Classes resume on Monday for most UTech students

In-person and online classes will resume on Monday for University of Technology (UTech), Jamaica, students at its Papine, Slipe Pen Road and Arthur Wint Drive campuses.

The university says MBA Level 2 students will resume classes on Sunday.

Classes for students at the Western Campus will resume at the Dome Street campus only, while the Barnett Street (Montego Bay) and Ocho Rios locations remain closed until further notice due to damage sustained during the hurricane.

UTech says a decision regarding the reopening of the Barnett Street and Ocho Rios locations will be announced once repairs are completed and electricity, water supply, and communication services are restored.

UTech says it will make several academic adjustments, including modifying instructional content to ensure completion of essential theoretical, practical, and clinical components within the remaining time in Semester 1.

It adds that deans and faculty teams will determine adjustments to assessments and teaching modalities, particularly for programmes requiring clinical or practicum components. Courses of study with professional or external certification requirements will complete those requirements in full.

The university's administration says students unable to continue their studies this semester due to the hurricane’s impact may apply for withdrawal with permission without penalty or impact on their grade point average (GPA). Applications should be submitted in keeping with Regulation 3 of the Student Handbook.

Utech's graduation ceremony, previously scheduled for November 8 and 9, has been postponed. The university says a new date will be announced once confirmed.

The university says it has also implemented the following support and relief measures:

Psychosocial support

UTech, Jamaica continues to offer counselling and spiritual care through its counsellors and Chaplaincy team. Students and staff needing support may make contact at:

- Students: studentwelfare@utech.edu.jm | WhatsApp: 658-213-5380

- Staff: staffwelfare@utech.edu.jm | WhatsApp: 658-213-5380

Financial alleviation and welfare assistance

· No financial penalty for students withdrawing from Semester 1

· Waiver of late fee penalties for payment deadlines

· Provision of care packages and essential supplies based on need

· JUTC Bus Passes to help reduce transportation costs

· Special Welfare (Hurricane) Grants of up to J$50,000 for affected students

· Special consideration on a case-by-case basis for the 80% exam clearance requirement

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