Disappointment echoed throughout the Alfred Sangster Auditorium at the University of Technology, Jamaica on September 14, 2023 when students were given the opportunity to express themselves at the first town hall meeting hosted by the University’s new President and alumni Dr. Kevin Brown.
Students were given the floor to provide suggestions and give feedback on their experience thus far and officials were flooded with statements of dissatisfaction. Several students complained of issues with their timetable, the school’s online portal and the lack of reliable Wi-Fi. Students who live on dorms spoke on termite issues, modernization of the dorm rooms and unstable appliances.
Promises were made by Dr. Brown to look at the systems, find the problem(s), come up with an action plan and phase in a solution by the upcoming January semester. He added that the Wi-Fi will be fixed by the latest October 2023, and the other issues are to be improved over the coming months.
Value Based Culture
The value-based culture of the institution came into question when one student asked whether the staff were committed to the students or their salary. The student further stated that he was tired of empty promises and needed to see action.
“The value-based culture looks good on paper, but it is not properly executed” stated President Brown while expressing his commitment to make student life better and improving the facilities.
Dr. Brown reassured students of the school’s intention of making their university experience awesome while also acknowledging the fact that it can be challenging at times. “I know that too many of you think that you are surviving UTech, and we need to end that narrative” he said.
Reported by Ardrene Edwards