UG welcomes 9,000 students at virtual orientation

—3,000 first time registrants—

—classes to continue online—

After several delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Guyana (UG) is welcoming some 9,000 students from both the Turkeyen and Tain campuses, for the 2020-21 academic year.

During a virtual orientation on Monday, UG Chancellor, Professor John Edward Greene, congratulated the batch, inclusive of 3,000 new registrants, for their endurance amid the pandemic.

“You decided that postponing the opportunity for further education was not an option because in a spirit of resilience and defying all odds, you and your families made whatever sacrifices were necessary,” Professor Greene told students.

He also told them that the education sector would continue to progress both locally and internationally.

“All over the world, coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the future of higher education. It highlights the requirements for increased relevance and survival and revising the business module of many universities including our own while maintaining the mission to research, teaching and education,” the Chancellor said, even as he committed that the University Council will ensure Guyana is not left behind.

Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed, reminded students of the University’s 2040 blueprint, which seeks to ensure that every household across the nation has at least one university graduate.

She indicated that the University would continue to work toward this goal, despite unprecedented setbacks.

Additionally, Director of the Office of Occupational Health and Safety, Ms. Olivia Parris-Bowen informed students that UG would be continuing education delivery online to prevent COVID-19 transmission.

However, for the few instances where students may be required to visit the campus, there will be strict COVID-19 measures in place, including mandatory social distancing, use of masks, and regular handwashing and sanitising.

“Personnel and students may also be required to fill and submit pre-screening questionnaires before access to the campus is granted, as a further chain of preventative measures,” Ms. Parris-Bowen added.

General and faculty orientations continue virtually until Friday.

Meanwhile, the first day of classes is set for November 2. Late applicants have until November 6 to register.

The University has relaxed all other deadlines, including change of registration, leave of absence, transfers, exemptions and withdrawals.