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I extend greetings to our new Pelicans on behalf of the Global Campus Guild of Students. Welcome to The University of the West Indies family, and congratulations on your decision to further your education at this prestige institution which is in the elite band of the top five percent (5%) of universities worldwide. I further welcome our returning Pelicans to the new academic year of 2023-2024, which will bring new experiences, challenges, and successes.
Our values emphasize the importance of student development and success in all that we do. We value the ability to evolve with the passage of time and to embrace changes and challenges in this ever changing landscape. One mandate of the 2023-2024, Guild Executives is to maintain an accessible, welcoming, and culturally diverse online environment, and we will collaborate with a variety of stakeholders to support student success and the University's mission. All of us are faced with societal grief and challenges that have caused us to reflect and re-evaluate our position in society and beyond. As students, we are expected to be responsible self-directed learners who are able to formulate learning goal and strategies for success. Therefore, on your educational journey, I implore you to keep moving forward! Remember, every step you take to learn something new is a step towards a brighter future. You can do this!
There is an African proverb that I often reflect on, “The sun does not forget a village because it is small.” I appreciate this proverb because it is easy for us students to feel small, inept, alone, and vulnerable. On this educational experience, I want to remind you that there are resources and support system to help you. Make the best use of all the assistance that are available to you. This academic year my plan is for the Student Guild to be the sun that shines on the small villages that make up our Guild Council.
Together we will focus on the theme “Grow, Share, Believe” to support each other and provide resources to assist you in your academic journey. My goal as president is to create systems that will support all students to achieve their academic, professional, and community goals. This year the Guild plans to offer opportunities through programming, social events, and informational sessions on trending topics, career training, and special interests.
I believe this is a time for us to be bold in our desire to make education better and more accessible for all students. My team and I are ready and willing to do the work to support you this academic year, but we cannot do it alone. It is critical for all of us to be committed to the charge of making our academic journey brighter and better. As your 2023-2024 President, I plan to bring bold vision, energy, and action to this role because “Together We Can Make It Happen.”
Olson Browne
Guild President 2023-2024
