U.B.: all courses remain intact for August
For some time now rampant rumours regarding proposed changes to the administration and courses at the University of Belize have been a source of heated debate. Today, the relevant parties involved held a press conference to inform the media of the latest developments in the ongoing restructuring process.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
It appears as though the central administration of the University of Belize, its staff, faculty and students have been able to work out their differences and find a common ground on plans to restructure the management and policy of the educational institution.
Randolph Johnson, Member, Board of Trustees
“We have seen over the past couple of weeks that the university has pulled itself together, wherein before, maybe the past couple of years we were having faculty…in fact there were some people in faculty who didn’t know each other, their paths didn’t cross and the faculty was occurring the way we had hoped it would have been. But sometimes out of struggle and pain we move forward and so I am only seeing good things happening out of this.”
Luz Longsworth, Interim Pres., U.B. Faculty & Staff Assn.
“We pulled together and we looked at what we thought were guiding principles that we wanted to hold dear.”
Stephanie Young, Chair, Student Body
“It’s due to this process that everything occurred, that students were able to not be left out in the dark. So basically that something that the students would want to know, that come August the programmes are still going to be there and you can continue to have your faith and your trust in the University of Belize.”
At a press conference held this afternoon in Belize City, it was announced that none of the university’s programs or staff would be cut, but that in principle a proposal to streamline the senior and middle level administration was accepted by all parties concerned.
Dr. Corinth Morter-Lewis, President, U.B.
“Initially we had three vice presidents and a president. That has been changed and flattened to one provost or registrar and a chief financial officer. There were six deans in the previous structure; we have now four deans within academic. And where we had a vice president for student affairs, we now have a Dean.”
U.B.’s President, Dr. Corinth Morter-Lewis said contrary to reports, the Engineering Department will not be moved to the Centre of Employment Training, but will remain at the university.
Dr. Corinth Morter-Lewis
“There was a point at which, and still is, we have been examining the area of the engineering department at the university. We have concluded that it will be kept within the university for the foreseeable future, so the students will be there, the teachers will be there and the classes will proceed as usual.”
Jacqueline Woods for News 5.
