Almost 500 students quit UG due to lack of access to online tutoring
COVID-19 pandemic
Some 500 students were unable to continue classes at the University of Guyana last semester, due to their inability to access online tutoring. In response to this, the tertiary institution has rolled out new plans to curb this issue.
This was confirmed by newly-appointed Vice Chancellor Prof Paloma Mohamed-Martin.
University of Guyana Vice Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed
According to Martin, the University will be spending an excess of US$3 million over the next few months to have this situation resolved.
Investments will be made in long battery life laptop computers for students in the hinterland communities and lecturers. This is expected sometime in October.
“There is currently a negotiation for special laptops with modems inbuilt for hard to reach areas, that have long-life batteries for 36 hours…GTT is also helping to work out a special plan for students and staff”, she said.
The University will also be catering for a larger number of students in the new semester, as it continues to have classes virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic for semester one of the 2020/2021 academic year.
In a release, the institution said it will continue to work in safe mode online, with essential services being performed on the University’s campuses.
“Important Dates to Note for Semester 1 are as follow: The New Academic Year is scheduled to commence on October 5, 2020; however, Registration for New and Continuing Students will be held from August 31, 2020 to September 30, 2020”.
UG also revealed that orientation will be conducted online from October 5, 2020, to October 9, 2020, and the first day of classes will be on October 12, 2020.
“The End of Period for late Registration is November 6, 2020, while the End of Period for the: Change of Registration, Requests for Transfers, Requests for Exemptions of Courses and Requests for Withdrawal from Courses is November 13, 2020”, the release read.
The University’s deadline for Payment of Fees or Submission of Loan Award is November 27, 2020, while the examination period for semester one will be held from January 25, 2021, to February 13, 2021.
“Semester is scheduled to end on February 13, 2021. Note, the situation will be reviewed and updated accordingly for Semester Two”.
The University is asking that continuing students who may need clarifications and might have questions, to contact their Heads of Department, while new applicants and the public may call or WhatsApp: 592-623-8325; 592-623-3159 between 10:00h and 14:00h on (Monday to Friday) or email: [email protected] copy to [email protected] for queries.
