those fees only convert to US$600

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At least three new degree programmes have been added to those currently being offered at the University of Guyana.The Registrar of the University, Vincent Alexander, in a recent interview noted that despite the fiscal challenges being faced by the institution, the need to keep up with the changing demands of industry required adaptation by the University.According to Alexander, the three new degrees that will be available for registration in the 2010/2011 academic year are a Degree in Pharmacy as well as Bachelor of Science Degree in Optometry and Rehabilitation Sciences.The Degree in Pharmacy, the Caribbean Association of Pharmacists issued a call throughout the region to up the minimum qualifications required to dispense pharmaceuticals.Previously, the industry allowed students with an Associate’s Degree in Pharmacy to work as Pharmacists.However, the need for stricter standards in the dispensation of drugs dictated the need for more in-depth training. This requirement is being fueled by the rise in drug dependence and abuse through controlled substances as well as illicit narcotics.According to the Registrar, the University will be assisted by the Indian Technical and Economic Co-operation (ITEC) Programme as they move to set up the laboratory facilities required for the programme.The Bachelor of Sciences in Optometry is being offered with assistance from Eye Care Caribbean, an organisation dedicated to ensuring that everyone who can see is able to do so without difficulty and granting a better quality of life to those who are no longer able to see at all.And the last degree, in Rehabilitation Sciences is being offered with assistance from the Ministry of Health. It will focus on elements of medical care that seek to address disabilities and quality of life surrounding patients that are differently abled.All of these degrees will be administered under the Faculty of Health Sciences but progress has been noted in other faculties as well. In the Faculty of Technology there is now a new Master’s programme being offered for Engineers in collaboration with McGill University of Canada.The Registrar also took the time to point out that the fee structure of the University needs to be addressed for there to be more progress at the University.He pointed out that several years ago when the current tuition structure was introduced, the basic fee for most programmes was the local equivalent of US $1000 at the time.Today, however, those fees only convert to US$600, clearly leaving the University at a loss to provide the necessary equipment and materials for the students. It should also be noted that the University’s push to institute online applications and registration has survived its pilot year. The University of Guyana Website has started accepting applications for the new academic year.