UTech, Jamaica 2016-17 Annual Report

University of Technology, Jamaica ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 Page 29 Excellence Through Knowledge academic year; 204 students were interviewed. Mentorship Programme: The 2016/17 Mentorship Programme commenced with the staging of its 8 th annual Mentor Workshop on September 7, 2016 under the theme: “Build Character, Build Network, Grow Professionally” . The workshop was geared at reinforcing the expectations of the programme and developing mentoring skills among persons interested in being a part of the programme. Fifty persons participated, 25% more than last year. Peer Counselling (LINX) Positive Affirmation - The Peer Counsellors dubbed LINX held their Annual Positive Affirmation Project. Peer Counsellors were strategically placed with signs displaying statements meant to encourage students, staff and visitors to the campus. and to confront their self-sabotaging and negative thoughts. It was hoped that the positive affirmations would prompt persons to introspection and subsequently to move towards positive changes in their life. Community Service Project – Members of LINX visited with wards and clients of Father Holung’s Missionaries of the Poor. The students donated self-care items, as well as articles of clothing and food to the ministry. Presentation on “Sexual Reproductive Health”- The Peer Counsellors visited Jamaica College (JC) where they conducted a presentation on sexual reproductive health to a group of fourth form (grade 10) students. The students were encouraged to abstain from early sexual behaviours, to make better choices about their relationships, and to give proper focus to their academic pursuits. Promoting “Safe Sex”-On Valentine’s Day the group distributed condoms and safe-sex pamphlets in the Caribbean Sculptor Park on campus. LINX also conducted short discussions with individuals on how to make better sexual choices in their relationships. LINX Movie Night-The final activity for the semester for LINX was a movie night, dubbed “Relaxing under the Stars”. The event was planned in an effort to help students de-stress before the start of finals. First Year Experience Programme Recruitment of Students and Facilitators - The recruitment of students and facilitators for the First Year Experience Programme was held in August 2016. A total of 138 students registered for the programme. Eighteen (18) members of staff signed up to be facilitators. One hundred and seventy two persons attended the First year Experience programme’s opening exercise held on September 29. Juici Patties, Submerge and Island Grill provided sponsorship. There were also contributions of cash from facilitators and other members of staff. The following developmental sessions were held: “Stress Management”, “Getting a 4.0 GPA” and “You and Your Finances at UTech”. The final developmental session saw eleven students participating in a treasure hunt as an exam-de- stressor. This concluded the activities for the First Year Experience programme “Lunch and Learn” Sessions - Developmental Sessions for Students There were two “Lunch and Learn” sessions, developmental sessions for students, held on campus in the Juici Patties Restaurant.