UWI Mona puts in place tuition discount, other measures amid disquiet over resumption of classes

The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, says it has put in place a number of mechanisms, including a 50 per cent discount on outstanding tuition balances for Semester I, amid disquiet among students regarding the resumption of classes following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

Students at the university have been disgruntled regarding the administration's decision to resume face-to-face classes on Monday, describing the move as insensitive.

In a media release Monday evening the Campus Management expressed solidarity with its students and their families struggling to cope with the loss and damage suffered from Hurricane Melissa.

"The campus has been very agile as we re-open our operations to facilitate our students when they are ready to return to the teaching and learning process. The campus has exercised due care and sensitivity to accommodate its students and staff who are impacted by the hurricane," UWI said.

It said it has invited students, who can and are in a state of mind to re-engage the teaching and learning process to return to the Mona Campus, which provides a safe space in-terms of the physical infrastructure and psycho-social support.

"Critically, it must be noted that, the Mona Campus has all the critical utilities required for the resumption of face-to-face classes and the campus’ infrastructure is largely intact," UWI said.

It also said lecturers will post all lectures, notes and course material on the university's Learning Management System for affected students to access when they are able.

The Campus is offering a 50 per cent discount on outstanding tuition balances for Semester I for eligible students. The UWI said the payment deadline for the remaining 50 per cent will be extended up to May 2026.

The UWI also said it has provided a flexible space for students who are overwhelmed and feel that they are not in a mental state to engage in teaching and learning to be further accommodated for deferral of assessment or deferral of classes to a later date.

Further, the university said given the gravity of the situation at the Western end of the island, the Management of the Mona Campus took the decision to delay the resumption of face-to-face operations there and will provide further updates on the next steps to resume operations at that campus site at a later date.

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