Dear Editor,
The respective presidents of the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) and University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS) are calling upon the government of Guyana to address existing problems that the institution currently faces.
However, in my opinion, I am not sure that it is the government’s responsibility to address all of the matters of the institution.
Universities generally offer three academic semesters, each of which consists of 15 weeks of lecture time and examinations. The University of Guyana currently offers two semesters and a summer programme and claims to be encountering extreme difficulties as it relates to the availability of their current lecturers.
Clearly, this is an internal problem that needs to be addressed by members of the board.
As it relates to the number of lecturers that the university has, this is a problem faced worldwide. Many educational institutions are often short of staff. Guyana has many persons qualified in multiple study areas; and we can only hope that they will consider giving back in some way to the university by sharing their knowledge with students, even if it is part time.
Additionally, the current lecturers should be offered the opportunity to engage in external programmes to upgrade themselves academically.
While sending these individuals away to study can contribute to the university’s inconveniences, it may be wise to consider offering courses to them via distance and online learning.
Moreover, it was brought to my attention that many of the current lecturers are new and young and often tend to exhibit pompous, know it all attitudes.
As young lecturers and potential role models, they need to learn how to deliver themselves efficiently and also know how to simplify key concepts for students.
Lastly, I would like to focus on the developing culture of the students over the last few years. Many of them seem frivolous and infantile. UG now appears to be a large recreational facility that encourages idling and carousing. We must aim to maintain some form of academic manifestation.
I hope that the current issues can be adopted and addressed internally, and I can only hope that the mindset and culture of the students and staff members will progress for the better.
Sincerely,
Denise Subryan