The United Student Movement’s 2020-2021 Vice-President of Student Services and Social Affairs, Nicole McFarlane smiles for a photograph during a mass inauguration on the university’s main campus on September 24, 2019.

Photo credit: Ashleigh Dixon

By: Suzell Wray

Students from the Northern Caribbean University (NCU) are set to experience the United Student Movement’s (USM) famous collaborative event, Culture Vibes and Fest, via a hybrid platform.

In a recent interview with the Hilltop Trumpet, USM’s Vice-President of Student Services and Social Affairs, Nicole McFarlane, confirmed that the October event will be held this year on the university’s main campus and will be streamed on the movement’s social media platforms.

According to McFarlane regardless of the implications presented by the coronavirus pandemic, the traditional two-part event will still be held for students’ enjoyment under the new restrictions.

“I don’t want to cancel out the traditional events, what I’m trying to do is have it both physical and online or try to keep it but in a different way. So, I’m trying to be creative in seeing how we can accomplish this.”

The Computer Information Systems (CIS) major revealed that this year they are seeking to invite external artistes possibly Grammy award winner, Koffee or musician Lila Ike, along with NCU student performers.

She explained that a survey will be distributed to students closer to the reopening of school to ascertain students’ feedback on the hosting of some events. She added that other social activities will be implemented online to keep students entertained even as they seek to operate remotely.

“We will be hosting online movie nights and games and we will be using our Instagram platform to have several interviews with influential persons on various issues.”

She quickly added that the famous water party, Aqua Venture, will be cancelled this year due to breaches identified by the university’s administration when it was hosted by the last USM regiment.

Meanwhile, McFarlane told our news teams that her sector will be implementing an online complaint log to address students’ concern as they seek to operate online for the upcoming academic year.

“The complaint log will be issued in the E-bulletin. This log will enable students to state or voice their concerns to the United Student Movement. This log will allow the movement to update students on their issue and also it’s a chance for transparency for the sector.”

She shared that students will be able to enter their complaint in a google form after which the information will be transported to a spreadsheet.

The 21-year-old acquired the post by default during the USM Virtual Elections in April where she succeeded now alumnus, Wrenae Hudson.