SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - The University of St. Martin officially welcomed its new Caribbean Foundation Year (CFY) students on Thursday, October 1, 2026, with the first day of a two-day orientation program designed to prepare students academically, socially, and practically for the start of classes.
The first day of orientation brought students together with USM faculty, staff, alumni, and support personnel for an interactive program focused on helping the new cohort become familiar with the University, understand the expectations of college life, and begin building connections with one another.
Students began the day with registration and an icebreaker designed to help them get to know their fellow CFY students. The program continued with an official welcome from Mr. Robert Judd, followed by an overview of the CFY program and the academic year presented by Mrs. Juliana Shipley-Hodge. Students were also introduced to members of the CFY faculty, who briefly shared information about their courses and what students can expect throughout the semester.
Alumni Return to Encourage New Students
A special part of the orientation focused on the transition from secondary school to college and the expectations that come with becoming a university student. USM was pleased to welcome back alumni Ty Farquharson and Sherenn Leblanc, who joined the session to speak directly with the new CFY students and share practical advice, encouragement, and lessons from their own educational experiences.
Their presentation touched on the importance of staying focused, taking responsibility for one’s education, managing academic expectations, and making use of the support and opportunities available at USM.
USM thanks both alumni for taking the time to return and invest in the next generation of students. Ty and Sherenn are also expected to return later in the semester to participate in mentoring sessions with the CFY cohort, giving students an opportunity to continue receiving guidance and encouragement as they progress through the program.
Preparing Students for College Life
Throughout the afternoon, students were introduced to different areas of student life at USM. Sessions covered Student IDs, student benefits, campus activities, student support services, and the different departments students can turn to when they need assistance.
Students also participated in a campus tour led by Ms. Raeann Ford, giving them an opportunity to become familiar with classrooms, the Library, computer facilities, Admissions and Registrar, Marketing, the Business Office, and other important areas of the University.
Stacey Thomas introduced students to USM Library services and resources, including ProQuest and e-books, helping students understand how they can access academic information and research materials throughout their studies.
The orientation also included interactive activities led by Ms. Shobhan Giterson, encouraging students to think about their goals, what they hope to accomplish during CFY, and where they would like the program to take them academically and professionally.
Students were also provided with practical information about their class schedules, attendance, communication, classroom expectations, and what they will need as they prepare for the official start of classes.
Dr. Carole Joseph met with the cohort for a counseling-focused segment, introducing students to another important area of support available to them during their time at USM.
The day also included opportunities for students to interact informally during lunch and activities, giving the cohort space to begin building relationships before entering the classroom together.
Day Two: Getting Connected to USM’s Online Systems
The CFY Orientation continues on Friday, October 2, with a second session focused specifically on helping students become familiar with USM’s online academic systems.
USM Registrar Ms. Glenda Brazier will guide students through Moodle, the University’s online learning platform, and help them understand how to access their courses, assignments, grades, and other important academic information.
Students will work directly from their laptops during the training so they can become comfortable navigating the system before classes begin. The two-day orientation program is intended to ensure that students begin CFY not only with their schedules and course information, but also with an understanding of the people, resources, systems, and support available to them at USM. The University looks forward to welcoming the cohort back for the second day of orientation and to the official start of CFY classes on Monday, October 5, 2026.
USM thanks its faculty, staff, alumni, and support team for contributing to a successful first day and for helping to create a welcoming and encouraging start for the new CFY students.
