University of Belize

National university of Belize

The University of Belize (UB) is an English speaking multi locational institute for higher education, and the national university of Belize. The institution offers certificates, diplomas, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and a graduate degree. The UB Central Campus is in Belmopan City. The university's colors are purple and gold; its mascot is the "Black Jaguar" and its motto is "Education Empowers a Nation".

Belizean nationalists long wished to decolonize the educational system and rely less on foreign academic institutions. In 1979 the ruling People's United Party (PUP) established the Belize College of Arts, Science, and Technology (BELCAST) as a state institution free of church involvement. The government secured funds from the European Economic Community for construction of a campus in Belmopan, but the campus was never built. The rival United Democratic Party assumed power in December 1984 and later established an alternative college—the University College of Belize—in July 1986, created and maintained by Ferris State College of Big Rapids, Michigan. Marine field stations: Hunting Caye and Calabash Caye field station.

Associate's: High School Diploma (minimum GPA 2.5 and 2.5 or above in English and Math). Four passes in CXC subjects, which must include English and Mathematics. ATLIB English and Math general test pass, or combined score of 890 on the SAT or 18 on the ACT. Bachelor's: Associate Degree from recognized institutions, scores same as above. Transfer credits allowed for courses graded C+ or higher. Credit transferability is subject to the university's criteria. Diploma: Bachelor's Degree from a recognized institution.

The Environmental Research Institute (ERI), the newest department of the university, was inaugurated in January 2010. Belize has a wealth of natural resources, including the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, which supports the country's most important industries, including tourism and agriculture. Recognizing this, the work of the ERI is focused on producing results that are relevant to the sustainable management of Belize's natural resources.

A solar photovoltaic system owned by the University of Belize provides 0.1% of the nation's supply of electricity.

The university is affiliated with the Association of Tertiary Level Institutions of Belize (ATLIB) and participates in that organization's sporting tournaments. The university men's basketball team is known as the Black Jaguars. The team has participated in local and international tournaments for several years, and it was the former national semi professional champion in the local tournament. The university participates annually in the Ruta Maya River Challenge, a four day race. Local and foreign individuals participate in the Ruta Maya River Challenge. The university organizes intramural activities in volleyball, football, softball, basketball, canoeing, karate, tennis, and aerobics. Students may contact the Coordinator of Recreation and Sport on the Central Campus or the Coordinators of Student Affairs on the other campuses for details on participating in university sports.

The university has international programs with 45 other institutions. Students can live off and on campus. There is Writing Center on the central campus. It assists students in developing their writing skills.