MONTEGO BAY, St James — Hundreds of students turned out last week for the University of Technology's Open House held at the Montego Bay Civic Centre.

The event sought to inform students, teachers and parents of the benefits of a University of Technology (UTECH) tertiary education experience, while exposing students to the various academic departments, career opportunities and options that are available for financing tertiary education.

Professor Geraldine Hodelin, Principal of UTech's Western Campus and UTech Academy, congratulated the students on their attendance, arguing that it was an indication that they were contemplating their future as an adult citizen of Jamaica.

She implored the students to use the day to have conversations which would cause them to think twice about a career path that suited them.

"In a few years time I would like to look at our roster and see your names on it, and if not at UTech at another University where you will demonstrate that you are taking your future into your own hands," said Professor Hodelin.

She challenged the students to become "citizens of substance that can take Jamaica forward to another level of development".

She also highlighted the UTech Academy, UTech's newest academic unit, which has been in operation for three years at the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium.

According to Professor Hodelin, "many students do not fully meet the university's matriculation requirements".

" Our job is to get students into a programme of study that will allow for matriculation so that they can become the great Jamaicans they can be".

As part of the highlight of the day's activities, an overview of all academic departments was presented, as well as student and alumni testimonials. Special presentations were made from the Faculty of Law,

the School of Business Administration and the Caribbean School of Nursing. Career Counselling was done by representatives from the Career and Placement Centre, and a guidance counsellors' luncheon held, which saw Hodelin outlining why students should make the University of Technology - the University of choice.

An insight into UTech's graduate studies programme and the application procedures were also given.