Northern Caribbean University Vice-President of Academic Administration, Dr Vivene Quarrie

By: Shannekca Brown|Social Work Major

Mandeville, Jamaica- Vice-President of the Northern Caribbean University’s Academic Administration, Dr Vivene Quarrie has confirmed that students can now take a maximum of 21 credits once they have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 and above.

She made the announcement during a virtual town hall meeting on Wednesday, August 5, 2020, while addressing students from the College of Humanities, Behavioural and Social Sciences.

According to Dr Quarrie students who have attained a G.P.A of 3.49 and below will now be able to take up to 18 credits instead of 16, with the exception of those who have been disqualified as a result of having a low G.P.A.

“This is apart of the new academic bulletin, please note that the contents of the bulletin that will be promulgated to 2020 will relate to all new students coming in with the exception of the credit hours. So if your not a new student follow your own respective bulletins.”

Dr Quarrie also noted that the university is expected to host face-to-face graduation from December 11 to 13. She said that in an event that the pandemic impacts the proposed dates, a virtual gradational exercise will be hosted instead on Sunday, December 13.

Meanwhile, NCU President, Dr Lincoln Edwards reiterated that teaching will be done remotely and only a few students will be allowed on the universities’ campus.

“Students who are engaged in practicum or laboratory courses will be required to be on campus for those training because we do not have a way to do labs virtually.”

Dr. Edwards also added that persons who have internet challenges are permitted to make use of the school’s Wi-Fi and computer laboratories. He assured them that those who will be on campus will be subjected to temperature checks and wearing masks, whilst practising social distancing.

In regards to financial difficulties, the University President guaranteed students that they have been in dialogue with the Student Loan Bureau who has assured them that they have adequate funds to provide funding to students who require assistance.

The town hall meeting was hosted to provide information to the college of Humanities, Behavioural and Social Sciences in order to provide an update on plans to reopen the institution for the fall 2020 semester.