Registration, Transcripts, Deferral & Graduation Queries etc.
registry@btcc.edu.jm (or Campus Administrator if your campus is the Technical or Nursing Campus)
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MISSION Intentionally developing community via industry-based curricula, learner- centred, environmentally-friendly and technology-driven innovations.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 1 · PDF page 2
Upon registering at Brown’s Town Community College (BTCC) each student agrees to abide by all the policies and rules governing students and the operation of the College. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided in this document is accurate and up-to-date. However, BTCC reserves the right to make changes to the policies and procedures as well as information relating to admission, enrolment, applicable fees and any other matter.
Both new and returning students bear the ultimate responsibility for reading the handbook and following the academic policies and regulations of the College. The Student Handbook is made available to students via the College’s website at www.btcc.edu.jm and students’ iSIMS (Student Management System) accounts.
Students registered in programmes that are franchised from other institutions must also follow the guidelines outlined in the respective handbooks of those institutions.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 2 · PDF page 3
Welcome Students.
On behalf of the Board of Management, I extend a warm welcome to both our new and returning students. Whether you are joining us for the first time or continuing your educational journey, you are a valued member of the Brown's Town Community College family. We are honoured to support you as you pursue your goals and aspirations.
As you begin this academic year, I encourage you to remember that success is not defined by the absence of challenges, but by how we respond to them. Obstacles and setbacks are a natural part of growth, and it is often through overcoming them that we discover our greatest strengths.
Our institution is a reflection of that principle. Across the campus, you will see ongoing improvements, including the installation of new roofs on several buildings. These works mark the beginning of a broader redevelopment journey focused not only on restoration, but also on growth and innovation. Our vision is to create modern learning environments equipped with the resources and technologies needed to prepare you for a rapidly changing world.
You are supported by a dedicated team committed to your success. Our faculty, administrative, and ancillary staff work together to provide high-quality instruction, guidance, and a safe, welcoming environment in which you can learn and thrive.
The Board of Management remains committed to strong governance, accountability, and continuous improvement as we work to ensure the highest quality educational experience for all students.
Together, we are building more than facilities; we are building futures. As our tagline reminds us, we remain committed to Creating Opportunities, Connecting Communities.
Best wishes for a successful and rewarding academic year.
Christopher Charley J.P.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 4 · PDF page 5
Welcome to Brown’s Town Community College, a higher education institution that is committed to “Empowering Lifelong Learning and Workforce Readiness”.
At Brown's Town Community College, we are committed to fostering academic excellence and personal growth, offering a wide range of educational opportunities for individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge, skills, and attitudes. As an institution of higher learning, we take pride in providing diverse educational pathways, from Bachelor's Degrees to Occupational Associate Degrees and certification courses to cater to the needs and aspirations of our students. Our goal remains the same as it did from our inception in 1975: to empower you with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Our mission at Brown's Town Community College is deeply rooted in a commitment to fostering a strong sense of community through industry-based curricula, learner-centred approaches in an eco-friendly and technology-driven environment that nurtures academic curiosity, critical thinking, and holistic growth. By doing so, we aim to produce academically competent graduates and socially responsible global citizens.
To achieve our mission, we have assembled a dedicated faculty and staff who are passionate about teaching and mentoring students. They bring their expertise, experience, and commitment to the classroom to guide and support you in your educational journey.
As the premier tertiary education institution in St. Ann, we understand the importance of practical skills and experiential learning. Therefore, we actively foster partnerships with industry leaders, organizations, and the local community to provide valuable internship and work placement opportunities. These experiences help you bridge the gap between theory and practice, equipping you with real-world skills that are highly sought after in today's competitive job market.
As Principal, I am committed to upholding the values and principles that define our college. I encourage you to actively participate in our vibrant academic community, engage in extracurricular activities, and take advantage of the various student support services available to you. Together, let us embrace the transformative power of education and strive for excellence in all our endeavours. I look forward to witnessing your growth, achievements, and contributions as together we work on Creating Opportunities, Connecting Communities.
Claudeth Haughton, Ed.M., BA Principal
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 5 · PDF page 6
College Overview
Brown’s Town Community College is a government-owned institution and a member of the Community Colleges of Jamaica (CCCJ), the Association of Caribbean Tertiary Institutions (ACTI) and is registered with the Jamaica Tertiary Education Commission (JTEC) and the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ).
The College is committed to providing quality learning opportunities that meet the needs and expectations of our students as well as encourage innovation and the ongoing improvement of our educational environment. It ensures that its academic offerings are high quality and meet international standards. The undergraduate programmes offered by the College go through a rigorous review to achieve and maintain accreditation by the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ), the national accreditation body. Accreditation is a benchmark of excellence for the programmes offered.
In responding to the job market needs, the College introduced four new programmes between 2022 and 2023 in Agro-Processing & Business Management, Engineering, and Computing. For students who are desirous of pursuing a degree but do not meet the qualifications, we have introduced the Pre-Associate programme. The College has also introduced two Occupational Skill areas (Pathway 3), namely Food & Beverage Service and Fabrication, Welding & Pipework offered by City & Guilds for students desiring entry-level qualifications.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 7 · PDF page 8
Brown’s Town Community College was among the first three Community Colleges to be established in Jamaica in 1975. The College’s first principal was Ambassador, the Honourable Burchell Whiteman, considered as one of the pioneers of the community college system, and who later served as Jamaica’s Minister of Education, Youth and Culture from 1992 – 2002 and High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
Brown’s Town Community College’s Main Campus is located in the Dry Harbour Mountains of St. Ann. The Main Campus stands on the property that once housed the Huntley Park Hotel which was later purchased by the Servite Nuns from Mr. George Thompson and developed into the Servite Convent Preparatory and High School. The adjoining property was eventually added to this purchase. A guest house, which became the staff quarters, was bought from one Miss Nunez. The land for the preparatory school was bought from Mr. DaCosta and the Quito Building was purchased from Mr. Archie Watt, who had built it in the 1940s. Father Charles Judah was instrumental in bringing the Servite Nuns to Brown’s Town in 1953.
The Servite Convent High School was closed in 1973. The Preparatory School was handed over to the Government in 1978, and it now operates as Servite Primary School.
In 1975, the late Honourable Glen Owen (Former Principal of Mico), the Ministry of Education and Archdeacon Trefor Thomas (from the Anglican Church in Brown’s Town) spearheaded discussions to combine all the sixth forms in the Brown’s Town area. At the time, the High Schools in the area, namely, York Castle, St. Hilda’s and Westwood, were finding it increasingly difficult to find teachers to teach advanced level subjects. There was also a need for a post-secondary institution as graduates from the high schools faced challenges finding jobs in the business and tourism sectors because of a lack of training and qualification.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 8 · PDF page 9
The Principal is the chief accountable officer who reports to the Board of Management and she is assisted by two (2) Vice Principals. Other Academic Managers include Deans, Heads of Schools, Programme Coordinators and Senior Lecturers. Administrative Managers include the Bursar, Registrar and the Human Resource, Marketing, Plant and Procurement Managers.
The institution currently operates three campuses: the Brown’s Town Campus referred to as the Main Campus which is also home to the College’s main administrative offices, the Nursing Campus referred to as the Wesley Campus and the Technical Campus, otherwise known as the Discovery Bay Campus. The College also operates an Industrial Training Unit which operates from the Technical Campus.
Starting in 2024-2025, the College began operating under four Faculties, namely:
This Faculty is responsible for providing education in health, human sciences and various scientific disciplines, preparing students for careers in healthcare, social work, scientific research and related fields and/or for transfer to other higher education institutions. Three (3) Schools fall under the Faculty:
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 9 · PDF page 10
In the 2026-2027, all students except Year 4 Bachelor Nursing students will be based at the Main Campus in Brown’s Town. Year 4 students will remain for a limited period at the Wesley Campus, located in St. Ann’s Bay. Programmes offered include:
The School of Humanities and Social Sciences is highly regarded for developing and delivering programmes that impact communities, cultivate passion and connect people. The School works with external partners to enable students to apply their learning to real-world challenges. This School also houses a number of the general education (including Communication, Psychology, Foreign Language) curriculum for all undergraduate programmes at the College.
The programme offerings in this School include:
The programmes in the School of Pure & Applied Sciences are designed to assist students to achieve their highest potential so that they will contribute to the scientific, moral and ethical growth of society. The programmes prepare students for employment or transfer to programmes such as medicine, nursing and forensic science, meteorology, environmental virology in other higher education institutions.
This School also has responsibility for delivering the Math and Math-based courses across the College.
The programme offerings in this School include:
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 10 · PDF page 11
This Faculty offers comprehensive education and training in business, hospitality and tourism, informational technology, and computing. It aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers in the dynamic fields of business, hospitality, and technology and for transfer to other higher education institutions.
There are three (3) Schools within this Faculty, namely:
This School provides high-quality, innovative and practical-rich programmes that prepare students to become successful entrepreneurs, business owners, and managers. Programmes offered include:
This School prides itself on delivering first-class education and hands-on training in hospitality and tourism programmes that will prepare students to meet the demands of the hospitality and tourism sectors. Programmes offered include:
This School prepares students for innovative careers in technology-related fields. The programmes offered weave industry recommendations and current trends to ensure students obtain the skills and knowledge to stay at the forefront of technology.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 11 · PDF page 12
This Faculty seeks to equip students with the skills to effectively conceptualise, design and develop and manage projects. Each programme combines strong theoretical foundations with practical, hands-on and real world focus to prepare students for the workplace and higher studies.
There are two Schools in this Faculty:
This School provides comprehensive education and training in the planning, design and management of construction projects. Students gain expertise in areas such as construction technology, structural engineering and project management. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in a dynamic and evolving field. The School offers the following programmes:
This School offers cutting-edge education in engineering. The programmes offered aim to cultivate future leaders in engineering who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to their fields. The following programmes are offered:
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 12 · PDF page 13
The BTCC Academy facilitates the delivery of a diverse portfolio of programmes that span the vocational, professional and post-secondary fields. The courses and customised programmes provide learners with the practical and ready-to-use skills needed for early and mid-career professionals and that suit their career interests and goals. Customised programmes may be delivered on-site or offsite.
There are two departments within the BTCC Academy & Corporate Education, namely:
The programme offerings within the Pre-College Department include:
The programmes within the Corporate Education Department include:
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 13 · PDF page 14
The College enters into a contractual agreement with all students and the administration through the instrument of the Covenant for Success. This is a document that is binding on students, staff and administration of the College. It is divided into three parts namely, the College’s Covenant, the Lecturers’ Covenant and the Students’ Covenant. Together, they set out specific guidelines and parameters within which all parties are to operate, to ensure that the teaching-learning experience is of the highest quality. The document does this by outlining what is expected of the parties covered by the agreement, and by outlining preventative and corrective measures that can be taken by each party, as these relate to breaches of the stipulated procedures and guidelines. Annually, all members of the Community College participate in an official signing of the Covenant.
I am responsible for my education. While others may help me, my success will depend primarily upon what I do to become successful. If it is to be, it is up to me. Furthermore, I promise I will …
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 14 · PDF page 15
These statements form the basis of an agreement between the lecturers and the students to ensure that the teaching-learning experience is of the highest quality.
These statements form the basis of an agreement between the College and the students to ensure that the teaching-learning experience is of the highest quality.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 15 · PDF page 16
All students (except those groups listed below) are required to participate in a Social Outreach Programme. This programme seeks to promote social and individual responsibility among students and consists of a variety of opportunities that complement the classroom experience. It is designed to contribute to the growth of the individual in becoming a more informed citizen. The College encourages a co-operative spirit of goodwill within the campus community and a long term commitment to leadership and quality service within the community.
Each student is required to complete forty (40) hours of approved community service in his/her first semester of study. Students who fail to do this must complete fifty (50) hours by August 31 of their first year. Submission of a written report is mandatory.
The following student groups are exempt:
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 16 · PDF page 17
Applications for admissions to the College are generally accepted between January and July, EXCEPT for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing for which applications are generally accepted between October and mid January. Late applications are also accepted by the College for undersubscribed programmes.
All applicants must submit a completed application form with all the required documents; some groups may be invited to attend an interview conducted by College officials. Applications are accepted online (at btcc.edu.jm) as well as in-person at our Main Campus.
Each student accepted to pursue a programme of study at the College and those who have met the criteria for promotion must select the courses for the semester on the student management system, iSIMS, during the registration period each semester. This is the first step in the registration process. A student is officially registered only after completing all the required steps in the registration process. These are the other steps involved in completing the registration process:
New students will receive a registration package via email containing the following:
Students who do not register within the prescribed registration period must visit the Registry to be manually registered after showing proof of fee payment.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 18 · PDF page 19
All new students (except the UTech Jamaica, UWI students and students with Grade 1 in CSEC English or a Grade 1 or 2 pass in CAPE Communication Studies) will be required to sit an ELPT before the start of classes or as early as possible within the first weeks of the semester. CCCJ students who fail the test will be required to register for a one-semester foundation course in English; other groups will be assigned to the Writing Lab.
All registered students are issued with an Identification Card which is valid for one year. Students are required to show their IDs to security to gain access to the Main Campus, libraries and internal and external examinations. IDs are to be worn at ALL times.
The College operates a 12-month academic year beginning in August/September and ending July/August of the following calendar year. The academic year consists of three academic periods, namely:
This occurs when a student, after receiving an offer for a place in a programme of study at the College, indicates on the confirmation of acceptance form sent with the offer letter, that he/she will defer his/her studies.
An applicant who has been approved for a deferral will be guaranteed a place for the next academic year only if the matriculation requirements have not changed and if the programme has met the minimum cohort size. Having received approval for a deferral, at least two months before the start of the academic period in which the applicant is due to commence, he/she must notify the Registrar in writing, advising of his/her intention to take up the place in the programme/course. The place is held in the programme/ course for which the offer was originally made and as such if a different programme/course is being requested, a new application will be required.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 19 · PDF page 20
This is where a student formally removes him/herself from a programme/course of study. There are a number of reasons, often personal, sometimes financial that can lead to a student deciding to discontinue his studies. Where he/she wishes to take a break from his/her studies, it will mean that the student is requiring “Leave of Absence”.
When a student finds it necessary to leave the College before the end of a semester, the student must initiate an official withdrawal or request a Leave of Absence by following these steps:
The Registrar will adjust the student’s status on iSIMS after written documentation has been submitted to the Registrar. If fees have been paid in full, the student MAY be entitled to a refund of a portion of the fee (see Refund Policy). The withdrawal/leave becomes effective on the date the Registrar received the request. Students are encouraged to abide by this guideline as they may remain liable for a larger amount of the tuition fee than might otherwise be required.
Ceasing to attend classes or informing a lecturer of the decision to discontinue does not constitute an official withdrawal/leave of absence. Responsibility for official withdrawal or leave of absence rests with the student. Students who do not comply with the above will be deemed to have abandoned the programme.
Refunds will be made under the College’s Refund Policy.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 20 · PDF page 21
This is where a student formally requests permission to be placed in a different programme of study. This is usually done at the beginning of the academic year or the start of a new academic period (semester for some programmes). The request is made using the College’s Transfer Request Form and submitted for approval to the Head of School/Dean of the Faculty for the programme being requested.
Once approval has been granted, the form must be submitted to the Registry for the adjustments to be made on iSIMS.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 21 · PDF page 22
Tuition and fees are reviewed each academic year and are approved by the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth & Information. While the fees are deemed to be correct at the time of publication, they are subject to change at any time during the year. Tuition and fees may be a combination of the following:
Some programmes may require additional fees for certain activities. For example, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing students must pay an Indexing Fee to the Nursing Council.
Tuition and fees are due and payable in full before registration for a programme unless the student has selected a payment plan. The existence of a commitment to pay tuition by an external agency does not necessarily guarantee receipt of payment; the student is ultimately liable for all fees due and payable and as such where the donor/organization/agency does not pay, the student will be required to pay all outstanding fees on demand.
Payments may be made by manager’s cheque, debit or credit card (Master Card/VISA), ABM deposit, or online via bank transfer or iSIMS. The following also applies:
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 23 · PDF page 24
All students who are NOT paying the applicable tuition and fees in FULL via manager’s cheque or card payment before registration must select the relevant payment plan to verify the initial fee to be deposited. As soon as the minimum deposit payment is made and applied to the student’s account, students are expected to proceed to register for courses on iSIMS. This includes students receiving scholarships, bursaries, grants, or funds from the Students’ Loan Bureau (SLB) and students approved for Earn & Study.
Students who miss the registration deadline must visit/contact the Registry to be manually registered.
For students awaiting disbursement of funds from organizations/ agencies, such funds can only be acknowledged in the payment agreement if a written commitment is given by the organization /agency to pay a specific amount by a specified date. This written commitment must be in its original form and must be addressed to the College.
The following exceptions currently exist:
SLB recipients and beneficiaries of discounts, scholarships, bursaries, grants, Earn & Study etc. must pay the excess of the amount received or to be received, before registration. Monies received on behalf of students will only be allocated according to the terms and conditions stipulated by the funder.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 24 · PDF page 25
In addition to existing payment terms the following applies to all students:
Students may be granted a refund of tuition fees if they withdraw from a course/programme or request a leave of absence. The request must be made in writing to the office of the Registrar for verification and further submission to the office of the Bursar. Any refunds being made will be in accordance with the following schedule:
Where fees are paid in part, the amount to be refunded will be calculated on the amount remaining. The appropriate form should be completed and the student’s copy of the payment voucher/receipt given (for the payment being refunded) is to be attached. A student who is expelled from the College for academic or disciplinary reasons will not be entitled to any refund of fees.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 25 · PDF page 26
Refunds of overpayments on tuition fees are applicable ONLY when it is verified that applicable fees have been paid.
In the case of a self-financing surplus, fees are refunded once all fees are paid in FULL for the academic year/period of study. If a student wishes to have the surplus remain on his/her account as an initial deposit on the following year’s fees or duration of the study, that surplus or any portion remaining will be applicable for a refund at the end of the study.
A surplus due to grants, scholarships, or sponsors (e.g. the Student Loan Bureau, Ministry of Finance, etc.) is NOT eligible for refunds. The policy is that such funds are returned to the entity. Where a student requests a refund of fees paid by a sponsor, that student must obtain written communication from the sponsoring entity authorizing such a refund.
Refunds are processed within 21 days after submission of all relevant details (e.g. proof of payments, banking details, etc.)
All tuition fees must be paid BEFORE payments are accepted for external examinations (CAPE, CXC, etc.)
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 26 · PDF page 27
In addition to personal funds, there are a number of sources from which students may access financial assistance to fund their education. These include:
Some companies offer educational assistance to the children of their employees. The form it takes will vary from company to company. Assistance is also available from some companies and the Government; in some cases, it is restricted to particular areas of study. Under the Government’s Sixth Form Pathway Programme (SFPP), eligible students also qualify for grants.
Students pursuing tertiary level programmes - Associate and Bachelor degrees (e.g. UTech, UWI, CCCJ) who qualify, will be able to borrow the full cost of their tuition fees from the Students’ Loan Bureau to finance their studies.
The Jamaica Values and Attitudes Programme was launched by the Government of Jamaica in 2001. Successful applicants are assigned to work in different organizations for 200 hours. Students participating in this programme will get the following benefits:
This is a government-funded programme which offers paid employment during the summer.
This programme facilitates on campus employment for students. Work is scheduled so that there is minimal interruption to students’ academic work. All students have the option to work in Semester 1 or Semester 2 and students who are not in their final year of study can opt to work during the summer. No student is allowed to work in multiple semesters of any one academic year.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 27 · PDF page 28
Each programme of study has its own conditions for promotion. A student must therefore satisfy the general conditions of each programme. To be eligible for promotion, the student must meet the following basic requirements:
At its discretion and where the policy does not contravene the policy of the College’s partners/franchisors, the Academic Board may conditionally promote to the first semester of the second year, a student who has failed to meet all the matriculation requirements, if there is clear evidence that the student would have met them if hindering circumstances had not been present (e.g. illness during an examination or death of an immediate relative). Such students must meet all matriculation requirements by the end of the first semester of the programme’s second year.
The Principal’s Honours list has been established to honour the academic achievements of students and to give recognition to those students who have attained academic distinction among their peers. Students who have earned an overall grade of at least A (or equivalent GPA) are recognized by placement on the Honours List. This is recorded on the students’ permanent file. It is hoped that such special recognition will provide an additional incentive for achievement-driven students to excel in their programme of study.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 29 · PDF page 30
There is a re-sit policy in place for students registered in some programmes including the CCCJ Associate and Bachelor Degree programmes. This is applicable to returning students who have failed a course. Details of the re-sit policy are available in the relevant governing body’s programme handbook.
A student is placed on academic probation whenever his/her combined average falls below the minimum passing grade. In addition, students who have a passing average, but have failed core subjects may be placed on academic probation. This is an indication that the student’s performance is below the standard expected and he/she will be asked to discontinue the programme if there is no improvement at the end of the academic year under review. This will be recorded on the student’s permanent file. Generally, students remain on probation until the end of the semester when the probation takes effect. Students on probation are advised to meet with their Professional Development Advisor (PDA), the Academic Advisor and Guidance Counsellor for consultation and advising.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 30 · PDF page 31
The College offers a variety of programmes that are franchised and/or executed in collaboration with other Higher Educational Institutions and/or professional bodies. In all such cases, the requirements of both the College and the partner institution must be satisfied before an award is granted.
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required documentation is submitted to the Registry. Failure to fulfil this responsibility will result in the student being ineligible to graduate. Graduands are usually notified via email, invited to indicate their intent to graduate and thereafter informed of the particulars of the event.
The College’s Graduation and Awards Ceremony is held in November each year. Graduation is not automatic. In order for a student to qualify for graduation, the following must be satisfied:
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 31 · PDF page 32
The College operates with many partners in executing available programmes and applies the grading scheme of the franchising institution. Outlined here is a summary of the applicable grading schemes. Students are required to reference their programme handbooks for further details on the grading policies that apply to their respective programme. Some grading schemes do not have an applicable Grade Point Weighting and as such Not Applicable (N/A) has been entered in the Grade Point column for these programmes.
Criteria for promotion: Must pass two (2) core subjects in addition to Communication/Caribbean Studies in external examinations and attain a minimum average of 50% on internal examinations.
| Letter grade | Grade point | Percentage / result |
|---|---|---|
| A | N/A | 75-100 |
| B+ | N/A | 70-74 |
| B | N/A | 65-69 |
| C+ | N/A | 60-64 |
| C | N/A | 50-59 |
| D | N/A | 40-49 |
| E | N/A | 30-39 |
| F | N/A | 0-29 |
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 32 · PDF page 33
Criteria for promotion: Must satisfy the requirements of the Council of Community Colleges of Jamaica (CCCJ).
| Letter grade | Grade point | Percentage / result |
|---|---|---|
| A | 4.00 | 90-100 |
| A- | 3.67 | 80-89 |
| B+ | 3.33 | 75-79 |
| B | 3.00 | 70-74 |
| B- | 2.67 | 65-69 |
| C+ | 2.33 | 60-64 |
| C | 2.00 | 55-59 |
| C- | 1.67 | 50-54 |
| D+ | 1.33 | 45-49 |
| D | 1.00 | 40-44 |
| U | 0.00 | 0-39 |
Criteria for promotion: Must pass ALL subjects in external examinations and attain a minimum average of 50% on internal examinations. Students must also satisfy any other applicable requirement for their specific programme.
| Letter grade | Grade point | Percentage / result |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | N/A | 97-100 |
| A | N/A | 91-96 |
| A- | N/A | 85-90 |
| B+ | N/A | 78-84 |
| B | N/A | 71-77 |
| B- | N/A | 65-70 |
| C+ | N/A | 60-64 |
| C | N/A | 55-59 |
| C- | N/A | 50-54 |
| D | N/A | 0-49 |
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 33 · PDF page 34
Criteria for promotion: Must meet the requirements of the University of Technology, Jamaica.
| Letter grade | Grade point | Percentage / result |
|---|---|---|
| A | 4.00 | 90-100 |
| A- | 3.67 | 80-89 |
| B+ | 3.33 | 75-79 |
| B | 3.00 | 70-74 |
| B- | 2.67 | 65-69 |
| C+ | 2.33 | 60-64 |
| C | 2.00 | 55-59 |
| C- | 1.67 | 50-54 |
| D+ | 1.33 | 45-49 |
| D | 1.00 | 40-44 |
| D- | 0.67 | 35-39 |
| U | 0.0 | 0-34 |
| AB | 0.0 | Absent |
| P | - | Pass |
| F | - | Fail |
Criteria for promotion: Must satisfy the requirements of the University of the West Indies. Student Nurses must also meet the requirements of the Nursing Council of Jamaica.
| Letter grade | Grade point | Percentage / result |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 4.30 | 90-100 |
| A | 4.00 | 80-89 |
| A- | 3.70 | 75-79 |
| B+ | 3.30 | 70-74 |
| B | 3.00 | 65-69 |
| B- | 2.70 | 60-64 |
| C+ | 2.30 | 55-59 |
| C | 2.00 | 50-54 |
| F1 | 1.70 | 45-49 |
| F2 | 1.30 | 40-44 |
| F3 | 0.00 | 0-39 |
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 34 · PDF page 35
Criteria for promotion: Must pass ALL subjects in external examinations and attain a minimum average of 55% on internal examinations.
| Letter grade | Grade point | Percentage / result |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | N/A | 95-100 |
| A | N/A | 90-94 |
| A- | N/A | 80-89 |
| B+ | N/A | 75-79 |
| B | N/A | 70-74 |
| B- | N/A | 65-69 |
| C+ | N/A | 60-64 |
| C | N/A | 50-59 |
| C- | N/A | 45-49 |
| D | N/A | 40-44 |
| E | N/A | 0-39 |
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 35 · PDF page 36
CXC and City and Guilds.
Students are expected to pay the registration and course fees to be entered for these examinations. The dates and fees are shared with students via iSIMS, Professional Development (PD) sessions and during assemblies as soon as they have been communicated by the respective examination bodies.
For all the examinations noted above, students must return payment vouchers to the College.
These are examinations that are conducted by the College and/or our Franchise partners such as CCCJ, UTech and UWI. The franchise partner determines whether the examination will be administered as a face-to-face or an online examination.
Internal examinations are also held for students registered for CXC, NCTVET/NVQJ, NCTVET/CVQ, City and Guilds at the end of each semester.
In addition to coursework, that is, tests, assignments, presentations etc., which form an integral part of the evaluation requirements, official examinations are held during specified times during the academic year. The schedule is generally as follows:
Semester 1 December Semester 2 April/May Summer August
Each student must check the General Examination Timetable and the drafts posted on iSIMS and report any problems such as clashes, and omissions to Registry within three (3) days of the posting of the timetable.
The College usually produces draft timetables and then a final one. Students must check the timetable intermittently for changes which may be posted even after a final timetable is produced. Only students who are financially cleared and have satisfied all other requirements will be allowed to sit examinations.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 37 · PDF page 38
Each student must have a valid Examination Card and College Identification Card at each examination sitting which must be presented to the exam coordinator/invigilator before entering the exam room for in-person examinations. The examination card must be prominently displayed on the desk during the exam. For online examinations, to ensure you are the student taking the exam, you will be asked to authenticate your identity. Alternatively, students may access selected online exams using the Safe Exam Browser configuration.
Students will be able to download and print their examination cards within the prescribed window of time allowed. Students must ensure that their cards reflect the examinable subjects/ courses for which they are registered. The presence of any written information on exam cards, except exam title, date and time will be seen as an attempt to cheat. Only financially cleared students will be able to download their cards.
An exam receipt is issued to each student in return for an examination script at the end of the in-person examination. This will be the only proof that the examination script has been submitted. For online examinations, an uploaded exam to the Moodle site or the approved exam email address is proof of submission.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 38 · PDF page 39
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 39 · PDF page 40
The following represent some of the sanctions outlined in the College’s Academic Fraud Policy. If a candidate is suspected of cheating in an examination, the following are to be taken:
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 40 · PDF page 41
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 41 · PDF page 42
Class attendance is considered essential to the academic success of students at the College as there are many learning opportunities between faculty members and students and between one student and other students in the online or in-person classroom.
Students must check on iSIMS for the times and locations of their classes. Students have the responsibility to attend ALL classes and to actively engage in all learning opportunities provided. Students are expected to arrive for class on time and to remain for the scheduled period for the class out of respect for both lecturer and fellow students. Late arrival causes disruption to other class members as well as the lecturer.
Each lecturer will maintain an attendance record of students doing franchised programmes (CCCJ, UTech, UWI, etc.). Beneficiaries of the government’s grants under the Sixth Form Pathway Programme are to be mindful of and guided by the attendance rules stipulated by these institutions. Each student must accept responsibility for all absences. A student who presents his/her lecturer with adequate reason for an absence may be given an opportunity to make up the work missed.
The responsibility for initiating the request to make up class work missed is vested in the student.
Generally, the following applies to all students:
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 43 · PDF page 44
Students are required to assume responsibility for their own learning. To assist students in accepting this responsibility, faculty members are assigned as advisors to groups of students. Academic advisement is facilitated through advisement sessions which are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. Additional academic advisement may be given by the Professional Development Advisors, the Head of School or Programme Coordinators.
The Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) is replacing the traditional take-home SBA for non-practical CSEC and CAPE subjects with supervised Paper 032 exams effective 2027. For practical subjects, the following apply:
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 44 · PDF page 45
Assessment is an essential component of the learning process which serves to encourage student learning, make judgements about student achievements and monitor the effectiveness of the learning environment. Students must observe deadlines for the submission of all internal assessments (SBAs, assignments etc.) The only exceptions may be serious illness and family or personal emergency which should be reported to the lecturer on or before the submission date.
Penalty for late submission of assignments is 5% per day within a period not exceeding 5 days.
Coursework and exam grades for each student are entered on iSIMS each semester. Assessment of students is done through a combination of coursework including portfolios, presentations, speeches, projects, case studies, in class and out of class essays, laboratory exercises, written examinations and other similar pieces. The coursework mark on the grade sheet is usually drawn from at least three pieces of work. An exam grade by itself, no matter how good, is not an isolated grade and cannot be used for probation, dismissal or to assist promotion. It is therefore important that students complete all coursework tasks.
Students are required to meet the deadlines established by the lecturer. Generally, coursework must be submitted by the 5th, 8th and 12th week of each semester. If there are extenuating circumstances preventing the student from submitting the assignment on the due date, the lecturer MAY allow an extension of the deadline.
Students must submit the work in the manner and format specified by the lecturer. Students are expected to submit assignments via Moodle unless their lecturers request physical copies of their work. Leaving an assignment under the lecturer’s door or handing it to the lecturer while on the corridor, is not considered to be an appropriate submission. If the assignment gets mislaid or lost, there is no recourse for the student and the assignment will be considered as not having been submitted. Poor quality work will receive a failing grade.
Academic performance of students is evaluated using the grading system for each programme.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 45 · PDF page 46
Students will be required to have computers to access their class materials and do online quizzes or assessments posted on Moodle, the Learning Management System. For online classes, students are forbidden to record the voice or image of the instructor without the consent of the person being recorded or photographed.
All cellular phones and electronic devices must be turned off during in-person lectures, assemblies and in other campus function/ activities where their use would cause a distraction to the learning environment. However, lecturers may include the use of the cell-phone and other electronic devices as part of their instruction.
Cell phones and electronic device use is prohibited during all testing and assessment activities. The ringing of a cellular phone during a class or other organized activity is rude, disruptive and irritating for fellow students and the lecturer. It is unacceptable to send or reply to text messages, or pretend to leave a class for an emergency in order to respond to a call or message. Students caught doing this may be asked to leave the class.
Refer to the Guide for Online Student Conduct & Expectations for more information on how to use the electronic devices for online classes.
The delivery of any programme or course is dependent on a number of factors. The College reserves the right to cancel or defer any programme or course which is undersubscribed, non-viable or for which adequate resources are not available.
A transcript is an official permanent record of a student’s academic performance. A student’s record and the information contained therein are the property of the College and are treated as private and confidential. Transcripts or other information about a student will not be released to third parties without the written permission of the student; neither will such information be released by telephone. Official transcripts are sent directly to designated employers or institutions upon the student’s request and after payment of the required fee. All requests for written documents including transcripts, progress reports, status and embassy letters are to be made using iSIMS. Transcripts are prepared within 10 and 15 working days. Transcripts given to students will be considered “unofficial” and may not be accepted by the receiving agency as a true record. The College reserves the right to withhold transcripts and other records for students who fail to meet their financial obligations.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 46 · PDF page 47
BTCC uses fair and consistent evaluation of its courses and lecturers to ensure that students are being taught at the highest standards.
At least once per semester, students will be required to anonymously complete a lecturer/course evaluation form which is returned to the Office of the Vice Principal, Academic Affairs. The responses are analyzed and the results shared at the highest level to determine what improvement strategies may be necessary and what best practices can be shared.
The College reserves the right to make changes as required to programme offerings, academic policies, and other rules and regulations governing students to be effective as determined by the College. The changes will cover current and former students. The College authorities, bearing in mind the interests of the students and the College, will interpret these policies.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 47 · PDF page 48
The purpose of the Brown’s Town Community College’s Code of Conduct is not only to regulate student behaviour; but also to educate students on their rights and responsibilities as members of the student body. BTCC also wishes to promote student understanding of the balance between individual privileges and college responsibilities, as well as provide everyone in the college community with a safe learning environment conducive to student learning and success.
Students have a right to:
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 49 · PDF page 50
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 50 · PDF page 51
As a community college, BTCC strives to instil and foster intellectual honesty and integrity. Academic misconduct refers to academic dishonesty or fraud. It includes acts which have the effect of unfairly promoting or enhancing one’s academic standing or assisting someone in the pursuit of such an end.
Effective evaluation of students’ work can only take place in an environment in which intellectual honesty is respected. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to inappropriate giving or receiving of help during tests and plagiarism. Acts of academic dishonesty are serious matters, which subvert the integrity and credibility of the educational process. The College will, therefore, initiate action to discipline students who engage in acts of academic dishonesty. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to cheating on tests, assignments or examinations which may include:
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 51 · PDF page 52
Plagiarism is the inclusion of someone else’s intellectual effort or property (published or unpublished) including words, ideas and data as one’s own work. When a student submits work for assessment which includes the words, ideas or data of others, the source must be acknowledged through complete, accurate and specific references, and if verbatim statements are included, quotation marks should be used as well. Each student is responsible for ensuring that his/her work does not involve plagiarism. Ignorance of plagiarism or other rules is not a mitigating circumstance. Brown’s Town Community College, like the rest of the academic world, takes a serious view of plagiarism.
Examples of plagiarism include, but are not limited to:
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 52 · PDF page 53
The College promotes the fair use of artificial intelligence (AI) in assessments. This will involve the following:
Lecturers will discuss the appropriate use of AI, including its limitations. AI use will fall within one of four areas on a spectrum:
The College uses plagiarism-detection software. However, AI-generated content is not consistently or reliably detectable by such tools. A such, allegations of AI misuse will not be solely based on detection software reports but will require substantive academic evidence. Plagiarised or AI-plagiarised works may result in further action, including disciplinary actions, being taken by the College. This will be based on the syllabus and evidence (student inability to discuss work).
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 53 · PDF page 54
Non-academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to matters related to the College’s property and students’ behaviour on and off the campuses. These include:
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 54 · PDF page 55
BTCC places great emphasis on setting high standards in dress and deportment as the appearance of students is considered very important. While generally, all students are expected to dress smartly, more specifically they are expected to wear the designated uniform to classes and to College functions where this is a requirement.
Pants
Pants
Skirts
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 55 · PDF page 56
The temporary alternative wear are white blouse/shirt and black skirt/pants. No T-Shirt is allowed.
In addition to any deviation from the guidelines, the following are considered breaches of the College Uniform Code:
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 56 · PDF page 57
The Code of Conduct listed below applies specifically to student behaviour on all of the campuses or at any College function. The list is not exhaustive and could also include student conduct off campus that affects the College, students, and staff and/or impacts the learning environment.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 57 · PDF page 58
When the conduct of a student is called into question, a meeting of the Inquiry Panel or Disciplinary Committee will be held to decide appropriate ways of dealing with the issue. The student in question has the right to present his/her case to the committee in person and also take students as witnesses. The College reserves the right to take disciplinary action whenever a student acts contrary to or violates the code of conduct of its partner institutions.
The following sanctions can be administered for violations of the Student Code of Conduct. Sanctions can include, but are not limited to the following:
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 58 · PDF page 59
Each student is expected to be fully acquainted with all the policies (including the Sexual Harassment Policy and the Harassment and Bullying Policy) rules and regulations of the College and is expected to be in compliance with them. The prescribed behaviours outlined are not an exhaustive list, but represent types of student misconduct that are common on college campuses.
In the table, the offences are itemized and sanctions indicated. All offences that warrant a suspension or expulsion will be taken before the Inquiry Panel or the Disciplinary Committee for a hearing.
The Disciplinary Committee’s primary purposes are to address breaches of conduct, enforce institutional standards and recommend appropriate actions to maintain discipline and uphold ethical behaviour.
The Disciplinary Committee reviews and investigates allegations of misconduct, makes decisions based on evidence and in line with the institutional policies for the UWI, UTech Jamaica, CCCJ, City & Guilds, NVQJ and the Nursing Council of Jamaica and recommends disciplinary actions to the Principal.
Recommendations for punitive actions may range from the lesser or lighter sanctions such as community service, warning, restitution or withdrawal of a privilege or the more punitive sanctions such as suspension or expulsion. If the offence committed constitutes a breach of the laws of Jamaica, the case will be referred to the police.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 59 · PDF page 60
| No. | Offence | Sanction |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Furnishing false information to the College | Expulsion, referral to the police, revocation of certification |
| 2 | Forgery, alteration or misuse of College documents, records or identification | Expulsion, referral to the police, revocation of certification |
| 3 | Interference with, obstruction of, or disruption of the teaching or learning process, administration or any other authorized College activity | Suspension |
| 4 | Acts of academic dishonesty, including but not limited to, cheating, tampering, fabrication, plagiarism or assisting others in acts of academic dishonesty | Application of the relevant examination regulations |
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 60 · PDF page 61
| No. | Offence | Sanction |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Violation of the College’s policies against unlawful harassment and discrimination | Suspension/Expulsion |
| 6 | Causing injury or physical harm to or abusing any member or guest of the College community | Expulsion, referral to the police |
| 7 | Theft | Expulsion, referral to the police |
| 8 | Defacing or damaging any College property or the property of any member or guest of the College community | Suspension/expulsion |
| 9 | Unauthorized entry into or use of College facilities | Expulsion, referral to the police |
| 10 | Violation of the College laws on College-owned or controlled property or at any College-supervised function | Expulsion, referral to the police |
| 11 | Possession, distribution or use of illegal drugs on College property or at College-sponsored activities or events | Expulsion, referral to the police |
| 12 | Use of alcohol on College property or at College-sponsored activities or events resulting in inappropriate behavior | Suspension/expulsion |
| 13 | Possession or use of illegal firearms, explosives, dangerous chemicals or other dangerous weapons on College property or at College sponsored activities | Expulsion, referral to the police |
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 61 · PDF page 62
| No. | Offence | Sanction |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | Acts or threats of intimidation, harassment or bullying | Suspension/expulsion |
| 15 | Attempting, soliciting, assisting or inciting to perform an act which violates the code of conduct | Suspension/expulsion |
| 16 | Failure to comply with the direction of College officials acting in the performance of their duties | Suspension/expulsion |
| 17 | Failure to comply with the uniform code of the institution | Suspension/expulsion |
| 18 | Making false report of a fire, bomb threat or other dangerous condition; failing to report a fire | Suspension/referral to the police |
| 19 | Tampering with the election of any College-recognized student organization | Suspension/expulsion |
| 20 | Attempting to represent the College, any recognized student organization or any official College group or agent without the explicit prior written consent of the College’s administration | Suspension/expulsion |
| 21 | Use of computing, Internet facilities to defame fellow students, workers, the College or other stakeholders | Suspension/expulsion |
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 62 · PDF page 63
| No. | Offence | Sanction |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | Use of computing facilities to interfere with the normal operation of the College computing system | Suspension/expulsion |
| 23 | Releasing or exchanging of information and/or codes that are detrimental to the Brown’s Town Community College environment, equipment and/or property | Suspension/expulsion |
| 24 | Conduct which instigates fights or involvement in fights | Suspension/expulsion |
| 25 | Involvement in fights with a Brown’s Town Community College lecturer, staff, administrator, agent or visitor | Suspension/expulsion/ referral to the police |
| 26 | Engagement in lewd, indecent, or obscene behaviour on or off College-owned property or at a College-sponsored or supervised function or on social media | Suspension/expulsion |
| 27 | Rape, sexual harassment, sexual assault or threat of an assault upon a student or member of the College community on College property or at a College-sponsored or supervised function | Expulsion, referral to the police |
| 28 | Wilful or persistent smoking in any area where smoking has been prohibited by law or by regulation of the governing board or the College | Suspension/expulsion |
| 29 | Formation of gang or involvement in gang related activities. | Expulsion, referral to police. |
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 63 · PDF page 64
Students have the right of appeal against any sanction applied by lecturers or other officials at the College. In all cases, due process must be carried out and students must follow the procedures laid out for dealing with such issues. The student should take the following steps to resolve any perceived grievance with a faculty member. Step 1 The student should first meet with the faculty member to discuss the perceived issue and attempt to resolve same. Step 2 If the student is unable to resolve the issue with the faculty member, the matter should be reported to the class advisor. Step 3 If Step 2 fails, the matter can then be reported in writing to the respective Head of School. Step 4 If after meeting with the Head of School, the problem has not been resolved to the satisfaction of the student, the matter should be referred to the respective Vice Principal.
A student who receives a grade which he/she believes to be unfair or incorrect may contest the grade within five (5) working days of receiving the grade by doing the following:
Handbook.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 64 · PDF page 65
Brown’s Town Community College caters to the holistic needs of its students. The programmes of the Student Services Division are designed to provide students with the opportunities outside the classroom that are expected to stimulate social and cultural awareness, physical well being, intellectual expansion and spiritual and moral growth.
The College believes that students should be given the opportunity to develop their unique talents and attain their specific goals. Each person is treated by the College as a person of worth, value and an important member of the community. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the services offered by the Student Services Division in addressing day-to-day issues such as those related to time management, relationships and other personal challenges that may develop into obstacles to the achievement of their academic goals.
Orientation activities are scheduled during the first week of the academic year and all students are required to attend.
Orientation for first year students is usually held over a two-three day period and provides new students with the opportunity to get acquainted with the facilities, their lecturers, advisors and with each other. New students also get the opportunity to get valuable information about the institution. Orientation may also be held as a virtual event.
Through participation in orientation, students will:
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 66 · PDF page 67
The Student Union Executive (SUE) is the official body for student representation at the College. Each campus at the College has its own Student Union Executive which serves as the primary voice for students’ issues and concerns. The Student Affairs Officer assists in coordinating the activities of the Student Union on all three campuses and each campus has a student liaison officer who advises his/her respective executive members how to organize campus activities. The Union’s executive includes the president, treasurer, secretary, sports coordinator, public relations officer and cultural and entertainment chairperson who are all elected by the student body.
The Student Union Executive also works closely with the elected class representatives. The Student Union Executive is governed by a constitution and is authorized to make rules for its internal management, the election of officers and other matters requiring regulation.
The main objective of the Student Union Executive is the advancement and promotion of unity and fraternity among members of the student body. To assist in the meeting of this objective, all incoming union executive members are required to take part in leadership training sessions. The leadership training sessions are designed to assist the team to perform their tasks successfully.
Class representatives assist in monitoring and enhancing the flow of information to and from students to other areas of the College community. Class representatives are the direct link between course groups, lecturers and administration. They take the responsibility for communicating the students’ problems, views and suggestions to the relevant personnel.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 67 · PDF page 68
The College offers a variety of competitive and recreational sporting activities. The intramural and intercollegiate sporting activities are coordinated by the College’s Sports Coordinator and Sports Liaison Officer with the assistance of the Student Union Sports Coordinators.
Students are able to compete at the intercollegiate level in various sporting activities including football, netball, cricket and athletics. Our recreational sporting activities include table tennis, volleyball and badminton. Interested students are able to learn the rudiments of each sport thus enriching their College sporting experience.
Intramural activities offer some diversity as they include football, netball, badminton as well as a sports quiz competition component to include students who do not have an interest in the physical aspect of the intramural competitions.
During periods of national emergencies, sporting activities will be reduced given the limitations under the Disaster Risk Management Act.
Intercollegiate sporting activities include:
Non-intercollegiate sporting activities include:
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 68 · PDF page 69
The College facilitates a number of clubs, societies and organizations as co-curricular activities on our campuses but, not all groups function on all campuses. Through the Student Affairs Unit, the College also facilitates students starting new groups based on their interest. All new clubs MUST be approved by this unit. Students are encouraged to participate in at least one co-curricular activity as it helps with the development of leadership skills, discipline and loyalty. Co-curricular activities are also very important especially when trying to impress recruiters, or scholarship, bursary, college/university donors.
Existing Clubs, Societies and Organizations at BTCC are as follows:
This club caters to students who have a keen interest in public speaking. The club participates in debating competitions outside of the College as well as organizes competitions within the College.
The club participates in local, national and regional competitions.
Students who are interested in Mathematics and Science subjects are usually interested in this club.
The Modern Languages Club focusses on exploring the application, use and associated cultural norms of modern languages, in particular, Spanish and French. The club explores the languages in speech, music, dance etc.
This club is sponsored by the Optimist Club of Brown’s Town and is part of the wider network of Optimist Clubs. As a service club, each year the group executes at least one (1) major community service project.
This group operates on the Technical Campus and focusses on exploring developments in Engineering, Architecture, Information Technology and Computer Science.
The University and Colleges Christian Fellowship (UCCF) and the University and College’s Apostolic Ministry (UCAM) are two of the longest standing student organizations at the College. They cater to the spiritual development of the students. Their activities include worship and prayer sessions as well as concerts.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 69 · PDF page 70
The Health Club was established by a group of students to address the concern regarding the lack of awareness that was being displayed by many students towards their own health and wellness. In collaboration with the Guidance Counsellors and the Ministry of Health, members of the club are trained as peer counsellors who assist students in dealing with issues relating to sex education, coping skills for college as well as stress relief techniques.
Brown’s Town Community College Choir is the premier school choir in St. Ann having won numerous Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) medals over the years for outstanding achievement in music. The choir is made up of a diverse group of students who strive for one goal: to share with others their passion for singing.
The choir performs in the JCDC Festival Competition as well as at various religious and civic functions across Jamaica. Auditions usually begin in September and students with a passion for music are encouraged to be a part of the choir.
This society comprises mainly students studying business; however, other students with an interest in business are also members and actively participate in the activities. The group focusses on exploring the nature and operation of businesses and more specifically entrepreneurship.
This is an intra-college club competition which allows each club to display the skills and talents of their members in the areas of speech, drama, music, dance, culinary skills, fashion designing and booth decoration.
The College hosts an Employment Readiness Expo annually for students who will be moving into the world of work. Students take advantage of mock job interviews, tips on writing resumes and cover letters and dressing for the workplace.
The Club was founded in the Academic Year 2022-23 by Year 1 students pursuing the Associate of Applied Science in Architecture & Construction (ADACT) programme. The Club’s primary objectives are trifold: to carry out repairs to the infrastructure on the Technical Campus, assist with reducing the cost of labour for projects and provide an avenue for students to develop their architectural and construction skills.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 70 · PDF page 71
Professional Development Sessions (formerly known as Tutorials) are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month and are meetings which allow for closer relationships to be developed between faculty and students. At the beginning of each academic year, each programme group is assigned a professional development advisor (PDA) who helps to monitor the students’ progress. In these sessions, the PDA identifies personal as well as group problems and seeks appropriate interventions as early as possible. These sessions require compulsory attendance.
The College’s Guidance Counsellors provide counselling programmes and services to help students to deal effectively with any emotional, social or academic problems they may experience while at the College. The Guidance Counsellors are committed to the need for confidentiality in the student/counsellor communication. Career counselling is done by the counsellors and this provides students with the skills necessary to help them make wise career choices. Group counselling is done as necessary and students benefit academically and otherwise from motivational and educational talks done by invited guest speakers.
Individual counselling is done to help students develop more confidence in making decisions and behaving more responsibly. This also helps students to make better choices and understand themselves better. Training is also done for peer counsellors who assist in identifying other students with problems/issues and direct them to the Guidance Counsellors.
The Guidance Counsellors also provide students with information on scholarships available and opportunities to enrol for summer jobs abroad.
The clinic on the Main Campus is operated by a Registered Nurse who takes care of both staff and students, attending to, and giving advice on matters relating to health and wellness. Staff and students at the Technical campus are provided with similar services by another Registered Nurse. Emergencies, chronic illnesses and other ailments are dealt with on a daily basis. Referrals to dentists, ophthalmologists, hospitals and health centres are done as needed. Generally, students are accompanied to the hospital, family doctor or home when necessary. The nurse confers with the Guidance Counsellor, students, parents and lecturers, and makes recommendations concerning health and home conditions to improve students’ well being.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 71 · PDF page 72
All students registered at the College are required to purchase the Student Health Insurance Plan.
There is 24-hour security presence to ensure the safety and security of persons on all campuses. Additional security is provided by security officers who are directly employed by the College. Officers monitor the gates on the main campus and conduct foot patrols on the campuses to ensure the security of both people and property.
The College does not provide boarding facilities for students. However, students commuting long distances from the College are made aware of the boarding/rental facilities which are in proximity to each of the campuses by way of advertisements on notice boards. The College does not inspect the accommodations that are advertised on notice boards. Students are, therefore, responsible for carefully inspecting and selecting the accommodation and the surrounding areas to ensure their own comfort and safety.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 72 · PDF page 73
The College provides a number of facilities to improve the quality of service to students and also to the wider community.
There are two fully equipped computer labs at the Brown’s Town Main and Technical campuses. The provision of Internet access via the computer labs, the libraries and wireless hotspots on the three campuses allows access to several information resources and databases to students. Students are reminded to abide by the guidelines governing use of the Computer Labs and the Internet or risk losing the privilege to use them. In the case of online exams, students who wish to use the computer or internet facilities are required to contact support@btcc.edu.jm to make a booking (3 days’ notice).
There are two Science Labs and a Clinical Skills Lab at the Brown’s Town Main Campus, and Electronic and Technical labs at the Technical Campus. These labs provide facilities for teaching, research and experiments.
There is a fully equipped Foods Lab on the Brown’s Town Main Campus available to students registered in the Hospitality and Culinary Arts programmes. Work has commenced on establishing a second Foods Lab.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 73 · PDF page 74
Generally, the libraries on our campuses offer a wide range of information resources and services that support, complement and enhance the teaching/learning process. However, due to Hurricane Melissa, we have lost a number of print titles. The College is the process of replacing these print resources as well as expanding our electronic resources. Reference circulation, inter-library loan services, computer, tablets, Internet and database access as well as audio-visual service for faculty and students are also provided. Photocopying, printing and binding services are also available. Sessions are organized with students each year to provide information on how to use the online and other resources. Use of the library is subject to adherence to the following rules and regulations:
Opening hours at the libraries are as follows:
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Friday
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Friday
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 74 · PDF page 75
Students have a responsibility to keep themselves informed about their academic programmes and other campus issues. BTCC is committed to using the available technology to enhance communication among members of the college community and has provided the support necessary to help students get and stay connected to faculty, fellow students, and the staff of the College. iSIMS is being used as the platform for communicating with students about college activities, timetables, grades, financial information. Moodle is the platform used for course content (assignments, tests, video/audio class recordings) for both online and face-to-face classes.
Each student is provided with a Google Gmail account, and all email from the College is sent to this address. This includes any email sent from iSIMS or Moodle. Students are required to use this College-generated email at all times to communicate with all members of the College community.
To update an address or telephone number or other biographical data, students must go online at iSIMS and make the change on their Student Profile.
The IT Office generates ID cards for students who are fully registered and/or have obtained financial clearance. Students may be denied access to some services at the College if they are not able to present a valid ID.
Most students who enrol in college are grounded in their high school experiences and this can create challenges for students because of the differences in the environments and demands between high school and college. To make the transition smooth, students need to be aware of how different their time in college will be from what they have previously experienced in high school. At college:
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 76 · PDF page 77
Re-entering the educational system as an adult can be a daunting and sometimes challenging experience. Through proper planning, students can accomplish much with minimum effort. The following are some strategies that will help both recent high school graduates and non-traditional students to succeed at Brown’s Town Community College.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 77 · PDF page 78
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 78 · PDF page 79
A student ID is required to gain access to the main campus and certain other services on the campuses and to all examinations.
Financial assistance is available through grants and scholarships. The College also provides students with payment plans, and opportunities for on campus and overseas employment are provided through the Student Services Division.
Students are required to make frequent checks on iSIMS to access information on College-related matters including activities, timetables etc.
Computers are available in the computer labs on all the campuses for use by students. Students are also able to print and get their assignments bound at a minimal cost.
If you are unable to complete the payment of your tuition fees or to honour the fee payment plan, you must inform the Accounts Department in writing. Students who fail to meet their financial obligation may be barred from classes and exams. Additionally, the College will withhold documents including transcripts and status letters and the student will not be allowed to graduate.
The student is required to first speak with the subject lecturer. Another option is to make an appointment to discuss the problem with the Academic Advisor and/or the Guidance Counsellor.
The College has a Refund Policy in place for students who wish to withdraw from the College. (Non-attendance at classes or notification to the subject lecturer does not constitute official withdrawal).
The first option is to address the concern with the individual in question. If this does not resolve the situation, the matter should be escalated to the Professional Development Advisor (PDA), then the Head of School and then to the relevant Vice Principal.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 79 · PDF page 80
registry@btcc.edu.jm (or Campus Administrator if your campus is the Technical or Nursing Campus)
accounts@btcc.edu.jm (or Campus Administrator if your campus is the Technical or Nursing Campus)
support@btcc.edu.jm (or Campus Administrator if your campus is the Technical or Nursing Campus)
Mrs. Naomi Lynch, Head of School, Humanities and Social Sciences naomi.bailey@btcc.edu.jm
Mrs. Sandra Brown-Ferrigon, Head of School, Business & Entrepreneurship sandra.ferrigon@btcc.edu.jm
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 81 · PDF page 82
Miss Kawana Lindsay, Head of School (Acting), kawana.lindsay@btcc.edu.jm
Dr. Donna Bunnaman, Nursing Campus Director & Dean, Faculty of Health, Human, Pure & Applied Sciences donna.bunnaman@btcc.edu.jm
Mr. David Green, Technical Campus Director/Dean, Faculty of Construction & Engineering david.green@btcc.edu.jm
Mrs. Verona Maxwell, Dean verona.maxwell@btcc.edu.jm
student.affairs@btcc.edu.jm (or Campus Administrator if your campus is the Technical)
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 82 · PDF page 83
Mrs. Theresa Stewart-Harrison Guidance Counsellor (Main Campus) theresa.stewart@btcc.edu.jm
Mrs. Caula Greenwood-Wright Guidance Counsellor (Nursing and Technical Campuses) caula.greenwood-wright@btcc.edu.jm
Mrs. Nolliean Green College Nurse (Main Campus) nolliean.green@btcc.edu.jm
Mrs. Leonie Morris-Miller College Nurse (Nursing and Technical Campuses) leonie.miller@btcc.edu.jm
print@btcc.edu.jm (or Campus Administrator if your campus is the Technical Campus)
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 83 · PDF page 84
Photographs reproduced from the BTCC Life pages of the student handbook.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 84 · PDF page 85
Photographs reproduced from the BTCC Life pages of the student handbook.
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 85 · PDF page 86
Contract signing: https://www.piqsels.com/en/public-domain-photo-jziaf
Community Service hands: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1452799
Student registering: https://unsplash.com/photos/EI50ZDA-l8Y
Graduate: https://www.pxfuel.com/en/free-photo-qwiwc/download
Source: BTCC Student Handbook · Handbook p. 86 · PDF page 87