Finance and General Purposes Committee (F&GPC) Mona has agreed to the implementation of a one-week training seminar for Student Leaders. This will be a pilot activity which, if successful, will inform the development of an Institute for Student Leaders which would recruit potential Caribbean leaders and nurture their development.

The proposal was considered at the regular meeting of F&GPC, Mona held on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 in the Council Room at Mona. F&GPC heard from the Director of the Office of Student Services, Dr. Thelora Reynolds, that the proposed seminar would provide an opportunity for Caribbean tertiary and higher education student leaders to cultivate an academic approach to leadership through exposure to contemporary leadership theories; develop valuable skills in effective communication, conducting meetings, team building activities, conflict resolution and personal development. The seminar is also expected to broaden their cultural and civic awareness through residence life activities, opportunities for cultural expressions and exposure to selected aspects of Caribbean culture and enhance their individual leadership potential.

The Institute is aimed at Caribbean student leaders in tertiary and higher education institutions who have aspirations to hold leadership positions in their chosen field. Applicants must be current elected or nominated student leaders and must be recommended by their institutions. In addition, they must either be sponsored by their institutions or be able to demonstrate the ability to meet the costs of participation in the Institute.

The Seminar is proposed for June 20 to 24, 2005 and participants will be housed at the Rex Nettleford Hall. Some 40-50 student leaders are expected to attend.

Security Concerns
F&GPC, Mona noted concerns that have been expressed about security on the Mona Campus and heard that the security providers had submitted new proposals which are now being considered. A small committee has been established to monitor the progress of the new initiatives.

Principal’s Scholarship
F&GPC, Mona approved the award of a scholarship from the Principal’s Scholarship Fund to a sixth form student who has shown exceptional promise. The scholarship, tenable at the UWI, will cover tuition, accommodation and miscellaneous expenses and will be over a three-year period, subject to the student’s academic performance. The award is in keeping with the University’s efforts to attract the ‘Brightest and the Best’ from the totality of Sixth Formers and pre-University students in Community Colleges in Jamaica each year.