THE University of Guyana (UG) is set to begin the new academic year for 2024/2025 with a week-long series of orientation sessions culminating with a high-energy, formal opening on August 30.

According to a press release, this year’s activities will bring new dynamism and innovation to the formal opening. The new high-energy format will welcome new and continuing students, even as orientation sessions for faculties and units begin on August 26.

The central hub for the formal opening and faculties meet-and-greet will be the new Multipurpose Auditorium at the Turkeyen Campus, gifted to the University of Guyana, from 14:00hrs to 18:00hrs.

“The formal Friday commencement activities will begin at noon with an open campus event, providing students with the opportunity to meet faculty, staff, and peers, explore the campus, student clubs and societies, and participate in other special activities in a festive atmosphere,” the release said, adding that the ceremonial opening will take place at 14:00hrs at the new Multipurpose Auditorium, Turkeyen Campus, and will feature presentations from senior officers of the university, including Registrar Dr Nigel Gravesande, Deputy Registrar (ag) Dr Daniella King, Deputy Vice- Chancellor for Academic Engagement Prof. Emanuel Cummings and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Paloma Mohamed-Martin.

The commencement ceremony will also feature cultural performances by the university’s talent ambassadors and other top performers. This event is open to all faculty members, students, and their families.

People attending physically are expected to be seated by 13:30hrs.

Those who wish to join virtually can do so by clicking this link: https://zoom.us/j/97341980833?pwd=G1bkv4LuuOFmVcR5inyA9yi956djvo.1

ORIENTATIONS

Meanwhile, virtual and face-to-face orientation sessions will take place from August 26 – 30 for new students at all campuses (Turkeyen, Berbice and IDCE Regional Campuses) and from September 12 to 13 for continuing students also on all campuses.
This year, the university is expected to welcome over 3,500 freshmen (new students), who will join over 8000 continuing students pursuing studies in various academic disciplines. Orientation sessions will begin daily from 09:00hrs.

These morning sessions will then be followed by in-person or online faculty-specific sessions hosted by the various academic divisions in the afternoons.

Students will receive an email with login information for registering for orientation sessions, the release added.

“The University of Guyana’s orientation sessions are aimed at providing a step-by-step introduction to the university’s systems, policies, and resources that students need to settle in well during their academic journey.

“The most significant aspect of the activity is an introduction to all key administrative and academic personnel who provide guidance and services. This activity, which is a highpoint of the university’s academic calendar, is particularly important for students to start their classes seamlessly.

Students will also be introduced to the physical campuses, labs, faculties and classrooms as relevant. They will also be provided insight on the conduct of online classes if they are taking online or blended options,” it said.

Further, those persons attending face to face are asked to note that sanitisation protocols are expected to be followed with regard to hand-washing, masking where relevant, and distancing if appropriate.

Classes for most new and continuing undergraduate students will begin on September 2, 2024.

In the meantime, the university is still accepting new applications and registrations.

“Though many programmes are at capacity, students who have applied and not yet heard from the university or who wish to register for programmes that are not yet at capacity, are encouraged to complete pending applications or registrations at the earliest or risk losing their places.

“Those who still wish to attend the university for the new academic year can still apply during the next week. New applications close on August 31, 2024.”, the release said.
It noted that registration is ongoing for those students who have already applied and have still to accept the offer placement as well as for students who are continuing.

The university will continue to offer its students three attendance options: face-to-face, online or blended learning formats. The mode of delivery will depend on the discipline being pursued by students, their geographical location and other special conditions such as work commitments or disabilities.

Faculties and other academic departments will continue to advise their respective students directly about options available to them.

Continuing students, who have not yet registered for the new academic year 2024/25, are urged to do so as soon as possible by checking into their SRMS accounts.