Press release – UG adds further relief measures for students as historic opening progresses
(Greater Georgetown, Guyana; November 4, 2020) The University of Guyana at a meeting late Tuesday night considered a proposal designed to bring additional relief to its new and continuing students as the new academic year begins online and the University continues to deliver in safe mode. In addition to a slew of concessions already granted and services already brought on stream since COVID-19 hit in March 2020, students will now pay GYD $12,500 in Facilities Fee instead of GYD $25,000 a semester for the current (first) semester of the Academic Year 2020-2021. This takes effect from mid-week next week and stays in place until further notice or action as approved by the University’s statutory bodies.
Students who had already paid the full Facilities Fee for the Academic Year 2019-2020 and the Academic Year 2020-2021 can be refunded the difference by writing to admissions@uog.edu.gy and copying to bursary.fees@uog.edu.gy requesting that the difference be refunded or applied to their Facilities Fee for next semester or subsequent academic years.
The Facilities Fee was introduced in 2014 to address persistent historical gaps in overall funding for the University. It covers: a) laboratory equipment, reagents, glassware and any other supplies required by labs; b) classroom improvements; c) internet access to all on campus and applications to support online environment; d) free medical and psychological services and supplies for all of 2020; e) books and other materials for the library – such as subscriptions for journals and e-books; f) improvement of facilities for sports (all sports have been suspended for this semester but it should be noted that Sports Day did occur in Academic Year 2019-2020); g) office furniture and equipment (only for student benefits); h) repairs and maintenance; i) improvement of facilities conducive to the learning and delivery of education (more required now with need for physical distancing); j) hosting of the presentation of Final Year Projects (still happening and given the move from Final Exams to continuous and final evaluations, this
requires continuous expansion of assessment and evaluation mechanisms for an online setting); and, k) student insurance costs (50%). The fee also covers a modest Student Unions Dues and refundable Cautionary Deposits.
The University has not discontinued teaching any student who could not pay in the last semester. New students are asked to utilize the support mechanisms available through government scholarships and the Government of Guyana Student Loan Agency. For more information, visit the Student Loans webpage (URL: https://uog.edu.gy/student-loans), or make contact via telephone number: 222-5418. If you need further student support, reach out to studentswelfare@uog.edu.gy and pace@uog.edu.gy (Student Support Fund for non- scholarship support in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor).
It is important to note that the welfare of all students are at the forefront of the University Administration’s agenda. “UG” is continuously conducting a number of initiatives aimed at perfecting its online services to students for this new academic year. Classes began on November 02, 2020 and students are responding well. Multiple support mechanisms are in place to guide their smooth transition into university life. Timetables are constantly being updated and are available on the University’s website via the Resources section (uog.edu.gy/resources). Emergency contact numbers are available for students to reach out to essential officers of the University of Guyana.
Other student support services are available through our 12-hour Support Numbers (telephone) and our 24-hour WhatsApp availability (chat) to provide guidance on registration and other matters. Additionally, the University’s website has been updated to include important information on admissions, bursary, important contacts, FAQs, login platforms, important documents, tips for onlining, and a virtual notice board – all of which are accessible via the homepage (URL: www.uog.edu.gy). Students are encouraged to check this information on the website first and then contact us if they still need assistance. For questions and queries, email publicrelations@uog.edu.gy and copy to decc@uog.edu.gy please ensure you include your name, primary telephone contact number, and a note on what assistance is needed.
Turkeyen Campus Registration Support Numbers are as follows: 623-1941, 623-1867, 623-1869, 623-1871, 623-1924, 623-1940, 623-1942, 624-1943, 623-1944, 623-1945, 623-1946, 623-1948.
Berbice Campus Registration Support numbers: 623-1943, 623-1949.
The University wishes to note that all official communications from the University will be released through its internal channels and will be posted to the Latest News section (accessible via a link on the homepage and directly via URL: https://uog.edu.gy/newsletters) and the Notice Board section (URL: https://uog.edu.gy/notice-board/all-notices) of the University’s official website for those interested in fact checking. Please keep checking the University’s website (URL: www.uog.edu.gy) as well as SRMS and HRMIS platforms (login enabled via the “Login Platform” feature on the homepage, URL: www.uog.edu.gy) for updates.