The leadership of HCU recognizes the importance of sports, leisure activities and social interactions toward the holistic development of a medical student and the future physician. We also recognize the fact that students are staying away from their home and traditional support systems and will require the institution to provide a supportive and nurturing environment. HCU also strongly supports the fact that the relationship between students and faculty and other administrative staff should support the growth and development of the future generation of students and enable them to become conscientious, ethical and skilled practitioners and patient advocates.
For the first 18 months of operation the institution will be operating from the Rodney Bay Commercial Centre, Saint Lucia. The permanent 10 acre campus at orange Grove will be refurbished and will be ready to move in by the second academic year of operation of the school. The permanent campus is located in a serene environment and will provide plenty of opportunities for interaction and student development. The permanent campus will be ecofriendly and will use renewable energy sources widely. Student life at HCU will be divided into facilities at the temporary campus and its environs and facilities at the permanent campus.
Facilities at the temporary campus:
Student housing: The school will identify a secure facility as a temporary residential housing for the students. The housing will have 24-hours security and have student recreational facilities. Boarding facilities will also be provided within the premises or in the close vicinity. Other facilities like washing machines and laundry facilities will be provided. Wifi internet facilities will also be provided.
The institution will also support students to obtain community housing. The Director of Admissions and other staff involved will screen community housing facilities available around the campus. Issues like security of premises, facilities available, support available will be considered while choosing the housing. The school will introduce the student to the house owner/agent and then these individuals can work out the contract details.
Campus security: Campus security will be provided through security cameras and a 24-hour security presence in the campus. All persons entering the campus will be logged in and logged out on leaving. Students, faculty and other staff of HCU will be provided ID card which have to be worn at all times in the campus.
Student lounge: A small student lounge has been created with access to periodicals, television and comfortable seating facilities. Dining facilities will also be provided at the student lounge.
Student lockers: Student lockers will be provided.
Parking for students: Parking areas are available in the campus. The parking area will be monitored remotely using cameras to ensure security and reduce theft and other problems.
Transportation for students: Student security and comfort is of paramount importance to us. The school library will be open till 9 pm initially and the closing time will be progressively extended. To ensure student safety the school plans to provide a transportation service to students after the closure of the library.
Group study areas: HCU recognizes that group study and discussion play an important role in modern medical education. Group study areas will be available in the library and small group rooms which will be separated and sound proofed from the quiet study area. White board or white surfaces and marker pens will be available in the group study area. The institution will also try to provide informal study areas for students within the building.
Drinking water, rest rooms: Drinking water facilities will be available at designated places. The campus has a number of rest rooms with most rooms being attached to rest rooms.
Emergency evacuation and safety: HCU takes student safety extremely seriously. Fire extinguishers are available at designated locations and an emergency management plan has been formulated. Students will be briefed about the emergency plan and the use of fire extinguishers. We plan to invite the St Lucia fire service to conduct sessions for students during the orientation program. The fire service also offers practical training to individuals at the fire stations on prior appointment. We plan to coordinate with the fire service about this.
Student health: Students will be covered under a health insurance plan. Selected local practitioners are involved with HCU as faculty members. The student health services will be coordinated by the Director of Student Services. A sick bay has been developed within the building. For medical emergencies one faculty member will coordinate the provision of care. The phone number and other contact information of this individual will be known to the students. The provision will be under the overall supervision of the Associate Dean of Student affairs.
Proposed Facilities at the Orange Grove (Bois d’ Orange) campus:
The orange grove campus as mentioned will be a modern, eco-friendly facility. Facilities for student housing, sports, recreational activities and other services will be provided.
Student housing: Student housing will be constructed within the campus. The modern facility will provide opportunities for indoor games and recreation. Internet, laundry facilities will be available and boarding facilities will be provided in the close vicinity.
Campus security: The campus will be a secured community and all persons entering and leaving will be logged in. The campus will be surrounded by a perimeter fence and security cameras will monitor various locations.
Student lounge: A dedicated student lounge and student service area will be created at the ground floor of the administration building. An outdoor student lounge will be created at the open air theater area.
Group study areas: Group study areas will be created in close proximity to the library. If required the small group rooms at the academic building could also be used for this purpose. All small group study areas will be equipped with white boards and seating facilities.
Cafeteria: The cafeteria will function from 7 am to 9 pm. Keeping in mind the proposed international nature of the student body variety of food items will be available to students, faculty and staff. The cafeteria can seat up to 50 individuals at one time.
Drinking water, rest rooms: Drinking water facilities will be available at designated places. The campus has a number of rest rooms with most rooms being attached to rest rooms.
Gymnasium: HCU proposes to develop a fully equipped gymnasium at the Orange Grove campus.
Sports facilities: Facilities for various outdoor sports like tennis, volleyball and a multipurpose sports ground will be available to students and staff.
Emergency evacuation and safety: HCU takes student safety extremely seriously. Fire extinguishers are available at designated locations and an emergency management plan will be formulated for the facility. Students will be briefed about the emergency plan and the use of fire extinguishers. We plan to invite the St Lucia fire service to conduct sessions for students during the orientation program. The fire service also offers practical training to individuals at the fire stations on prior appointment. We plan to coordinate with the fire service about this.
Student health: Students will be covered under a health insurance plan. Selected local practitioners are involved with HCU as faculty members. The student health services will be coordinated by the Director of Student Services. A campus student wellness facility will provide health care to the students. The campus will have transportation facilities to transport students to the nearest health facility. For medical emergencies one faculty member will coordinate the provision of care. The phone number and other contact information of this individual will be known to the students. The provision will be under the overall supervision of the Associate Dean of Student affairs.
Outdoor theater: An outdoor theater facility with the provision to seat around 200 persons will be available on campus.
Indoor presentation facility: A modern presentation facility with comfortable seating and modern projection and streaming facilities will be available in the academic building.