UWI Frequently Asked Questions

IT Services

What is mySTA?

mySTA is your student portal to your online registration, online courses, student records,
academic history, student e-mail and timetable. Log in to mySTA directly at
www.mysta.uwi.edu or through the St. Augustine campus website, www.sta.uwi.edu.

Where can I find academic support material online?

Through myElearning, the UWI online e-learning environment, you can access online
course material and online exams, submit assignments electronically and chat with
classmates and lecturers from any part of the world. To access myElearning, go to
http://myelearning.sta.uwi.edu and enter your Username and Password.

Is there a wireless network on the campus?

Yes. The UWI wireless network, which is accessible through a range of wireless-
compatible devices, gives you free wireless internet access from almost anywhere on the
campus. For further information or for assistance with network configuration, contact the
LAN Administrator or PC Support Technician attached to your faculty, or call the UWI
CITS Help Desk at 662 2002 Ext. 4357 (HELP) or by e-mail at Helpdesk@cits.uwi.tt.
(Only your UWI email account will be recognised and use and used to communicate with
you).

Can I get reduced prices on computers through UWI?

Through UWI Campus IT Services (CITS), students can get reduced prices on PCs and
laptops, as well as favorable bank rates on purchases. Only Dell machines are available.
For more information, call 662 2002 Ext. 2582 or send e-mail to pcorders@cits.uwi.tt.

UWI Main Library

How do I join the Library?

Students do not need to register to use the Main Library since their records are transferred
directly to the Library network.

How many items can I borrow?

The limit on the total number of items to be borrowed from the Library varies. At the St.
Augustine campus Main Library, undergraduates may borrow six (6) books, while
graduate students may borrow up to ten (10) items. At the Mt. Hope campus Medical
Sciences Library (MSL), undergraduates may borrow up to eight (8) items but may not
borrow serials. Postgraduates may borrow up to twelve (12) items, including serials.

What services are available at the Main Library?

Wireless internet access, online academic databases & e-books, as well as computers with
access to library resources, Internet and the online catalogue, are available. Two
computer laboratories (STARRS and UEC) provide access to the Microsoft Office Suite
or word process -ing, spreadsheets and presentations, and SPSS for statistical analysis.
During the Semester, the 24/7 service gives users access to STARRS and the adjoining
Reading Room after the Library closes.

Can patrons bring laptops into the Main Library and the MSL?

Laptop computers on battery power may be used in these Libraries.

Student Advisory Services

Where should I go for Career information and Advice?

The Student Advisory Services department (SAS) coordinates a Career Advice

Programme (CAP), designed to assist students in Career Planning and Development.
CAP workshops are usually held during the first semester of the academic year.

How can I get help finding jobs?

SAS has developed UWI Temps, a programme designed to help students from all
faculties to earn some extra income while they study. To be considered for a UWI Temps
position, students should visit SAS and complete an application form. SAS also runs a
Graduate Employment programme, which aims to help final year students in securing
internship or employment with leading local and regional companies.

What will my monthly living expenses be like?

On average, a student’s monthly living expenses will be around $2000, which includes
rent, food, toiletries, stationery and traveling. SAS provides a range of services to assist
students who have difficulty in meeting their basic living expenses. More questions about
Student Support? Contact SAS at 662-2002 Ext. 2097, 2098, 2360 or e-mail
studentadvisory@admin.uwi.tt.

Health Services

Is there a Health Service Unit on campus?

Yes. The Health Service Unit (HSU), which is located about 50 metres north of Trinity
Hall, houses a walk-in medical clinic and pharmacy, and provides counseling services.
Opening hours are 8.30 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. during the semester and 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
during vacations. For more information, call UWI Helath Service Unit at 662 2002 Ext.
2149. For more information about the Pharmacy, call 662-2002 Ext. 2150/2449 or e-mail
pharmacy@sta.uwi.edu.

Is there a Student Health Plan?

Yes. All full time registered students have access to the UWI Student Health Plan. For
more information, call 662 2002 Ext. 2149.

Are the counseling services free?

Yes. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides free counseling to all
registered students. To make an appointment, call 662 2002 Ext.2491, or send e-mail to
amitchelli@hsu.uwi.tt. Students may also join the UWI Peer Counselors Association. For
more information, send e-mail to uwi_peercounsellors@hotmail.com.

Will my information be kept confidential?

Yes. Medical information will not be released without your written consent. Parents and
University Faculty & Administration do not have access to your confidential medical
records.

Campus Security

Is there secure parking on campus?

Yes. Your main parking area is the TGR car park, which is adequately manned by
security personnel. The TGR car park is located on the western side of the campus and
open from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. On the Main Campus, University traffic regulations
will be in effect and any violation may result in the vehicle being towed away or clamped
and the owner or operator being required to pay a fee of TT$65 to secure its release.

How do I use the Shuttle Service?

All you need to use the UWI Shuttle Service is a valid Student ID Card. For further
details regarding shuttle and arrival and departure times and drop-off points, contact the
Estate Police at 662 2002 Ext. 2120.

Is it safe to study on campus late at night?

Yes. In addition to their 24-hour bicycle and foot patrols, the UWI Estate Police offer an
Escort Service to students leaving the campus between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00
a.m. and headed for areas in close proximity to the University. In cases of emergency,
you can use the Emergency Telephones, which are linked directly to the Charge Room at
the UWI Estate Police Headquarters. Once you lift the Emergency Telephone receiver, a
direct connection is made to the Charge Room and the Estate Police will make an
immediate response.

Is the Campus well lit at nights?

Yes. The Security and Works Departments, together with T&TEC, have embarked on a
massive illumination exercise on the Campus. While we expect that you will make full
use of the well-lit Campus at nights, you are advised to be vigilant as you go about your
business, especially at night, both on and off the Campus.

Accommodation

Are there student halls of residence on campus?

Yes. At the St. Augustine campus, there are three Halls: Milner Hall (co-ed, 155
students), Trinity Hall (all-female, 142 students) and Canada Hall (all-male, 160
students). The Joyce Gibson-Inniss Hall, located on the Mt. Hope campus, is co-ed and
houses 204 medical students.

How do I apply for a room on Hall?

The University attempts to provide accommodation for most first year students. Only
students accepted to pursue a course at the University are eligible to apply for a room on
a hall of residence. Medical students wishing to live on the Joyce Gibson-Inniss Hall
must apply to The Administrative Officer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Eric Williams
Medical Sciences Complex, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago. Students wishing to live in
any other Hall must apply to The Director, Student Services, UWI, St. Augustine,
Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Can I get help finding off-campus housing?

Yes. While neither Student Advisory Services (SAS) nor the University has any control
over the standard of housing offered or the rents charged, the SAS Accommodation
Officer can provide you with a list of available off-campus, furnished housing. Off-
campus rent ranges from TT$800 to TT$2500.00 per month (single accommodation).

Financial Services/University Bursary

What are the fees payable to the University on registration?

The fees payable to the University are tuition and compulsory fees. If the student lives on
Hall, then residence fees must also be paid.

Who is eligible for the Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses (GATE)?

All citizens of Trinidad & Tobago are eligible for GATE. Documentary evidence is
necessary as proof of citizenship.
As a citizen of Trinidad & Tobago, what fees are payable to the University on
registration?

As an undergraduate student, the compulsory fees must be paid and a GATE form must
be completed. As a graduate student, the compulsory fees and 50% of the tuition fee must
be paid and a GATE form completed.

What financial assistance is available to students from the University?

Second and final year students with a good academic record may have access to a
Hardship Loan from the University. Applications for the loan are made to Student
Services department. Other financial assistance is in the form of scholarships and
bursaries.

Where can one obtain information on Scholarships and Bursaries?

Information on these awards and application forms are available from the Student Affairs
(Admissions) section of the Campus Registrar’s office.