The University Data Protection (UDP) Office at The University of the West Indies (UWI) actively engages in awareness-building activities centred on data protection, ensuring that the institution aligns with privacy standards globally and within the Caribbean. This effort takes the form of educational sessions to enhance internal capabilities among staff, researchers, and students.

At the Cave Hill Campus, a data protection sensitisation session for staff was held on March 19, 2024. The Centre presented several sessions, including an introduction to data protection for directors of research institutes on September 22, 2023, and additional presentations to staff in the Office of Finance on February 1, 5, and 6, 2024. Other notable presentations include one at the Sickle Cell Unit’s Retreat on January 22, 2024, and a session with the Hugh Wynter Institute for Reproductive Healthcare and Endoscopic Surgery on February 27, 2024.

The Five Islands Campus organised a workshop on November 6, 2023, during Quality Assurance Week, focusing on operationalising data protection.

At the Mona Campus, there were multiple initiatives, including a presentation at the bursary management retreat on September 8, 2024, and a series of training sessions in the Office of the Campus Registrar, Principal’s Office, and various faculties, including Social Sciences and Sociology. Noteworthy events included a practicum supervisor seminar on January 30, 2024, and sessions for the Estate Management Department and University Health Centre in February and March 2024.

Additionally, the Global Campus hosted presentations for staff at the Western Jamaica Campus on December 11, 2023, and January 16, 2024.

University-wide, virtual sensitisation sessions were held for members of the UWI Guild of Students on January 24, 2024, and for staff and researchers in February. A session for students took place on February 22, 2024.

The UDP Office also conducted workshops and forums, including a forum at Rex Nettleford Hall’s Computer Society on March 26, 2024, and a seminar on cyber-attack protection for WIGUT at their online pension seminar on April 18, 2024.

The UDP Office extended its outreach by conducting sessions with external entities, highlighting the university’s growing expertise in data protection. Notable presentations occurred with the Jamaica Auditor General’s Department on August 16, 2023, and at Portmore Community College on August 29, 2023. The office participated in the Global Privacy Assembly on October 15, 2023, discussing challenges and opportunities in complying with Jamaican data protection laws. Other presentations addressed the Jamaica Data Protection Act and involved discussions with public sector executives, educational institutions, and organisations such as the Ministry of Education and the Future Leaders Conference.

In addition, sessions were held for primary schools and community organizations, such as Old Harbour Bay Primary School on March 7, 2024, and HEART/NSTA Trust on March 20, 2024, demonstrating the UDP Office’s commitment to fostering a culture of data protection within wider communities.

To enhance operational agility, the UDP Office recognized the need to update privacy statements for staff, students, alumni, and the general public, which was established following the Data Protection Policy Implementation Committee meetings.

Overall, The UWI’s UDP Office is dedicated to building a robust framework for data protection through comprehensive training and community engagement, aligning with local and global privacy standards.