The United Student Movement Council (USM) of Northern Caribbean University is the governing student leadership body for students of the university. It serves as the representative voice for students, and as a platform for deliberation, planning and student-led change. USM is the major student led organization of the university. General Objective
The United Student Movement seeks to promote a more
perfect relationship among all sectors of the university community; to enhance student life in particular academic, religious, cultural, and social programs of the university; and to emphatically support the core values of NCU. Each matriculating regular student of Northern Caribbean University is a member of the United Student Movement. Underpinning Purpose for the USM
The USM exists for three main reasons-to serve the students, engage in advocacy on their behalf, and to promote Spiritual development among students on campus. The Roles of USM are:
To, Advocate for Students with the Faculty, the Administration, the University and the General Public. Increase direct contact and foster communication between the student body and others, including but not limited to the administration and faculty of the University and its affiliated bodies. Convey student concerns to the University and the general public. Maintain and improve the current relationship between current students and alumni. To coordinate student services, including but not limited to:
a. Coordinating, funding and supporting student organizations. Organizing University & Campus-wide functions. Increasing communication between groups and the student body and serving as a central source of information about student activities. To, facilitate Spiritual need and holistic student development. It shall serve to foster the up-building of the spiritual and mental faculty of the students and help lead them to Jesus Christ our personal Saviour from sin. In both these roles we recognize the diversity of the school, and strive to reflect it, by maximizing participation of all students and student groups. Prospectus
The United Student Movement finances its own programs through payment of individual membership Dues. With the help and approval of faculty sponsors, the United Student Movement carries out such programs along with the Department of Student Services:
Publications
The USM serves all undergraduate students. It coordinates activities that include the publishing of the Hilltop Trumpet (a student run news paper), the Palm Leaves (University yearbook), and the Weekender (University student paper). The Executive Division
This is the Executive branch of the Movement with Executive Subdivision-the Executive Committee and the Executive Council, Composed of about 17 to 24 student members who are elected and appointed to specific posts with faculty sponsors as advisors, overseeing the mandate of the affairs of the Student Movement. The Executive Subdivisions hold joint responsibility for coordination of the Council internal Sectors and Committee. Combined the Executive Subdivisions constitute the USM Council empowered as administrative and the decision making division of the movement with authority to manage the daily affairs of the movement inclusive of regulating constituents’ student organization through the USM student senate, subject to the provisions of the University’s Ordinances. The USM Council has representation on all major (standing) committees of the Institution. The USM Legislative Division- Student Senate
This is the legislature Branch, Composed of about 21 student leaders – student organization presidents, exercises legislative and regulatory powers over all USM Member Organisation –clubs societies and associations, given to it by the constitution of the USM. The Student Senate Maintains Seven Student Standing Committees-- , Finance, Academic, Social Affairs Recreation, Spiritual, Publication, Hilltop Trumpet, The Palms Leaves, The Disciplinary Committee and Student Services and Student Life are additional branches of the USM. Additional details appear in the USM Constitution and Bylaws. All registered students enrolled in a degree program at Northern Caribbean University and Extension Campuses are automatically members of the USM. The USM is governed by elected and appointed officers who constitute the USM Council with Sponsors as Advisors to the USM Council Collectively called the Unified Body meet regularly and report to the USM assembly. The USM sponsors, social, spiritual and scholarly activities during the school year. It may also be involved in University policy development that affects students. Further details are found in the USM Constitution. United Students Movement
Past Presidents
Year USM Presidents
1948 – ‘49
1960 – ‘61 David McCalla
1961 – ‘62 Victor Griffiths
1963 – ‘64 Harold Baptiste
1964 – ‘65 Belgrove Josiah
1965 – ‘66 Mr. Lynford Martin
1966 – ‘67
1967 – ’68 Newton Hoilette
1968 – ‘69 T. Geo Gardner
1969 – ‘70 W. Richards
1970 – ‘71 H. Oliver Shand
1971 – ‘72
1972 – ‘73
1973 – ‘74 Roderick Shaw
1974 – ‘75 Devon Osbourne
1975 – ‘76 Samuel Bulgin
1976 – ‘77 Lincoln Blackwood
1977 – ‘78 Newton Cleghorn
1978 – ‘79 Charles Woolston
1982 – ‘83 Osbourne Sutherland
1983 – ‘84 Michael Henry
1984 – ‘85 Celestine Evans
1986 – ‘87 Leroy Campbell
1987 – ‘88
1989 – ‘90 Michael Fletcher
1990 – ‘91 Peter Joseph
1991 – ‘92 Augustus Lawrence
1992 – ‘93
1993 – ‘94 Noel Rose
1997 – ‘98 Jeremy W. Earle
2003 – ‘04 Robert Miller
2004 – ‘05
2005 – ‘06 Yohan G. Knight
2006 – ‘07 Geovanni Franklin
2007 – ‘08 Keane T. Adams
2008 – ‘09 Donald English
2009 – ‘10 Kirkwood Parkinson
2010 - ‘11 Daren Murphy
2011 - ‘12 Davey T. Haughton
UNITED STUDENT MOVEMENT HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
The United Student Movement began with a handful of students in 1935 under the influence of Bender L. It then had one executive and was referred to as U.S.M. with the objectives of the first constitution which were to aid in fostering a good school spirit, to promote physical health education which was then lacking and to help in the development of the student body as a whole. Over the years the objectives of the United Student Movement have been clarified to encourage the development of democratic leadership, to provide a well-organized channel between students and the administration, in collaboration with the objectives and policies of the college. Up until 1977 faculty members were granted associate membership with the movement. By April 1981 an amendment to the constitution stated that no provision was for the associate membership of the faculty and staff of the USM. As the years rolled by the USM grew in numbers and effectiveness. Students such as Wesley, Fletecters, Harriots and William put new life enthusiasm and direction in the organization. It was now becoming a well-defined association that attracted faculty and staff’s interest and support. It began to develop various projects that the student body accepted as a means of working to accomplish something as a corporate body. The fame of USM eventually grew, left our shores and thus attracted foreign students from several other Caribbean territories, many of which had a role in the administration of USM. The United Student Movement in the 40’s saw the leadership of Dr. Lloyd Dayes and Dr. Alvin Mclean. The 60’s saw leadership of Dr. Trevor Gardener and Dr. Newton Hoilette. The early 70’s saw the suspension of USM as an organized body for about two years. After a revision of the constitution and an understanding by the students as to the proper running of the Movement it was reorganized and back up for operation. The 1960’s and 70’s experienced a very strong house system with very strong house leaders and a very vibrant organization with high spirits. Various activities including student of the year competition was also organized. The late nineteen seventies and early eighties saw a reduction in interest in the USM and its activities. This however, soon changed because of the motivating character that seemed to characterize the USM in its selection and ex*****on of worthwhile projects. As the years roll on the United Student Movement acted, they stood strong, saw themselves as eagles and saw presidents such as Robert ‘Big Rob’ Miller, Keane Adams, Donald English, Kirkwood Parkinson, Mr. Darren Murphy and will now forge on under the leadership of Mr. Davey Haughton. USM stands as a platform to create student led change. We stand together declaring that we must.
