NEW APPOINTMENTS
Interim VP | Interim Dean FST | Interim FST Chair

The University of Belize made the following interim appointments on October 20, 2021:

• Sherlene Enriquez Savery, as Interim Vice President;
• Apolonio Aguilar as Interim Dean, FST, and;
• Karen Bautista as Interim Chair of the Science Department, FST.

We wish them all the best in these capacities.

 

 

UB Receives Donation of Books from Dr. Carla Barnett

The University of Belize is the recipient of a generous book donation from Dr. Carla Barnett, recently appointed Secretary General for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Dr. Barnett is widely known in Belize and the Caribbean, having held leadership positions in various regional institutions throughout the Caribbean. These books are from her personal collection and represent the scope and breadth of Dr. Barnett’s scholarship and interests. They are a showcase of the profound dedication and quest for knowledge that no doubt has propelled her to some of the highest leadership positions in the region. These books will serve as an invaluable source of reference for students and researchers and will be a great addition to the University of Belize’s Library.

Interim President, Dr. Vincent Palacio and Chair of the Faculty of Management & Social Sciences, Dr. Bernard Watler, received the donation on behalf of the University.

 

Release of the 2021 Issue of ComePose

ComePose, the English Department’s creative writing blog for University of Belize students, 2021 issue was released Friday, August 27th in a virtual launch party via Google Meet.  The issue included 11 new writers from all four Faculties.

Here’s the link to the ComePose website, which also contains the 8 previously published works from our inaugural, 2019 issue: https://comepose123.wixsite.com/youngwriters

 

 

UB and UT Tyler Re-defined Partnership

On August 12, 2021, the University of Belize met with Dr. Wesley Hickey, University of Texas at Tyler Representative, to discuss how UB and Tyler can redefine their partnership and what areas of focus would be beneficial for both students and lecturers at UB. In attendance and representing the University of Belize was Interim President, Dr. Vincent Palacio, along with Faculty of Education and Arts Internship Coordinator, Dr. Maxine McKay.

 

The University of Belize and Tyler University signed a memorandum of understanding in 2019 and through that MOU, partnerships have been accessible since Tyler has funds allocated to assist with education. The funds have been made available through the CARSI grant which was designed to support the improvement of pre-service and early service teaching in schools in Belize through better instructional coaching by field supervisors and principals. There is an emphasis on Stann Creek and Toledo, but we hope the rubric and trainings will be adopted countrywide.

 

There were discussions on how the University of Texas at Tyler can assist the University of Belize with improving teacher preparation, to assist teachers who are struggling in areas of instruction, planning, and assessment. The possibility of improving field supervisors was also discussed, along with placing more focus on mentorship and coaching rather than just evaluation of the interns. One of the items of discussion also included the development of partnership in research between Tyler and UB, as well as the introduction of a Masters in Curriculum. Tyler will continue support training needed in areas of education and it looks forward to making student and teachers exchange possible and to bringing in more Masters Programs that can aid in Belize’s development.

 

Lecturer and Students Participate in the Round Table Talk

Ms. April Martinez and her History students participated in the Round Table Talk hosted by the Heritage Education Network Belize on August 4, 2021.

The discussion was entitled, “Let’s Talk Emancipation – Future Generations, Changing Perspectives” and was held in collaboration with the Institute for Social & Cultural Research and the National Institute of Culture and History as part of the Emancipation Day celebrations. UB is proud of our History Students.

 

UB Holds 2^nd COVID-19 Forum

On August 20, 2021, the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences hosted the 2nd Forum in the COVID-19 series: entitled “The Social Dimension”. The Forum included presentations from: Shahira Muschamp – “How is COVID-19 Impacting Education”; Javier Sabido – “The Rural Experience”; Christopher Tapia – “COVID and Lockdowns: The Youth Perspective”; and Arnold Guy – “Navigating the Pandemic While Living with a Long-term Condition”. Ms. Melanie Smith, FMSS Sociologist moderated the session.

 

 

 

 

UB President Meets with Staff

On August 18, 2021 the President had a meet and greet with the Staff on the Belmopan Campus and thanked them for the services they provide on behalf of the University. The staff voiced their concerns and questions. It was well received; refreshment was provided courtesy of the President’s Office.

 

UB President Tours Central Farm Campus

On August 18, 2021, the President visited the Central Farm Campus and had a meet and greet with the Faculty and Staff during their lunch break. Thereafter, the President toured the Central Farm campus with the Campus Director, Mrs. Zoe Zetina.

 

The Zacharias Palacio-Mira – UB Scholarship

 On August 18, 2021 the University of Belize (UB) and the Belmopan City Council (BMPCITCO) established a Financial Aid Program named the Zacharias Palacio-Mira – UB Scholarship.

The UB and the BMPCITCO are committed to the education of young Belizeans at the highest center of learning to achieve their greatest potential and contribute to the growing demands and needs of Belize.

A total of 58 students were awarded under this scholarship program.

 

Meeting with Minister Anthony Mahler, C.E.O. Mrs. Nicole Solano and BTB Director Evan Tillett

Discussions at the meeting were focused on UB’s involvement in the process for updating the Sustainable Tourism Development Master Plan.   Also discussed was the development of a Tourism Training Institute.    The President and Mr. Kantun from the Institutional Advancement Office continue to engage with the BTB representatives on these two projects.

 

Meeting with Mrs. Cecilia Smith from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science & Technology and Dr. Frieda Palma from UB’s ODL

The discussion at this meeting highlighted the key E-Learning Professional Development Courses offered at the University of Belize to build capacity in the E-Learning environment using a tiered approach:

• Developing A Web-Enhanced Course
• Developing A Blended Course
• Developing an online Course

 

Meeting with C.E.O. Rolando Zetina  – Ministry of Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform

The issues discussed at this meeting focussed on the following:

• Conduct a Training Needs Assessment for the Public Service
• Support for the Public Sector Management Program, and the Associate Degree in Business Studies for Working people
• Need for a Database of expertise that exist at the University to provide training to public officers when needed.

 

Meeting with CEO Dr. Osmond Martinez – Ministry of Economic Development

 Discussions held focused on the following areas:

• Climate Change Financing Unit
• Digitization
• Science and Technology
  • Engineering Programs
  • Data Science
  • Research and Development

 

 Virginia Commonwealth University

Meeting with Dr. Jill Blondin, Global Education Office

This meeting was initiated by Ambassador Lynn Young and the areas of discussions were:

• Criminal Justice and Criminology
• Social Work
• Education (teacher training)
• Biological Sciences
• Sociology
• Psychology

Coming out of the discussions, a draft MOU is being considered for signing which will engage the two Universities in collaboration in the above mentioned areas.

 

8^th Silvaana Udz Lecture

On October 5, 2021, the University of Belize, in collaboration with the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), hosted the 8th Annual Silvaana Udz Lekcha. This year, the Lecturer was UB’s own, Mr. Ubaldimir Guerra. The lecture was held virtually via Zoom and Facebook live.

The event was co-hosted by Ms. Karla Pinelo and Mr. Rolando Cocom.

 

 

 

 

 

UB Hosts Its Second Virtual Graduation

The University of Belize hosted its twenty-eight Commencement Ceremony on October 23, 2021, where it certified 1,000 graduates at the certificate, diploma, associates, bachelors and masters levels: Bachelor’s 445 | Associate’s 491 | Certificate 24 | Diploma 7 | Master’s 33

The University celebrated this milestone, with the keynote address delivered by the Hon. Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education, Culture, Science and Technology.

Graduates in the undergraduate programs were recognized with the following academic honors:

8 Summa Cum Laude | 54 Magna Cum Laude | 72 Cum Laude

 

Interim President as Keynote Speaker for Garifuna Settlement Day Celebrations

The Interim President of the University of Belize was the Keynote Speaker at the Garifuna Settlement Day Ceremony held in Dangriga Town on November 19, 2021.

 

14^th Marketing Expo

The 14th Annual Marketing Expo and 2nd Virtual Expo was held on Friday, November 26, 2021 under the theme “Innovative, Interactive, Breakthrough Initiatives” featuring 36 marketing groups.

The virtual Expo can be viewed on the UB Facebook Page.

 

 

 

Senior Managers Retreat

The University of Belize hosted a virtual retreat for Senior Managers on 18^th November.

The facilitator of this event was Dr. Martin Cuellar, Dean of Student Affairs.

 

 

 

Launch of UB’s Climate Smart Agriculture Program

On October 21, 2021, the University of Belize hosted a Virtual Program Launch for its Associate Degree in Climate Smart Agriculture.

This venture was supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology, as well as the SAGE Partnership.

 

 

 

Engineering Building Update

The first phase of the Engineering Project has started with the tender process where a total of seven Contractors have been selected using selective tendering. Once a Contractor has been selected, the work should commence in the second week of January 2022. All works are scheduled to be completed by the end of June 2022, given that there are no delays.

 

Training for the Ministry of National Defence & Border Security

The University of Belize upon a request from the Ministry of National Defence & Border Security developed a program proposal for a Professional Development Certificate in Writing and Communication Skills for Security Forces. This program proposal was developed by Mrs. Lisa Ramirez and Ms. Lisa Kile in the Faculty of Education & Arts. The course is scheduled as two 8-week sessions and will be delivered virtually. UB is anticipating enrollment of 50 participants.

 

APAMO Agreement Signing

On Thursday, December 2, 2021, the University of Belize and the Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations (APAMO) signed an MOU for the strengthening of inter-institutional relationships between the two organizations.

 

APAMO, the Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations, is Belize’s leading network of non-governmental conservation organizations that seeks to influence and encourage the Belizean society to safeguard the integrity and diversity of Belize’s protected areas system and to ensure that any use of Belize’s natural resources is sustainable.

 

Partnership with Autism Belize and Therapy Adventures

The University of Belize and Mrs. Christy Almeida from the Autism Belize in partnership with Therapy Adventures met regarding possible collaboration with UB.  Possible opportunities identified to benefit both entities are as follows:

• UB to provide the use of three rooms where UB students can work with Certified Therapists to earn practical Internship hours for Social work students.
• Service hours accumulated for nurses on scholarships
• Student-teacher exposure to different careers in special education
• Collaboration with universities affiliated with Therapy Adventures for scholarships
• Capacity building for faculty members – Special Education Development of Special education programs

 

Signing of the Following Erasmus Agreements for Student and Staff Mobility

The University of Valladolid and the University of Belize re-established partnerships for Students, Staff and Faculty exchanges for the year 2020-2023.

The University College Copenhagen, Denmark and the University of Belize signed an Erasmus+ Agreement for the years 2020-2023 for exchanges with Students and/or Staff between the two universities to start in the coming Academic Year.

 

Development of Climate Risk Information System for IDB

UB was single sourced for this project which comes out of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing’s Climate Vulnerability Reduction Program, because of its unique position as a higher education institution with a cadre of specialized faculty members and student researchers.  The Office of Institutional Advancement is working closely with the Lead Consultant, Dr. Kieran Ryan from the Faculty of Science & Technology in carrying out this project.

 

The FMSS Women Empowerment Initiative

On Friday, November 26, 2021 the Convention & Events Management Class hosted a “Women Rise, You Are Worthy” event at the UB Audio/ Visual Room

The topics presented were:

1. Woman, rise above low self-esteem!
2. Woman, rise above lack of formal education!
3. Woman, rise above emotional trauma and grief!

 

Congratulations Dr. Thisbe Lucas-Usher!

Dr. Thisbe Lucas-Usher has earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Education Degree from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus in Barbados.

 

The title of her dissertation was “Mixed Methods Inquiry into Belizean Teachers’ and Principals’ Perceptions of Teacher Supervision and The Influence of an Adapted Teacher Supervision Model on Primary Teachers’ Instructional Practices.”

 

Recent Faculty Research Publications

Deserie Avila

1. Opportunities and Challenges at The Margins of Seaborne Tourism by: Deserie Avila and Michael J. Pisani – Opportunities and Challenges at the Margins of Seaborne Tourism | Emerald Insight

Cindy Thompson 

1. The University of Belize Strategy for Coping with COVID-19 by Cindy Thompson – MCR – The University of Belize Strategy for Coping with COVID-19 (informingscience.org)
2. Investigating the Effect of Diplomatic Representation on Trade: A Case Study of Croatia by: Danijel Mlinaric (University of Zagreb, Croatia), Hrvoje Josic (University of Zagreb, Croatia), and Cindy Thompson (University of Belize, Belize) –   Investigating the Effect of Diplomatic Representation on Trade: A Case Study of Croatia: Business & Management Book Chapter | IGI Global (igi-global.com)

Jair Valladarez

1. Tropical Subterranean Ecosystems in Mexico, Guatemala and Belize: A Review of Aquatic Biodiversity and Their Ecological Aspects by: Luis M. Mejía-Ortíz, Peter Sprouse, Juan C. Tejeda-Mazariegos, Jair Valladarez, Oscar Frausto-Martínez, Alejandro L. Collantes-Chavez-Costa, Guillermo Ruíz-Cancino and German Yáñez-  Tropical Subterranean Ecosystems in Mexico, Guatemala and Belize: A Review of Aquatic Biodiversity and Their Ecological Aspects | IntechOpen

2.  Management of POPs: A Caribbean Perspective by Santos D. Chicas, Jair G. Valladarez, Abel A. Carrias, Kiyoshi Omine, and V. Sivasankar –  Management of POPs: A Caribbean Perspective | springerprofessional.de

 

 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

My warmest wishes to you and your family as we enter 2022!

 

Dr. Vincent Palacio
Interim President

 

 

View/Download the PDF Versions HERE

Flip Book Version Available HERE

December 9, 2021

From the Human Resources Department

2021-2 Semester Face-to-Face Instruction

The University advises that in order to facilitate face-to-face instruction for the 2021-2 Semester, only students who are fully vaccinated can take courses on campus. That will be supported in addition to the adherence of the universal precautions of mask-wearing, handwashing/sanitizing, and physical distancing. Therefore, all UB students must provide proof of vaccination status by 31st December 2021, to your respective faculties in order to participate in face-to-face activities in the January – May 2022 semester.
FEA students submit to [email protected]
FHS students submit to [email protected]
FMSS students submit to [email protected]
FST students submit to [email protected]

The University of Belize’s Registration site https://registration.ub.edu.bz displays the courses that will be online and those for face-to-face for 2021-2.

All Faculty and Staff are required to submit a copy of their vaccination record to the Human Resources Department on or before December 15, 2021. Thanks to those who already made their submission. Employees who choose not to be vaccinated, must present a negative antigen test every two weeks via email to the Human Resources Office prior to coming on campus.

The University of Belize is committed to delivering quality tertiary education and professional training on our campuses, but this can only be accomplished through your support as we protect each other to combat the pandemic.

Thank you.

Download/View Notice HERE

 

The Board of Trustees and Management of the University of Belize would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the Hon. Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education, Culture, Science and Technology and Hon. Michel Chebat, Minister of Health & Wellness, for their collaboration in providing 45 scholarships to qualified Belizean students to study nursing at the University of Belize.

The University of Belize appreciates this gesture in support of Belizean students and the National University.

November 25, 2021

PRESS RELEASE
October 15, 2021

For Immediate Release

UB Meets with the Taiwan Ambassador

The University of Belize conveys its heartiest gratitude on meeting the Taiwan Ambassador, H.E. David Chien, where areas of mutual interest were discussed. Ambassador Chien indicated the importance of education and the pivotal role a university can play in national development. Interim President, Dr. Vincent Palacio, briefed the Ambassador on recent developments of the University. He also extended a courtesy invitation for the Ambassador to visit the University and share the Taiwan experience with the Faculty, Staff and students.

UB would also like to take this opportunity to convey its heartfelt appreciation to Taiwan’s unequivocal support to Belize’s development in the areas of education, health, technology, infrastructure and culture, among others.

As the National University, UB pledged to strengthen relations with the Universities in Taiwan, the region, and the world. Accompanied in the meeting were the Vice Chairman of UB’s Board of Trustees, Major Lloyd Jones and the Board’s Academic Committee Chair, Dr. Fred Shyu.

The University of Belize also expresses our heartfelt condolences to the City of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, after many lives were lost due to a fire which engulfed a residential apartment building. Let us keep the mourning families in our prayers during this difficult and painful time.

View/Download Press Release Here

 

Summary of Responsibilities
The Marketing and Communications Director is responsible to create and lead the implementation and execution of a strategic communication plan that presents, maintains and promotes a positive image of the University of Belize both internally and externally. The Marketing and Communications Director acts as the University’s primary contact for all communications media and public relations matters and, under the direction of management, is the University’s chief spokesperson.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Create and lead the implementation and execution of a comprehensive and strategic communication plan for the University of Belize (internal and external, taking account of the circumstances of the University) in consultation with the President,
• the Management Team and other members of the UB Community;
• Act as the focal point for communication matters;
• Advise and manage all issues that may impact the University and its brand;
• Create, manage and approve all public information notices and press releases.

Job Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field. Minimum of five years’ working experience in a marketing management;
• Working knowledge of major social media platforms;
• Possess a highly developed capacity to produce written documents in English;
• Proactive, highly motivated, and sensitive to the potential impact of issues;
• Business awareness and a good knowledge of current affairs;

Compensation
Commensurate with the level of qualification and experience.

Summary of Responsibilities
Under the direction of the Steering Committee, through the Vice President, is accountable for the strategic development of the Institute and its programs and reports on the development, implementation and evaluation of the programs of the ERI and the development and management of the Institute’s funds and resources.

Job Requirements

• PhD in Natural Resources Management, Environmental Sustainability or related field.
• Five years’ experience fundraising, strategic planning and managing institutions

Compensation
Commensurate with the level of qualification and experience.

 

Summary of Responsibilities
In consultation with the Director of ERI, will be responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of the Sustainable Landscapes program of the UB ERI; develops partnerships with policy makers, academic institutions, private sector, environmental organizations, national and international stakeholders in natural resource management; supports the Director in the strategic development of UB ERI.

Job Requirements

• PhD in a Terrestrial Ecology or Biology discipline or related field;
• Five years of experience with developing and implementing scientific/research programs;
• Three years of experience in grant proposal writing;
• Demonstrated proficiency in MS Word, Power Point, Excel, ArcGIS or similar GIS software

Compensation
Commensurate with the level of qualification and experience.

JOIN OUR TEAM

Vacancy Exists for the Post of Human Resources Director

Summary of Responsibilities
The Director of Human Resources reports to the President of the University and engages with the Offices of the Vice President, the Deans, Directors and Chairs of the University. The Director is also the point person for liaising and engaging with the recognized Union in the University on all IR matters. The key role of the Director is to provide overall strategic human resource leadership and Industrial Relations functions of the University of Belize and to also demonstrate exemplary management of these functions.

Job Responsibilities Major responsibilities include the following:

• Strategic leadership and direction for the University, so as to ensure that the Human resources of the University are aligned with the needs of the various functionary Offices and consistent with the University’s Transformational Plan.
• Planning, administering and managing a full-scope HR program including staffing, recruitment, classification and employee compensation, employee contracts, performance evaluations, merit promotions, including developing strategic planning goals for the University.
• Providing expert advice and input to the University’s leadership, faculty and staff including developing options and recommendations to resolve difficult HR matters and complex employee and industrial relations problems.
• Leading negotiations, monitoring execution, grievance procedures and appeals, contract administration, employee discipline and related matters.
• Monitoring and evaluating HR programs to ensure they comply with the applicable laws, rules or regulations of Belize and are compatible with the University’s mission and strategic planning goals and its HR policies and programs.
• Embracing and leading change in a proactive manner, with the sensitivity to the interrelationships between and among different organizational stakeholders and to the management relationships within the University. Ensuring a good and healthy industrial relations climate within the University, driven by best practices in HR and IR.
• Leading and managing the HR Office including its staff, assigning duties and measuring performance, planning and executing the approved budget, delivering training functions, managing the health insurance scheme, gratuities and pensions, loans, recognition and awards together with overall staff engagement programs.

Job Qualifications
Minimum of a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management, Labour Relations or Industrial Relations, together with proven experience as an HR Director/Manager for an organization with large numbers of employees.

Skills/Competencies

• Knowledge of the Labour Laws of Belize and good industrial relations practices
• Contract management, compensation and administration
• Records maintenance
• Performance measurement and monitoring
• Health Insurance and Pension schemes
• Conflict resolution and mediation
• Knowledge of compensations schemes, rewards and recognition
• Experience in collective bargaining agreements
• Ability to supervise and train employees to support the work of their Departments, including organizing, prioritizing and scheduling work assignments
• Negotiation skills
• Multitasking skills
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community

COMPENSATION
Commensurate with the level of qualification and experience.

Interested Persons are Invited to Apply And View Full Job Descriptions:

Online: https://www.ub.edu.bz/work-at-ub/ | Email: [email protected]

Please upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, the names and addresses of three referees (including present or past employers and work colleagues), transcript of highest degree, copies of relevant degrees and certificates, and a valid police record.

Queries may be addressed to:
[email protected]

Deadline to Apply
October 15, 2021
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.