Software Engineer Mr. Malampati Shekar explains how the programme works.

The online application, which seeks to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery, was held in the Education Lecture Theatre, Turkeyen Campus, Greater Georgetown.

Attending the launch, were Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UG, Mr. Tota Mangar, Public Relations Officer Ms. Paulette Paul (who chaired the proceedings), Mr. Vincent Alexander, Registrar, and Software Engineer Mr. Malampati Shekar.

Alexander stated, that as from today prospective applicants to UG will be able to log on to www.uog.gy and through the link ‘prospective students’, will be able to access application forms, that can be completed and submitted online.

Alternatively, he said, they can log on to turkeyenonline.uog.edu.gy or tainonline.uog.edu.gy and access, complete and submit applications for entry to the University. “It therefore means that wherever there is internet access, UG can be accessed for online application purposes,” he said.

Alexander, however noted, that persons who do not have internet access or prefer not to use the internet can still obtain application forms from the traditional sources across the country and submit them in the way in which they were traditionally submitted.

According to Alexander, the university has been contemplating this form of service delivery for sometime now but was deterred by the exorbitant cost of shelf or customized students’ records management software.

He said, the University has however developed its own software production capacity, through the instrumentality of the Department of Software Services, which would have otherwise cost at least a prohibitive fifty million Guyana dollars for the software alone.

Alexander further stated, that the university will move from online applications in April, to online registration in August and other online services in the short to medium term.

He said, it should be noted that the university is not merely introducing new technology. The entire registry system is being revamped, including the upgrading of the jobs and the manpower in the Registry. “The aim is to be more efficient, effective and customer friendly,” he said.

According to Alexander, students who are writing their CXC’s or CAPE or other relevant examinations, need not await results to apply but they can apply in anticipation of their results.

He however noted, that the university has basic entry requirements that must be attained, if an applicant is to eventually gain entry. He said there are also certain categories of applicants, who must sit and pass the university’s entrance examination before gaining admission.

He is therefore advising, that students apply in a timely manner since that examination will only be offered in the month of August.

Shekar gave assurance, that the Department responsible for the online application will follow standard security measures.

After demonstrating how the programme works, Shekar said with the introduction of the online service, students would not have to constantly visit the Campus but would just have to do so once so that their documents can be verified.

He is urging students not to use the “old style” but to get used to the online service.

He said, those in the department of Software Services include along with him, Stephanas Francis and Othniel Browman.

He added, that the students who helped to get the application ready are Imran Mohamed, Chandra Shekar Singh, Sheldon Tappin and Amarnauth Seegobin.