Cave Hill freshers prepare for new academic year

Hundreds of eager first year students descended on the Cave Hill campus on Friday for this year’s orientation session to mark the start of the new academic year, creating an atmosphere of excitement and enthusiasm.

Addressing the welcome event, Deputy Principal Professor Winston Moore urged the students to value the education received at the institution, adding that the pursuit of higher education undoubtedly improved the employability and future earnings for most, if not all graduates.

He also appealed to the students to immerse themselves in campus life, taking advantage of all the experience has to offer.

“Take in everything the UWI offers, establish friendships with fellow students from other islands, get to know your lecturers and just as importantly work hard in your academic pursuits,” the deputy principal said.

His sentiments were shared by Director of the Office of Student Services and Development, Dale Lynch who encouraged the students to consider the opportunities that lie ahead of them and the various learning resources that are available to contribute to their personal growth.

“Being an engaged student is crucial. Your learning is not confined to classrooms. Attend lectures, workshops, job fairs, and research events to develop all aspects of yourself,” Lynch said.

Guild President Mickel Besson also welcomed the students into the campus community and advised them to embrace the university experience as one of personal and professional growth.

“Your presence here is a testament to your aspirations, and I can assure you that your time at UWI Cave Hill will be filled with opportunities to learn, engage, and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of this campus,” Besson shared.

“Let us approach this academic year with an open heart, a thirst for knowledge, and a determination to create positive change. Together, we will make our mark, contribute to the legacy of the University of the West Indies, and shape a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come,” Besson encouraged the students.

For scores of students from Barbados, across the Caribbean and beyond the event served as their first formal introduction to campus life.

Simran Bachan a Trinidad and Tobago first-year enrollee in the Faculty of Medical Sciences described the event as “enlightening”. She said she learnt a lot about campus life and resources from attending.

“Before the event, I was quite confused about what to expect and how things would work on campus, but the orientation cleared up a lot of my confusion, so I am grateful for this. It also helps that the campus is very beautiful,” Bachan said.

Fellow first year student Christina Watson, who is enrolled in the Faculty of Law expressed her appreciation for the experience, stating it’s a great ‘first’ for this leg of her academic journey.

“I don’t think I have ever had an experience like this before. I was really impressed with the camaraderie, and I truly look forward to becoming one of the UWI Blackbirds,” Watson said.

Cave Hill’s orientation session is designed to assist all new students as they familiarise themselves with the campus environment.  The event includes personal and career development sessions, meetings with academic advisors, student life and housing information – all focused on preparing new students to become #UWIBlackbirds. The program began at 10:30 a.m. and concluded just after midday. (PR)