University of Belize

University of Belize
University of Belize
Motto	Education Empowers A Nation
Established	August 1, 2000
Type	National University
President	Dr.Corinth Morter-Lewis
Academic staff	400
Undergraduates	about 4,000
Location	Belmopan (campuses in Belize City and Punta Gorda), Cayo District, BLZ
Campus	Belmopan: Suburban; Belize City: Urban; Punta Gorda: Urban
Athletics	UB Black Jaguars (Association of Tertiary Level Institutions of Belize(ATLIB))
Mascot	The Black Jaguar
Website	www.ub.edu.bz

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The University of Belize (UB) is an English-speaking multi-locational institute for higher education, and the National University of the Central American country of Belize. Campus locations are found in the capital city Belmopan, Belize City at West Landivar and Freetown Road, Central Farm in the Cayo District, Punta Gorda in the Toledo District, as well as research stations at two marine stations at Calabash and Hunting Cayes in the Belize District. The University of Belize offers certificates, Associate Degrees, Bachelor Degrees, and some graduate programs, there are also plans according to Dr. Palacio, the present Dean, of starting the Masters Degree for the (Management and Social Sciences) Business Program, said last year at Bliss for the Performing Arts. The main campuses are in Belmopan (currently undergoing expansion) and Belize City. The central UB campus is found in Belmopan City where student population is constantly increasing in enrollments of courses. This university voices students' opinion through a student government body where students inquire and complain. The current president of the University of Belize is Dr.Corinth Morter-Lewis.

The university's colors are purple and gold; its mascot is the "Black Jaguar" and its motto is "Education Empowers a Nation".

[edit] History

[edit] Previous attempts at national universities

Belize College of Arts, Science and Technology (Belcast): established in early 1980s. Novel concept but shelved by mid 1980s.
University College of Belize: run and established by Ferris State College of Michigan, USA. One of the five institutions that merged to form UB.

[edit] Amalgamation

The University of Belize was established in August 2000 as an amalgamation of five venerable tertiary-level institutions:

Except for the last one, all institutions forming UB were located in Belize City; UCB had established a college affiliate in Belmopan.

[edit] Mahung replacement

Dr. Santos Mahung was replaced in October 2010 as president of the University of Belize by Corinth Lewis. Reports from Belmopan on Santos Mahung removal first surfaced at a Press Release that was given by the Prime Minister Dean Barrow on Thursday April 8, 2010 and announced by Channel 5 later on Friday October 1, 2010 night on its newscast. According to Prime Minister Dean Barrow, Dr. Corinth Lewis has been appointed to act as president of the University until such time as a substantive appointment can be made. Dr. Lewis played a key role in the transition of UB, and served as President of UB from 2003 to 2007.

[edit] Lewis replacement

Dr. Morter-Lewis was replaced in June 2007 as president of the University of Belize by Santos Mahung. According to Prime Minister Said Musa, a former Minister of Education, Dr. Lewis would oversee the implementation of CAPE-level studies at the University and junior colleges in Belize. He further claimed the decision was mutual, a sentiment echoed by Lewis to students in a special meeting held in Belmopan on Monday May 7. Lewis told students she had one year of her contract remaining and would stay on in an advisory and lecturing capacity to Mahung. Mahung, having taken office in June, is the University's third president, joining Lewis and Dr. Angel Cal.

[edit] Mission Statement

The University of Belize is a national, autonomous and multi-location institution committed to excellence in higher education, research and service for national development. As a catalyst of change it provides relevant, affordable and accessible educational and training programs that address national needs based on principles of academic freedom, equity, transparency, merit and accountability.

[edit] Vision Statement

In the next five years the University of Belize is dedicated to fostering Belize's development by producing graduates who are socially and ecologically responsible, analytical, self-confident, disciplined, ethical, entrepreneurial, and skilled communicators who are committed to using these skills and values for Belize's enrichment.^[1]

[edit] The University's Goals

To Meet National Needs
Encourage Sustainable Development
Increase Self Sustainability
Prepare Belize To Meet Global Challenges
Encourage An International Student Population

[edit] Administration

President: Dr. Cary Fraser
Chairlady of the Board of Trustees: Mrs. Imani Fairweather
Provost: Dr. Ismael Hoare
Assistant Provost: Dr. Cynthia Thompson
Human Resources: Ms. Hertha Gentle
Student Services: Mr. William Neal
Development: (Vacant)
Registrar: Dr. Roy Young
Director of Quality Assurance: Dr. Angel Cal
Director of Recreation and Sport: Mr. Kirk Smith
Director of Finance: Ms. Sandra Miranda
Deans of Faculty:
- Dr. Wilma Wright (Education and Arts)
- Dr. Vincent Palacio (Management and Social Sciences)
- Dr. Abigail McKay (Nursing and Allied Health)
- Dr. Thippi Thiagarajan (Science and Technology)
- Mr. William Neal (Student Affairs)

[edit] Board of Trustees

These persons supervise the administration of UB:

Ms. Imani Fairweather (Minister of Education's Representative)
Mr. Deryck Satchwell (National Council for Education Representative)
Mr. Leonardo Pott (UB Faculty Representative)
Mr. Steve Spiro (Minister's Representative, Tourism Private Sector)
Dr. Peter Allen (Ministry of Health Representative)
Mr. Anthony Sabal (ATLIB Representative)
Mr. David Leacock (Ministry of Education Representative)
Ms. Yvette Alonzo (Non-Governmental & Civil Society Representative)
Mr. Emile Mena (Minister's Representative, Industry Sector)
Mr. Stephen Sho (UB Student Representative)
Mr. Gabino Canto (Ministry of Agriculture Representative)
Ms. Jacqueline Willoughby Sanchez(National Trade Union Congress Representative)
Bishop Canon Philip Wright (Belize Council of Churches Representative)
Dr. Cynthia Terry (UB Alumni Association Representative)
Dr. Santos Mahung (Secretary to the Board)

[edit] Admissions Policy

Associate's: High School Diploma (min. GPA 2.5 and 2.5 or above in English and Math), ATLIB English and Math general test, or combined score of 890 on the SAT or 18 on the ACT.
Bachelor's: Associate Degree from recognized institutions, scores same as above. Transfer credits allowed for courses graded C+ or higher.
Diploma: Bachelor's Degree from a recognized institution

[edit] Divisions of Study

The University has the following faculties: Education and Arts; Management and Social Sciences; Science and Technology; and Nursing, Allied Health, and Social Work.

Other facilities include a language institute and marine research center. Students are able to get hands-on experience in the field of Biology, Zoology, Marine Biology, Anthropology and Archeology (among others) at the university's field stations.

[edit] Faculty of Education and Arts

The Faculty of Education and Arts was formed in 2000 from an amalgamation of teacher education programs at the former University College of Belize and Belize Teacher's College and received its present name in 2000.

Its mission is to promote excellence in teaching, research and service, particularly the development of Belizean teachers and educators. It considers itself the central unit of UB due to many of its courses forming part of the general core of the university curriculum. As such, it contributes to the broadening of its students' minds and their preparation for the wider world.

This Faculty consists of two Departments and two centers:

The Regional Language Center (RLC)
- The Regional Language Center (RLC) Offers certificate programs catering to international students wishing to pursue conversational skills in a second language, namely English (Intermediate or Advanced) or Spanish. The RLC also provides the University community with all necessary Spanish courses to satisfy respective program requirements and UB General Core Requirements.
The Arts Department which offers both following programs at the UB Central campus.
- Associate Degree in English
- Bachelor Degree in English

The Education Department which offers one Associate Degree in Primary Education at all three UB Campuses: Belize City, Belmopan, and Punta Gorda. Also courses under this faculty include:
- Bachelor Degree in Primary Education
- Bachelor Degree in English Education
- Bachelor Degree in Business Education, cognates: Management, Information Technology, Accounting
- Bachelor Degree in Biology Education
- Bachelor Degree in History
- Bachelor Degree in Mathematics Education
- Diploma in Education

History & Anthropology Center

The University also runs an Early Childhood Stimulation Center, managed by this faculty, on the Belmopan campus.

[edit] Faculty of Management and Social Sciences

Formed from the former University College of Belize's Business and Management programs, this faculty received its name in 2003 with the addition of Tourism programs. It seeks to professionally train Belize's economic contributors and enhance their contributions to the public and private sectors of Belize in teaching, service and research.

Current courses under this faculty are:

Certificate in Para-Legal Studies
Associate Degree in Business Science
Associate Degree in Tourism Studies
Bachelor Degree in Accounting
BAchelor Degree in Management
Bachelor Degree in Tourism Management.^[2]

The Faculty added a new Bachelor's Degree program in Public Sector Management with an International Scholar Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Ifedi as the Program Coordinator.Although, the program has been phased out due to low enrollment of students.

Admissions Policy: Same as other faculties, though FMSS calls for GCE A-Level or CAPE passes also.

[edit] Faculty of Science and Technology

The Faculty of Science and Technology's mission is to offer relevant programs in the field of Science and Technology that can prepare students and ensure their success in meeting workplace requirements.

The vision of this faculty is to promote scientific thinking and academic freedom through effective teaching, research and service to meet the challenges of the technologically changing world.

The Department of Agriculture offers an Associate Degree. This program generally runs through the UB Central Farm facility.
- Associate Degree in Agriculture
The Department of Engineering offers three Associate Degrees. These are offered at the Belize City campus and are generally full time programs.
- Associate Degree in Architectural Technology
- Associate Degree in Building & Civil Engineering
- Associate Degree in Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
The Department of Information Technology offers an Associate Degree and a Bachelor Degree, both at the Belmopan Central Campus. These are full time programs. Where complete online courses are also offered.
- Associate in Information Technology
- Bachelor in Information Technology
The Department of Science offers several Associate Degrees in the Natural Sciences and three Baccalaureate Degrees. These programs are full time programs and are offered at the Belmopan Campus, except for Associate in Natural Resources Management which is also offered at the PG campus.
- Associate Degree in Biology
- Associate Degree in Chemistry
- Associate Degree in Marine Science
- Associate Degree in Mathematics
- Associate Degree in Natural Resources Management
- Associate Degree in Physics
- Bachelor Degree in Biology
- Bachelor Degree in Mathematics
- Bachelor Degree in Natural Resources Management

[edit] Faculty of Nursing, Allied Health and Social Work

The faculty of Nursing, Allied Health and Social Work has three Departments.

The Department of Allied Health offers three Associate Degrees through its Belmopan Campus. These programs are for full time students and they generally carry an internship component.
- Associate Degree in Environmental Health
- Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology
- Associate Degree in Pharmacy

The Department of Nursing offers four certificate programs through its Belmopan Campus and one Bachelor Degree program. These programs generally cater to full time students and carry several internship components.
- Certificate in Midwifery
- Certificate in Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
- Certificate in Practical Nursing
- Certificate in Rural Health Nursing
- Bachelor Degree in Nursing.

The Department of Social Work offers Associate Degree through the Belize City Campus. It also offers a Bachelor Degree in the same location. These programs are generally offered as part-time programs thus classes are generally held daily in the evening.
- Associate Degree in Social Work
- Bachelor Degree in Social Work

[edit] Student Government and activities

The University maintains an Association of Student Governments responsible for maintaining the well-being of students at the University. The Association runs sports tournaments, debates, symposia, special events and community service at their respective campuses. The student Government association consist of a president, vice president, treasurer, secretary and other councilors who are elected by all students attending the University of Belize. More students should look forward to becoming part of the Student Government, such program is a key element to find future local and national leaders who can move our country forward

[edit] Current Student Government

Elections for student government were held on the major campuses on April 24 and 25, 2010. These persons emerged following those elections:

President, Belmopan: Jevon Mckensie (succeeds Alex Anderson after 2009 elections)
President, Belize City: Jamal King (succeeds Moses Sulph after 2009 elections)

[edit] Athletics

The University of Belize has one of the best semi-professional basketball team known as the "Black Jaguars". They have participated on local and international tournaments during the last years. They have recently won a national title, making it the second one overall.The University of Belize also participates annually on the prestigious Ruta Maya River Challenge which is a four day race. The participants of the Ruta Maya are local and foreign individuals.

The male football team has been dominating the ATLIB tournament over the past years. Apart from dominating the ATLIB tournament the male football team is currently participating in the Mayor's Cup Tournament in Dangriga. Our country over the years have had a lack of talent, since there is not much tournaments in which student can be participating. The ATLIB tournaments makes UB male football team go up to school such as, S.J.C.J.C (Belize City), C.J.C. (Corozal), M.J.C (Orange Walk). I strongly support the idea that not only males should be competing, but also females should also bring out a team.

The University of Belize has a wide range of opportunities for recreation and sport on each campus. Students can contact the Coordinator of Recreation and Sport on the Central Campus or the Coordinators of Student Affairs on the other campuses for details on learning, participating, and competing in university sports. The university organizes intramural activities in:

Volleyball
Football
Softball
Basketball
Canoeing
Karate
Tennis
Aerobics^[3]

[edit] Goals

The goal of the Department of Recreation and Sports is to improve the personal growth of the student body, by promoting good health practices. This is accomplished via the development and administration of sports programs that focus on encouraging and maintaining a physically active lifestyle, through both individual and group activities.

The mission of the University of Belize Recreation and Sports Department is to promote mental and physical health via quality facilities, equipment, and programs that offer a broad range of coordinated activities and instructional classes which compliment the academic environment and fulfill basic human needs such as relaxation, socialization, and having fun.

The Sports and Recreational program is geared to provide wide participation in intramural activities (within the students), extramural activities (among various faculties of the university) and inter-tertiary or varsity sports activities (representing UB as an elite athlete in national and international sporting events).

Sports and Recreation Director Kirk “Shabba” Smith says that a personal goal for the Department is to one day to be on the same level as the NCAA division 1 in all disciplines: Basketball, Softball, Football, Volleyball and Track & Field.

In the academics area, all student athletes graduate and make something of themselves; as far as is possible, the recreation and sports Department tries to funnel student athletes to the USA and other areas abroad to further excel in both their academics and sports. The vision is also to be the top university in the Caribbean and Central American region in sports and academics.

[edit] Student life

[edit] Student Services provided at UB

All Financial aid
Public Transportation
Cafeteria
Graduation
Orientation
International Student services
Housing
Academic Support Services
Campus Discipline
Study Abroad and International Student Exchange
Counseling
Medical Assistance
Tutoring classes in mathematics by student affairs

[edit] Student Accommodations and Cost provided by UB

Four kinds of housing arrangements are available:

UB Dormitory
Host-family - student lives with a Belizean family and enjoys the benefit of living with a family
Renting an apartment - student rents an apartment and is responsible for food and all utilities.
Renting a house – student(s) rent an entire house.

Estimated Costs of Housing (all prices are per month in US Dollars):

Dormitory $175.00. Private room with private bath and access to internet. Shared rooms $60.00 (capacity of 6) with shared bathroom. Shared rooms $130.00 (capacity of 4) with shared bathroom.
Host Families $225.00 – $300.00. Includes accommodation, meals, and access to amenities (cost varies according to caliber of house).
Host Families excluding meals $175.00 and upwards.
Renting a house $225.00 – $550.00. The price of the house varies according to the number of rooms and how much furniture the house has.

[edit] Statistics

[edit] 2011

Graduates: 323 are females and 142 males.

[edit] 2007

Students: 2,471 (Associate: 1,354; Bachelor: 987; Certificate: 97; Diploma: 1; None: 32)
Programs offered: 48 (Associate: 26; Bachelor: 16; Certificate: 5; Diploma: 1)
Faculty and Staff: 300

[edit] 2006

Students: about 4,000 (all undergraduate)
Programs offered: 34
Faculty and Staff: 300

[edit] Miscellaneous

The university has international programs with 45 other institutions.

Housing: Students can live both on and off campus.

The University of Belize, rather than being just an Educated Institution for Tertiary and Bachelors level, has been many students' second home, as many students spend most of their time in School. The University of Belize has many things to offer; first of all it offers wireless internet access to its student body. The University of Belize has been updating its service to the commodity of the students since they now provide online registration and online transactions. It is very beneficial for students since not all are from Belmopan.

The University has taken into consideration that many expenses are incurred when travelling just to register.

The University of Belize also has several buildings that are helpful for students, such as the Jaguar building that has a computer lab and auditorium.

As in many Universities there are pros and cons, and UB is no exception. In comparison to other Universities UB is very cheap and the degree obtained is highly acceptable.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

[0] ttp://www.ub.edu.bz/about_ub/

[1] ttp://www.ub.edu.bz/admissions/programs_of_study.php

[2] ttp://www.ub.edu.bz/student_affairs/recreation_sports.php

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