POND ISLAND–University of St Martin (USM) resumed classes on Monday with more than 100 students continuing their degree programmes.
USM had been closed for several weeks due to financial constraints and decided to reopen yesterday after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) under the auspices of former Education Minister Silveria Jacobs.
Seniors from USM’s Education Division welcomed students and faculty as they entered the university on their first day. “They offered their energy and enthusiasm as they provided the continuing and newcomers with USM bookmarks, water and cupcakes at the front gate,” USM said in a press release issued late Monday.
Students showed new students around to their classes, set a motivated ambiance and shared how proud they were that USM is continuing to open up brighter paths for their future as well as the children they teach in their respective schools.
Some faculty members mentioned how proud it felt walking into the university with the bright smiles of students. Interim Dean of Academics Sharon Freiburg, who has been a part of the USM team for more than a decade and heads the Education Division, shared how proud she is of her education majors.
“It is imperative that we set the boundaries from now for the newcomers and the future ahead. Today is such a proud day for USM and we plan to keep our momentum going throughout the rest of the semester and the others ahead to come,” she said.
As new students signed up for classes, Marketing and Admission Specialist Mitsha Shobhan Giterson encouraged them by stating: “You made the right choice for your future by coming to USM. I wish you all the best for your academic career and I am delighted that we can be there with you as you lay the foundation for your future success. If the road ahead seems long, remember your end goal and know that any obstacle will be a springboard to propel you to that next level.”
The Spring semester will run until April 14, with only 10 weeks for the students to complete the semester.
Head of Management and Accounting Jan van Beek addressed students in a “welcome back toast” by stating, “We need you to work really hard for this semester. We cannot do anything about the past, but we can do something about the future and we need you youngsters to build back up the country.”
Several fun and exciting activities are planned for students during the semester. “It’s a fun and engaging start to each student’s career here at USM and we are here to stay,” USM said in the release.
The USM staff wished the student body and faculty a successful semester ahead.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/72761-over-100-start-spring-semester-at-university
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