Frequently asked questions
ASSOCIATE DEGREES
Ques 1 – What is the cost of the Program.
Answer 1 (SFPP): If you are completing 5th form this year then there is no tuition cost as it is subsidized by the Ministry of Education under the Sixth Form Pathways Program, SFPP. Students, however, will be required to pay USD$ 325 for UWI Franchise Fee for semester 1 and USD$325 for semester 2, as well as a one-time payment compulsory fee of JMD$ 10,000 to cover the cost of for ID cards, Online Library access, Technology fee, Guild fee and Insurance for the year.
Answer 2 (non SFPP): If you have completed 5th form before this year then the cost of the program is JMD$ 55,000 per semester for tuition. They also pay the UWI Franchise fee of USD$ 325 per semester as well as a one-time payment compulsory fee of JMD$ 10,000 to cover the cost for ID cards, Online Library Access, Technology Fee, Guild fee and Insurance for the year. This gives a total of JMD$222,000 for the academic year.
This Can be divided into two and paid over the two semesters.
Ques 2 – How long is the associate degree program.
Answer (SFPP): 2 years.
Ques 3 – How many subjects do I need to have to enter the program.
Answer: You need to have at least 5 CXC, CSEC subjects or equivalent. You must have mathematics and English and any other 3 subjects. If you do not have mathematics this can be replaced by an approved science subject (not Health Science) or Additional mathematics or Geography.
Also please note that individuals who do not meet this requirement of CXC mathematics must do an approved mathematics remedial course such as Math 0900/ CE001 Mathematics or Math (IYMS) improving your math skills.
Ques 4 – Can I use my associate degree to go to UWI to do my bachelor’s degree?
Answer: Yes, you can. After successfully completing the program, you automatically move into UWI to do an additional one and a half years to complete the full degree.
Ques 5 – What are the benefits of doing the associate degree program.
Answer: the benefits are.
- No need to do Sixth form and CAPE.
- Shorter time to complete your degree. Remove the two years needed to get CAPE to do your degree.
- Cost less money.
- Increased ability to work after your associate degree and continue school.
- Direct entry into UWI.
- No final examinations. Continuous assessments through group report, Individual report, and a in course test.
Ques 6 – How many courses do we do per semester.
Answer: Students do an average of 5 courses per semester which amounts to 15 credits per semester. Done over two semesters’ students complete 30 credits for the year. For the duration of the course the students complete 60 credits.
Ques 7 – Are enrolled students, students of the UWI.
Answer: Yes
Ques 8 – Do we have access to the library.
Answer: Yes
Ques 9 – Do we have to wear school shirts or uniform.
Answer: No
Ques 10 – What is the website address.
Answer: www.preupolytech.org
Ques 11 – Where and how are classes kept.
Answer: Classes are done using hybrid mode. Each course has three hours contact time for the week. For students who are under the Sixth Form Pathways Program, SFPP, they are required to do two hours face to face and one hour done online. Other individuals who have special circumstances such as work, and travel restrictions can request to do their classes online. This, however, have to be approved by the administration.
Ques 12 – How many associate degrees are being offered.
Answer: There are three currently on offer and they are
- Business Management
- Paralegal Studies
- Social Work
Ques 13 – Is there the possibility of accessing financial aid or student loans.
Answer: Yes, there is. We have an arrangement with the First Heritage Cooperate Credit Union where persons can access up to $250,000 annually to fund their education. Once success in applying for the financial assistance payments are made on behalf of the student and then payments can be made in monthly installments vis salary deduction.
Persons can also choose to make arrangements for payment plans with the school through the bursary before the beginning of school.
Ques 14 – How do I apply.
Answer: You can apply now for the course which begins in September, and you can go to the website: www.preupolytech.org and then go to the student center and click on admissions. You then click on the button saying apply here and then complete the online form. All supporting documents should be emailed to [email protected].
Ques 15 – Is there an age limit.
Answer: No there is not, However, students enrolling through the Sixth form Pathways Program 18 and under to be enrolled under this program.
Ques 16 – Can persons with less than 5 subjects apply.
Answer: Yes, they can. Persons who do not meet the required qualifications can apply for entry under the mature student process. Individuals applying through this route should have been working for at five years and will have to undergo an interview successfully to enroll. Professional certificates and acknowledgements will be taken into consideration. Persons with less than five years working experience can apply but must get a special exemption from the Registrar of the Global Campus UWI.
Ques 17 – Is there a final examination for the courses.
Answer: There is no final examination for the courses. Final grades are determined by continuous assessment by the submission of (1) Group report, (1) Individual report and (1) in course examination to set by the tutor.
Ques 18 – What is the grading system of the program.
Answer: It is based on a GPA system.
