UWI modifies entry requirements in light of covid19

The UWI has announced its decision to modify the matriculation requirements for the upcoming 2020/2021 academic year.

In a statement released on Thursday, the university announced its board of undergraduate studies made the decision on Tuesday, following the closure of schools and postponement of exams due to covid19.

The statement said students will qualify as normal matriculants to the UWI if they have passed at least two CAPE subjects either at unit 1 or 2 (grades 1-4), have the requisite CSEC subjects and are currently registered for either unit 1 or 2.

It said the decision is grounded in scientific analysis of students’ predictive performance which shows that passes at CAPE unit 1 (grades 1-4) were 97 per cent predictive of success at CAPE unit 2.

The statement said, “The proposal on the adjusted matriculation requirements was jointly presented by the UWI and the Caribbean Examination Council to the ministries of education at CARICOM’s council for human and social development meeting earlier this month, where it received endorsement.”

Pro Vice-Chancellor of the board, Professor Clive Landis said universities around the world have had to adapt to more flexible admissions processes in response to the pandemic. “As a world-ranked university, committed to serving our Caribbean region, the UWI too has to consider how it can better support students in this time.”

Landis is also chairman of the UWI covid19 task force. He said, “This is absolutely not about lowering standards. It is a fair and reasonable proposal given the prevailing circumstances.” He added, the change in policy is more about building flexibility into the UWI application process.

The statement said prospective students who have completed their first year of CAPE can apply to the UWI right now. “The faculty can make a firm offer to applicants who meet this new matriculation standard.”

The statement said the decision on students who merit admission remains with the faculties. Competitive screening of applicants and faculty-specific admission regulations that go by the matriculation standards for subjects such as law and medicine still apply.

The statement said universities in the US have long adopted the practice of accepting CSEC and CAPE Unit 1 results for admission and scholarships to Caribbean students, while the UWI waits on CAPE unit 2 results.

The board said matriculation is defined as “a minimum admission standard.” It said meeting the minimum requirement does not guarantee a right of entry for a matriculant into every degree programme.”