystem and Combat Climate Change. Journal of Academic Research and Essays. Retrieved December 1, 2021, from https:// jare.org.gy/carbon-removal-opportunities-to-restore-ecosystem-and-combat-climate-change/ (Original work published in Guyana Chronicle 2021)
Liang, T. and Moonsammy, S. 2021. Evaluating the impact of small-scale mining on the achievement of the sustainable development goals in Guyana. Environmental Science and Policy 116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2020.11.010
Alabi, A. M., Kasim, O. F. Lasisi M. O. / Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in residential solid waste management in Ibadan: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Geography and Regional Planning, vol 13(2): 30-40 / (2020).
Kasim O. F. Alabi, A. M., and Wusu, S (2020) Risk Assessment for Hazard Exposure and its Consequences on Housing Construction Sites in Lagos, Nigeria. ACTA Structilla, 27(1): 59-84 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18820/24150487/as27i1.3 /
Kasim, O. F., Agbola S. B. and Oweniwe M. F. (2020) Land use land cover change and land surface emissivity in Ibadan, Nigeria. Journal Town and Regional Planning, 77: 71-88 DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.18820/2415-0495/trp77i1.6.
Kasim O. F., Wahab Bolanle and Oweniwe M. F. (2021) Urban Expansion and Enhanced Flood Risk in Africa: The Example of Lagos. Environmental Hazards. (Taylor & Francis) 1-22 https://doi. org/10.1080/17477891.2021.1932404
Kasim, O. F. Omirin, O. J. Fanegan, O and Odunola, O. O. (2021) Sustainability in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Sector in Lagos, Nigeria. Asian Development Perspectives, 12(1):114 https:// doi.org/10.22681/ADP.2021.12.1.1/
Alleyne,A. and Steele, C. An Investigation of Water Resource Management in the Beverage Industry. Journal of Academic Research and Essays (accepted for publication)
Murray, P., Rose, S., & Osborne, C. (Submitted for publication) 2021. Exploring the Coagulant Capability of Moringa oleifera Seed Powder as a Technique for Reducing Turbidity in Gold Mine Tailings Pond. Journal of Academic Research and Essays
BOOK CHAPTERS
Benn, D.K. (2021). The need for a resettlement pathway for Guyana’s vulnerable coastal communities. In A.R. Siders & I.J. Ajibade (Eds.) Global Views on Climate Relocation and Social Justice. Routledge.
Kasim O. F. Wahab B., Olayide O.E. (2020) Assessing Urban Liveability in Africa: Challenges and Interventions. In: Leal Filho W., Azul A.M., Brandli L., Lange Salvia A., Wall T. (Eds) Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. Encyclopedia of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71059-4_70-1 /
BOOKS
Oyedotun, T. D. T. (2020) Guide Rock ... thoughtful and inspiring daily devotional
Oyebola, O. O, Ifeanyi-Obi, C. C. Momodu, A. S. Kasim, O. F., Olusola, F, Jagun-Jubril, A., Oluwaranti A. (2021). Climate Change Research: Outputs and Uptakes of Nigerian CIRCLE Visiting Fellows. Ibadan; Ebony Books & Kreations
IV. FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND HUMANITIES
De Lisser, T. & C. Wilkinson, (2020). Attitudes of Hinter and Coastland Teachers towards Guyanese Creole. Glossa: Journal of Education and Humanities, 3, 71-91.
Brown, Troy, (2021) ID Model Development and Validation: Improving Secondary School Students’ Mathematics Achievement through Cooperative Learning Strategies, Frontiers in Education Technology.
Dalrymple, Nequesha, (2020) Socio-demographic factors in relation to habitual sodium and potassium intakes among adults in Trinidad and Tobago, Nutrition and Health.
Joong, P., Ramsawak-Jodha, N., Wintz, P., Anderson, S., & Hutton, D., (2021), Understanding the ecologies of Education Reforms: Comparing the perceptions of Secondary Teachers and Students in Jamaica, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean Journal of Mixed Method Research, 3 (1), 134-156.
Oyedutun, T. D., (2020) Sudden Change in Pedagogy in education driven by COVID-19: Perceptions, practices, and potentials for research in Developing Countries, Research in Globalization (Elsevier), 2, 100029 https://doi.org.
V. FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Forthcoming Publications
Proctor. G., (2023-2024) Guyana’s Architectural and Infrastructural Transformation: A Pictorial Analysis [Manuscript submitted for publication]
Dare, O., Espinosa, I. U., Boston, C., & Anderson, D. (2020). A pilot study on the potential for household composting at a rural community in Guyana. Book of Abstracts: Student Research, 1, 39–39. https://doi.org/10.52377/mfhk6076
Bascom, C. R., Espinosa, I. U., & Urlin, H. (2020). An investigation into the advancement of Polyethylene Terephthalate Beverage Bottle Recycling in Georgetown. Book of Abstracts: Student Research, 1, 38–38. https://doi.org/10.52377/shky2058
VI. FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
Ayres, T., Cameron, Q., Warren, K., & Kerrigan, D. (2020). Contemporary Substance Use in Guyana: The Prison Context. LIAS Working Paper Series, 4. doi:https://doi.org/10.29311/ lwps.202143766
Cameron, Q. & Kerrigan, D. (2021). Coloniality and Mental Health, Neurological and Substance Abuse (MNNS) Disorders in Guyana’s Prisons Today. LIAS Working Paper Series, 4. University of Leicester. https://doi.org/10.29311/lwps.202143754
Davis, P., Inabinet, B., Moss, C.I. and Walcott, C. (2021). Decolonizing religion. Lisa Corrigan and Mary Stuckey (Eds.). Rhetoric and Public Affairs, 24(1-2), 349-364.
Frank, D. V. (2021). Patterson, Sybil Agatha. Encyclopedia of Social Work https://doi.org/10.1093/ acrefore/9780199975839.013.1520
Fritz, F. D., Fazel, S., Benavides Salcedo, A., Henry, P., Rivera Arroyo, G., Torales, J., Trujillo Orrego, N., Vásquez, F., & Mundt, A. P. (2021). 1324 prison suicides in 10 countries in South America: incidence, relative risks, and ecological factors. Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology, 56(2), 315–323. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-020-01871-3
Frost, D., Mahmud, M., Kaiser, M. Musoke, D., Henry, P. & Islam, S. (2021). Innovative approaches to strengthening health systems in low- and middle-income countries: Current models, developments, and challenges. Health Policy and Technology, Volume 10, Issue 4. https://doi. org/10.1016/j.hlpt.2021.100567.
DaSilva-Glasgow, D. (2021). “ Temporary Barriers and Local Industry Defense: Where does Guyana stand? Where Should It Head?,” Estey Centre Journal of International Law and Trade Policy, 22(1). DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.312212.
Henry, P. & Halley, G. (2021). Rural Women Farmers and Sustainable Livelihoods in Guyana. International Journal of Scientific Research and Management. 666-682. https://doi.org/10.18535/ ijsrm/v9i8.sh02
Rampersaud, T. (2020). Capacity Building for Participatory Management of Community Radio: Case Studies in Bangladesh. Mass Communicator - International Journal of Communication Studies, 14(4), 31-37. DOI: 10.5958/0973-967X.2020.00023.X
Bassier, F., Rampersaud, T., and Lam, M. (Editors, Curators). (2020). GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS: Tenth Anniversary Photowalks, (Volume 3). VISIONS: Georgetown, Guyana.
Bassier, F., Rampersaud, T., and Lam, M. (Editors, Curators). (2020). GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS: Tenth Anniversary Photowalks, (Volume 2). VISIONS.
Bassier, F., Rampersaud, T., and Lam, M. (Editors, Curators). (2020). GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS: Tenth Anniversary Photowalks, (Volume 1). VISIONS.
Bassier, F., Rampersaud, T., and Lam, M. (Editors, Curators). (2020). PHOTOWALKS: Through the Years – Through the Lens, (Volume 1), 2010-2020. VISIONS.
Bassier, F., Rampersaud, T., and Lam, M. (Editors, Curators). (2020). PHOTOWALKS: Through the Years – Through the Lens, (Volume 2), 2010-2020. VISIONS.
Bassier, F., Rampersaud, T., and Lam, M. (Editors, Curators). (2020). PHOTOWALKS: Through the Years – Through the Lens, (Volume 3), 2010-2020. VISIONS.
BOOK CHAPTER
Walcott, C. (2021). Convergences of Southern Identity and the global South in the National Centre for Civil and Human Rights. In Christina Moss and Brandon Inabinet (Eds.), Restructuring Southern Rhetoric. Oxford University Press of Mississippi.
Forthcoming publications (accepted by publishers)
Denton, P., Myers, B. & Henry, P. (2021) Clinical utility of suicide depression measures and symptoms: Implications for suicide risk assessment in high risk, resource-limited youth populations. [Manuscript to be published] Evidence-Based Practice in Child & Adolescent Mental Health. Taylor and Francis.
Frank, D. (2021). Wood, Gertie Lucina. [Manuscript to be published] in Encyclopedia of Social Work. Oxford University Press.
Frank, D. (2021). Cox, Frederick Augustus. [Manuscript to be published] in Encyclopedia of Social Work. Oxford University Press.
Frank, D. & Smith Enoe, S. (2021). Navigating Social Work Field Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges, Benefits and Opportunities. [Manuscript to be published] Journal of Academic Research and Essays
Henry, P., Miller, M., Halley Crawford, C., Cameron, Q., Campbell, W., Edwards, D. Rampersaud, T., Frost, D. James, M. & Siebert, P. (2021). Managing teaching presence: Reflective narratives of international educators during a Global Pandemic. [Manuscript to be published]. International Journal of Academic Development.
Johnson, J., Smith Enoe, S., Luo, S., Pacilli, M. & Pagliaro, S. (2021). Intimate partner violence in Fiji: How the perpetrator is rewarded for perceived victim suffering. [Manuscript to be published]. Violence Against Women
Lobo1, José , P. Neal, Zachary, T. Shutters, Shade, Perreira. A, et al. (2021) “Graduate Level Training for the New Urban Sustainability Science: A Global Perspective”. [Manuscript to be published].Nature Urban Sustainability.
VII. LIBRARY
Gwyneth George, Simone Bernard and Somattie Sayrange. (2021) Koha Open Source Library Management Systems: The University of Guyana Library’s Experience’ by the Caribbean Library Journal, 6, a publication of the UWI, UWI Libraries on Open
VIII. CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING (COETAL)
Bissessar, C.S.G. (2021). Social Learning, Collaborative Professional Learning, Professional Learning Communities and Communities of Practices: Implications for Praxis. Teacher Learning and Professional Development, 6(1), 0-20.
Bissessar, C., Black, D., & Boolaky, M. (2021). The H.E.R.O.s of Online Education: What makes students succeed despite the odds? Journal of Educators Online, 18(1), 1-17.
Bissessar, C., Black, D., & Boolaky, M. (2020). International graduate students’ perceptions of COI. European Journal of Open, Distance and E-learning, 23(1), 61-83.
BOOK CHAPTERS
Bissessar, C.S.G. (2021). Comparing Teacher Professional Development Initiatives in Three Caribbean Countries: Implications for Leaders. In Eleanor Blake and Ken Williams (eds). Handbook on Caribbean Education: Information Age Publishers
20 Years
2020 Long Service Awardees
Alexander, Dwayne Studio Assistant Faculty of Education and Humanities
Bernard, Calvin Senior Lecturer Faculty of Natural Sciences
Coppin, Brian Lecturer I Faculty of Natural Sciences
Fox, Dawn Senior Lecturer Faculty of Natural Sciences
Harper-Fenty, Bibi Senior Library Assistant I University Library
Harris, Clyden Librarian II University Library
Ifill, Mellissa DVC, Institutional Advancement Office of the DVC, Institutional Advancement
Patterson, Winslow Hall Manager (Temp.) Registry
Ramnarine, Pamela Laboratory Technician I Faculty of Natural Sciences
Ramroop, Yashwant Senior Assistant Librarian University Librarian
Sancho, Fiona Maid/Cleaner Registry
Simpson, Hazel Lecturer II Faculty of Education and Humanities
Singh, Lenandlar Senior Lecturer Faculty of Natural Sciences
Singh, Taramattie Laboratory Technician III Faculty of Natural Sciences
Singh, Thomas Senior Lecturer Faculty of Social Sciences
25 Years
Name Designation Faculty/Department
Bernard, Simone Librarian III University Library
Bynoe, Nichelle Accountant I Bursary
Crawford, Johann Office Attendant College of Medical Sciences
Dover, Althea Assistant Accountant Bursary
Haynes, Bruce Technologist II Faculty of Engineering and Technology
Lowe, Sherwood Lecturer II Faculty of Engineering and Technology
Milo, Francesca Clerk/Typist II Registry
Simmons, Denise Lecturer II Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Torrington, George Driver/Mechanic Office of the Vice-Chancellor
20 Years
2021 Long Service Awardees
30 Years
Cummings, Emanuel DVC, Academic Engagement Office of the DVC, Academic Engagement
Glasgow, Patricia Book Attendant University Library
Mc Farlane, Shawn Janitor Facilities Maintenance Department
Marcus, Karen Assistant Budget Officer Bursary
Parris, Carol Senior Assistant Librarian University Library
Washington, Donette Senior Assistant Librarian University Library
35 Years
II Faculty of Education and Humanities
Benjamin, Carlyle Technologist II (Temp.) Faculty of Engineering and Technology
Caleb, Gilbert Plumber-in-Charge Facilities Maintenance Department
Charles, Elroy Senior Lecturer Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry
Chinapen, Rudra Office Attendant Registry
Fraser, Melisande Registry Assistant School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation
Jagessar, Raymond Professor Faculty of Natural Sciences
King, Maxcine Clerk/Typist II Centre for Information Technology
Mangra, Surujdai Library Assistant University Library
Moriah, Terence Buildings Attendant-in-Charge Facilities Maintenance Department
Swain, Yvette Assistant Accountant Bursary
Trim, Elena Lecturer II Faculty of Engineering and Technology
Williams, Malcolm Director Tactical Online Services
Wong-Bandhan, Patricia Administrative Officer II College of Medical Sciences
25 Years
Name Designation Faculty/Department
Bentinck, Robert Delivery Attendant Faculty of Engineering and Technology
Robin, Jacqueline Registry Assistant Facilities Maintenance Department
Dhanraj, Anita Personal Assistant Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry
Mc Kinnon, Wendy Registry Assistant Registry
Trotman-Prince, Marcia Administrative Assistant I School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation
Yusuf, Carmen Lecturer
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University of Guyana List of UB Staff
Graduates of the Executive Diploma in Human Resource Management
1. Belle-Lindie, Nakadia
2. Bynoe, Julian
3. Bynoe, Nichelle
4. D’Aguiar, Marcellin
5. Dover, Althea
6. Fraser, Melisande
7. Garnett-Adams, Keshawna
8. Harte, Sefrah
9. Hopkinson, Vanessa
10. James, Suzette
11. Jervis, Yolaskee
12. Persaud, Durpattie (Devya)
13. Persaud, Shalini
14. Profitt, Tamika
15. Ramsaran, Peter
16. Ramtahal, Davindra
17. Reid, Nikita
18. Rohoman, Bernadette
19. Sam, Adrian
20. Singh, Leelawattie
21. Swain, Yvette
22. Trotman -Prince, Marcia
23. Valz, Carol
24. Welcome, Olivia
25. Williams, Brian
26. Williams, Oksana
UA Staff Attaining Doctoral Degrees in 2021
Dalrymple, Nequesha Faculty of Education and Humanities
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
James-Kippins, Winifred Faculty of Education and Humanities
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Lashley, Lidon Faculty of Education and Humanities
Department of Foundation and Education Management
Budhoo, Tamashwar Faculty of Education and Humanities Department of Foundation and Education Management
Lecturer II (D.Phil.) Human Ecology
The University of the West Indies - 2021
Lecturer II (Temp.) (Doctor of Education)
Educational Leadership (Higher Education) The University of the West Indies - 2021
Senior Lecturer (Ph.D.) University of Roehampton - 2021
Lecturer II (Doctor of Education) Walden University2021
