Spring 2018 Freshman Class Joins University of The Bahamas at “Exciting Time”

#Bahamas, January 9, 2018 – Nassau – The University of The Bahamas’ Oakes Field Campus bustled with energy and excitement as incoming students attended the Spring 2018 New Student Orientation (NSO) on Wednesday, 3^rd January 2018.

UB President Dr. Rodney D. Smith

Campus leaders acquainted freshmen with UB’s systems and procedures, senior administrators shared expectations and insights, while student leaders provided sage advice to help with the transition into higher education. The welcoming environment culminated with campus tours and the Spring Blue Fest held on Independence Park.

In his welcome address, UB President Dr. Rodney D. Smith told incoming students that they were joining the UB community at a very exciting time in the institution’s history.   “We have just begun our second year as a chartered University, and we are working together to continue to build a first-class, national university,” he told them.

During the Spring 2018 semester, UB’s campuses in New Providence and Grand Bahama will undergo marked infrastructural developments.  The F. R. Wilson Graduate Centre, G.T.R. Campbell Small Island Sustainability Research Complex and the renovated Portia Smith Student Services Building will all be officially opened at the Oakes Field Campus. Additionally, the residential facility at the UB-North campus will become operational.  These facilities are critical as UB prepares to ramp up its recruitment of international students and secure local and international accreditation.

Ground will also be broken soon for a state-of-the-art living-learning building which will be called the “University Town”.   It will feature a five-deck parking garage, retail shops facing University Commons, bedroom suites, laundry facilities, technology labs, a fitness centre, pool and a ballroom space for events.

Provost Dr. Linda Davis

Operationally, the implementation of the Ellucian Banner system will improve workflows from student recruiting and retention to talent management.

“Implementation of Banner will be extensive, but in the end, it will significantly help to improve our student experience from admission to graduation,” Dr. Smith shared.

Provost Dr. Linda Davis said the success of each student is dependent on their own investment.   “That investment is about more than financial commitment, it’s about meeting a few very fundamental but critical academic expectations,” she said.   She implored them to spend quality time studying, attending lectures and forming relationships with faculty.

Classes for UB’s Spring 2018 semester commence on Monday, 8^th January.

Release: BIS