Welcome by the Pro Vice Chancellor for Graduate Studies

There has probably never been a time when the need of Caribbean society for a strong cadre of persons educated at the graduate level has been more pressing. The world is no longer (and probably never was) dominated by those who have the raw materials, but by those who have the wherewithal to convert any and all opportunities into useful innovation, to meet the needs or wants of significant segments of our societies. But make no mistake – whilst societies which excel at this are referred to as “Knowledge Societies”, the simple accumulation of knowledge of “the facts” is in no way the key to advancement in this global milieu. Facts are more readily available and freely accessible than ever before. It is rather, the ability to gather and use the pertinent facts creatively to generate and implement desirable innovations that will mark excellence in any field, and will govern the success and advancement of our societies. The School for Graduate Studies & Research (SGSR) is dedicated to offering you advanced education which will allow you to compete in this demanding scenario – but we also urge you to help us by bringing to bear upon your studies the attitudes and practices which will resonate with our objectives. We laud your choice of the UWI SGSR for advancing your studies and look forward to working with you to enhance your personal, national, regional and global competitiveness in your chosen discipline. Welcome to the School for Graduate Studies & Research, UWI.

Ronald E. Young
Pro Vice Chancellor
School for Graduate Studies & Research
The University of the West Indies

Dear New and Returning Students

In our 2007-2012 Strategic Plan, our University identified the need for transformational change that would significantly increase capacity and output in graduate studies and research at UWI. The rationale for this is that it would allow UWI to increase its role as a player in the international pursuit of knowledge and benefit from the international recognition that this provides, that it would generate the knowledge base needed for sustainable regional development, that it would develop and produce the critical thinkers and regional leaders that the Caribbean requires, and that it would enhance the overall scholastic quality at UWI, including the quality and relevance of our undergraduate programmes. Graduate research students will need to be key drivers of this change. It is therefore critical that you understand the importance of your role in our academy and in the development of our region, and that you acquire and display the commitment, industry and self confidence necessary to effectively execute your role. That is your responsibility. Ours is to provide the enabling environment and guidance necessary for you to achieve this. Do not hesitate to call on us and ensure that we deliver on our responsibility.

I welcome all of you, both new and returning graduate students, and wish you an academic year that is transformational, developmental and successful.

Professor Wayne Hunte
Pro Vice Chancellor

Welcome by the Principal

Welcome to graduate studies at the UWI, Mona. We recognize that you have come from far and near and sometimes at great financial or familial sacrifice, to embark on furthering your academic career. It is our commitment to provide you with a caring community, dedicated to nurturing your scholarship and generating new knowledge. We accomplish this by ensuring that Graduate Studies and Research focuses solely on the needs and development of students pursuing advanced degrees: masters-level degrees and PhD degrees: with the objective of helping you to realize your academic goals.

In the region and beyond, our degree programmes continue to be recognized as models of excellence, a status we guard jealously as we are mindful of the benefits that attend institutions of high repute. In spite of the harsh economic climate within which the UWI must operate, we continue to meet, and in some instances surpass, global performance standards - making our institution the most attractive university for regional scholars to attend. Members of our faculty, with their diverse backgrounds, impressive qualifications and real-world experience, also contribute to our premier status, which will bring untold value to the learning experience.

This investment of your time, talent, finances and scholarship is expected to foster your personal growth, ethical values, critical thinking skills and grounding in your chosen discipline. Fine graduate students like you who choose to pursue your graduate studies here, are our best testimony to the value of a UWI education.

Gordon Shirley
Pro Vice Chancellor & Principal
UWI, Mona Campus