Welcome to the Department of Sociology, Psychology and Social Work! As you may have already discovered, our focus is on the behavioural sciences, including Anthropology, Demography, Development, Human Resource Development, and Social Policy. As new and returning students you come from various geo-social zones and socio-economic backgrounds that shape your views on how the world operates. In your time here with us there will be opportunities and challenges; but we hope that even the latter will provide space for learning and the formation of new friendships.
We know you are aware that many of our staff are experts in various areas of the behavioural sciences. You may see them on your television or hear them on the radio, or you may have grown up using their books in school. However, you may not be aware that we are excited to have you and listen to some of the ideas you have to share with us. We have a strong tradition of working with our students on various projects, thus creating the next generation of scholars who will help us meet the University’s mission “To advance learning, create knowledge and foster innovation for the positive transformation of the Caribbean and the wider world.”
Given the various social crises in Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean, there are no debates surrounding the critical importance of our department. Our graduates have made tremendous contributions to the development of the region and the wider world in the areas of violence reduction, labour relations, politics, security, mental health, and social care. We welcome your input in the sustainability of this rich tradition of regional and international impact. But first, we start by teaching you in an environment in which you have a voice; and can feel free to express how you wish to shape the future. Thus, we promise you a student-centred environment in which you are the customer; and we hope you will see yourselves as part-owners of the academic experience. In closing, we hope that when your journey here is complete, and you stop to reflect, you will be able to list your studies with us among the happy times.
