The University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) provides quality education and equitable opportunities to its student population. Therefore, embodied within the vision, mission statement the aim is to promote spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social development. Hence, the programmes offered aid in continuing professional development and advancement of students in various disciplines. Moreover, utilizing such approaches can assist in improving the quality of life for persons, rebuild communities, as well as contribute to economic growth and sustainability for governments and stakeholders.
With this in mind, the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences seeks to engage the student throughout their educational journey. This is executed through the combination of knowledge and understanding together with practical application that enhances life skills and essential skill set required for careers in nutrition and dietetics, and technical vocational education.
Presently, the undergraduate programmes offered in the aforementioned department include:
(a) BS Nutrition and Dietetics (new)
This programme provides the required training for students to fulfill their career goal as a dietitian/nutritionist, this incorporates the local food service systems management practicum (Trinidad and Tobago) and the regional nutrition and dietetics practicum and regional community nutrition practicum (practical training in any two Caribbean Territories – Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, St. Vincent and the Grenadines), and the International Dietetic Internship.
(b) BS Family and Consumer Science
This programme offers a wide career path in that upon graduating the student can serve as a secondary school educator, health educator, family life educator, entrepreneur, clothing and textiles consultant, food service manager, and quality assurance officer (maintaining quality for food programmes and in the industry).
Since, the inception of the BS Nutrition and Dietetics in 2013, several students completed the programme and also proceeded to the International Dietetic Internship. Just to list a few, these included the following graduates: (a) Alisha Daniel, RDN (BS Family and Consumer Science, BS Nutrition and Dietetics, International Dietetic Internship – Dominican University, USA); (b) Vi Nedd-Jackman (BS Family and Consumer Science, BS Nutrition and Dietetics, International Dietetic Internship – Dominican University, USA); and (c) Carlva Weekes (BS Family and Consumer Science, BS Nutrition and Dietetics, International Dietetic Internship – Oakwood University, USA).
Presently, from the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, Graduating Class of 2018, three students who received BS Nutrition and Dietetics are recipients of the Organization of American States (OAS) Scholarships to pursue graduate studies. These include the following graduates: (a) Amber Charles – will pursue Masters in Public Health & International Dietetic Internship, Johns Hopkins University, USA;
(b) Stacy De Coteau – will pursue Masters in Public Health Nutrition, University of Technology, Jamaica; and (c) Brittany Whiteman – will pursue Masters in Public Health Nutrition, University of Technology, Jamaica.
Overall, the department expresses its gratitude and appreciation to the university’s administration for consistent support and guidance.
