Leadership We Can Believe In - Manifesto

Over the past few years, I have had the opportunity of working alongside many of you; building initiatives, advocating for support, and listening to your concerns. Rest assured , that while all problems and challenges may not be listed below, I am committed to working with our Department Representatives to ensure those concerns are heard and addressed.

This manifesto is not a list of promises. It is a plan for action, focused on creating systems that bring us together and support every student in the Faculty of Medical Sciences.

Because leadership is about action:

If there is a need,we will respond.

If there is a gap,we will build.

UBUNTU! I Am Because We Are

Building Systems. Expanding Access. Empowering Every Student.

Academic Support, Student Development and Resources

Empowering students to succeed through access, structure, and opportunity.

a) Expanded Academic Support Systems and Accountability Based Learning

• Expansion of My Brother’s Keeper tutoring program - an academic support unit focused on peer study time accountability (Library and Zoom peer accountability study sessions especially for first years) , networking, educational webinars and sharing school resources. My Brother’s Keeper will provide free faculty wide weekly tutoring for high failure rate courses

  
  

• Launch of ‘No Man Left Behind’ academic accountability and support for faculty student leaders

  
  

• Establishing partnerships with the University’s Academic Support Unit, so every student knows and can access the resources they need.

  
  

• Fostering partnerships with the Medical Library - extended library hours/ early reopening for students who resume school early in the semester, establishing of department specific resource guides to streamline study materials; hosting joint academic support sessions (e.g., literature search workshops, research skills, exam prep resources); improving awareness and communication so students actually know what resources are available and how to access them.

  
  

• Promote structured feedback systems, ensuring students receive clear, actionable guidance after clinical assessments

  
  

• Expand OSCE/ practical skills workshops particularly for practicum exam preparation throughout the faculty

b) Structured Transition Support

Helping students adapt, succeed, and stay ahead

Guided transition sessions from high school to year 1, and between all major year groups. While the University’s First Year Experience (FYE) provides an introduction to university life, student challenges do not end after orientation. This initiative will establish structured, ongoing transition support at key academic stages, including:

• High School to year 1: Academic expectations, study strategies, and adjusting to the pace of Med Sci

• Pre-Clinical to Clinical Years:Preparation for hospital environments, clinical expectations, and professional conduct

• Major Exam YearsTargeted academic support and exam readiness strategies

c) Skills and Certification Workshops

Preparing students beyond the classroom

Radiology, ECG, BLS and other practical certification sessions each semester

d) Alumni Engagement Series

Partnering with Alumni Associations to engage in alumni led sessions offering guidance, mentorship, and real world and work insight.

e) Establish Leadership Workshops and Professional Development Seminars, including training in communication, leadership, conflict resolution, and professional etiquette to better prepare students for clinical and professional environments

f) Launch of FMS Website and Faculty Resource Hub (Launch Date:  1st week of August)

Centralized platform for course materials, student resources, scholarships and opportunities, club information for all departments made by us for us.

e) Access to Learning Tools

• Strengthening the Faculty’s existing tablet programme including improving awareness and transparency around eligibility and application processes

  
  

• Advocate for more functional computers at the Medical Library

Student Experience

Creating spaces where students can thrive.

a) Advocacy for a dedicated FMS student lounge at the Faculty.

b) Installation of essential resources throughout the faculty (e.g., printer access on PT floor)

c) Shadow A Student / “Day in the Life” series to highlight each department but also to showcase the different departments of the faculty and in invite potential students into a life ahead.

d) Completion of the MBBS Student Lounge Revamp (new furniture)

e) Family First - an initiative focused on building a stronger, more connected faculty by placing students at the center. This will include monthly recognition of student achievements, promotion of student led businesses and talents, expanded opportunities for students to host and lead faculty events, and a storytelling platform highlighting the diverse experiences within FMS.

f) Actively explore pathways to allow 1 – 2 students to do their elective in another country. The student / students are then required to host a session sharing their experience and teaching us of what they’ve learnt.

Financial Support and Opportunity

Ensuring no student is left behind

a) Expansion of the PROPEL Grants Programme providing grocery grants, meal vouchers and tuition assistance. Grants are not dependent on GPA.

b) Continuing and expanding the student employment initiative through corporate partnerships

c) Exploration of long term effective financial solutions through beneficial partnerships with Cooperate Jamaica to address systemic student challenges.

d)Build on existing efforts to create a more structured and sustainable platform for student entrepreneurs.

e) Establishment of Business Development Support by partnering with organizations like JNWAY to offer: financial literacy workshops, startup guidance (how to register, manage funds) and access to funding opportunities.

f) Prioritizing student vendors for faculty events which creates paid opportunities, not just exposure.

g) Build on existing efforts to create a more structured and sustainable platform for student entrepreneurs.

Student Wellness and Healthy Living

A healthy student is a successful student

a) Continue the “Yuh Good” Mental Health Forum, fostering resilience and well being across the faculty.

b) Launch the Sticks and Stones Anti-Bullying Campaign to create a safe and supportive environment.

c) Introduce Wellness Ambassadors to promote peer support and awareness, aligning initiatives with national health policies.

d) Implement regular wellness check ins, both online and in person, in partnership with the Faculty's Personal and Professional Development Office.

e) Strengthen collaboration with existing initiatives like the Run Club to encourage active lifestyles.

f) Advocate for:

• Reduced Faculty Sports Medicine Clinic /Gym fees offered to students on the faculty

  
  

• Greater access to faculty facilities, including the pool

g) Partner with local farmers to bring affordable, fresh produce (vegetables and fruits) directly to students monthly, promoting healthy living among students once per month.

Clubs and Community

Breaking silos. Building connection.

a) Foster Faculty pride and identity through the creation of an official FMS jersey, the continuation of faculty branded apparel initiatives and the introduction of Orientation Packages.

b) Increase visibility and funding support for clubs and societies/Associations, including class level leadership support.

c) Empower Department Representatives and Association Presidents through constitutional reforms that amplify their voice.

d) Encourage interdepartmental collaboration through joint initiatives

e) Creating and executing bold, faculty wide events that foster meaningful engagement, e.g., FMS Sports Day, CUL-MED, Health Expositions, as mentioned during the debates to name a few.

Representation, Transparency and Advocacy

Leadership that listens, and acts.

a) Regular faculty walks and engagement with students, bringing leadership to you, not waiting for you to come to us.

b) Ensure clear, timely communication on student concerns and faculty updates.

c) Advocate for improvements including:

• Reliable transportation between peripheral sites and campus

  
  

• Timely updates from lecturers on rescheduled classes

  
  

• Additional resources for physiotherapy students (tape, splint-making materials)

  
  

• Review of MBBS financial payment structures

  
  

• Enhanced administrative systems, e.g., early grade release

  
  

• Improved communication on schedules and placements, and more efficient administrative systems impacting students safe, well maintained learning environments, including properly resourced restrooms with bathroom cleaning schedule  and lecture spaces

  
  

• Push for greater academic flexibility, including fairer policies around course repeats

  
  

• Equitable access to physical learning spaces, ensuring no programme is disproportionately displaced or shifted online due to scheduling conflicts

  
  

• Improved coordination of timetables and classroom usage to minimize disruptions to in-person teaching across all departments

d) Strengthen partnerships with other faculties, student bodies and external organizations.

This is more than a vision; it is a commitment to action, accountability, and progress.

Together, we can build a Faculty that is more connected, more supportive, and better for every student.