ABOUT US
Welcome to Irvine Hall
Irvine Hall, the oldest existing halls of residence at The University of the West Indies, Mona, is known for its rich culture, vibrant student life, and strong sense of community. Partnering with 138 Student Living, a modern housing provider on campus, students benefit from additional high-quality accommodations designed for comfort and convenience. Together, they create a balanced living experience that blends tradition, support, and modern amenities for residents.
Irvine Hall is the place where students come to find and know themselves. Our motto “Know Thyself!” resounds the message of self discovery, self love and self actualization, which together makes each Irvinite powerful and unique.
When you join our residence hall community, you unlock a door that offers exciting, new experiences, academic and personal support, meaningful engagement with others and lifelong friendships. Our community will challenge you, support you and inspire you. It is diverse and filled with energy and excitement. As the students say “The vibez and the vine are synonymous”!
Our staff members and partners are available to guide and support you. Your Student Services and Development Manager (SSDM), charged with ensuring that Irvine Hall delivers on its promises, lives on the property. She is supported by six (6) Graduate Students known as Resident Advisors (RAs), who also live in the Hall. The staff here is a great resource. Get to know your RA on arrival. If you ever need help, I encourage you to look to your RA for assistance in getting in touch with the right person. We are dedicated to making your time here as successful and fulfilling as you want it to.
Irvine Hall
The oldest of the existing Halls of Residence at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Irvine Hall was named in honour of Sir James Irvine. Sir James was the Chairman of the Committee which recommended the founding of the then University College of the West Indies (UCWI) which later became the UWI.
Irvine Hall opened its doors in 1950 and has for 70 years provided a unique living-learning experience for its residents. Known as the Hall of Culture, Pride and Vybes, Irvine Hall provides an engaging community where students develop excellence in academics, politics, leadership, sports, arts and culture.
Our motto is ‘Know Thyself’ and underpins all the programmes and activities which are on offer to students. Here in Irvine Hall we equip our students to become their best selves. Irvine Hall has made its contribution to the UWI and the Caribbean Region in several ways, including:
- A long list of notable alumni including Caribbean Heads of Government. Our alumni include former Jamaican Opposition Leader Honourable Dr. Peter Phillips and Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. The Honourable Keith Rowley
- Producing several Caribbean Heads of Government
- The formation of the University Singers
- The formation of the Steel band called ‘The Playboys’ which developed into the UWI Panoridim Steel Orchestra
- Culturama – An annual Caribbean festival which is over 54 years old
- Hard Wine – The widely anticipated Soca Event
The leadership of Irvine Hall has been provided by stalwarts such as Sir Phillip Sherlock (1950-1959), Dr. Rawle Farley (1959-1960), Professor Walter Harper (1960 to 1961), Sir Frank Worrel (1961-1966), His Excellency Mr. Cedric Harper (1967-1993). Mr. Carlton Lowrie (1994-2010), Mr. Jason McKenzie (2010-2014) and Ms. Simone Williams (since 2014) Irvine’s 70th anniversary celebration scheduled for the 2020/21 academic year was impacted by the COVID pandemic. We look forward to celebrating this platinum event in the future.
Video Tour
The Hall Song
Written by Michael Holgate (2023)
We walk through darkness to find ourselves,
We seek the truth and forget all else.
We ask for wisdom we walk the walk
We spark the courage within our hearts
We climb a little higher everyday
We're growing stronger,
We learn enough to fuel our lives.
To know yourself is right,
Oho we're Irvinites,
We keep our torch alight
Oho we're Irvinites,
All things Yes, we can do,
Hard time Yes, we pull through,
Upwards through the night,
Yes, we're Irvinites,
Oho we're Irvinites,
Yes, we're Irvinites
Oho we're Irvinites,
Yes, we bear the light
Oho we're Irvinites,
Yes, we’ll climb the hights
Oho we're Irvinites,
Irvinites,
Oh, look to the west Aaaaaah,
Seeing the light shining bright,
Ooh yes,
Oh, look to the west Aaaaaah,
Seeing the light shining bright,
Ooh yes.
The Hall Pledge
We pledge to dedicate our lives to the pursuit of truth, knowledge and excellence,
Striving always to make our lives a light to those around us.
Seeking always the interest of others, we dedicate ourselves and our abilities to the building of a better society, a brighter tomorrow for all mankind.
We shall forever keep the torch burning BRIGHT in our hearts and minds, never ceasing in our endeavors until we truly KNOW OURSELVES!!
Hall Management
Ms. Simone Williams is a student affairs professional trained in Higher Education, Appreciative Advising, College Student Mental Health and Wellness Strategies. She is a Board member at Jamaica Mental Health Advocacy Network (JAMHAN) and serves as a mentor for Children transitioning from state care. She is employed to the University of the West Indies, where she serves in the following roles: First Year Experience Coordinator, Mona; Student Services and Development Manager, Irvine Hall; Principal's Task Force for Diversity and Inclusion; UWI Recruitment Team; Membership Committee - West Indies Group of University Teachers (WIGUT), UWI; and Various Committees.
She is a recipient of the Dale Carnegie Highest Achievement Award and is a private Education Associate. Ms. Williams is also a writer, blogger and speaker who works with students and administrators in transition.
She is mother to a fabulous daughter, Ayanna.
ACCOMMODATIONS
PROGRAMMES
First Year Experience Programme
The First Year Experience Programme (FYE) is a year long programme designed to support first year student success. Follow the page at this link https://instagram.com/uwimonafye?igshid=12eys1mhgxtyz
Carlton Lowrie Debating and Oratorical Society
Improve your ability to persuade, inspire and deliver a resonating message. While you are at it, improve your stage presence too. The Carlton Lowrie Debating and Oratorical Society is your key to power.
Cedric Harper Emerging Leaders Academy (CHELA)
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." -John Quincy Adams
Irvine Hall Performing Arts Society (IHPAS)
Sing. Dance. Act...Perform! with the Award-winning Irvine Hall Performing Arts Society (5 Actor Boy Nominations, 3 Actor Boy wins including Best Musical for Bone of Contention – The Musical)
League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (LEG)
You don’t become extraordinary by being in this league. You have to be extraordinary to be recruited to this league. We are the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.
