St. George’s University Family Weekend
August 29 – September 1, 2019
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Schedule of Events and Registration
Online registration begins at 8am EST on May 1, 2019.
The schedule below is tentative and may change before registration opens on May 1.
Ticketing is managed electronically and online registration is required.
White coat ceremony tickets are for visitors only. Incoming students do not require tickets to attend the White Coat Ceremonies, but students do require tickets to all other events.
If you are planning a surprise visit, please reserve your tickets ahead of arrival. Space is limited and popular events may sell out in the days leading up to Family Weekend.
University bus passes and welcome bags will be available for registered guests at the Information Desk in Caribbean House.
Wednesday - August 28
| 1 pm–5:30 pm | INFORMATION DESK OPENS
Information Desk at Caribbean House Do you have questions? Need assistance? Visit our Family Weekend Information Desk and our volunteers will point you in the right direction. |
Thursday - August 29
Friday - August 30
Saturday - August 31
Sunday - September 1
Schedule subject to change; please keep posted to this website for possible updates.
Please note that US laws regarding disability accessibility do not apply to the independent nation of Grenada. The University will make every effort to accommodate accessibility needs on campus. If you have any questions at all, please contact familyweekend@sgu.edu.
Cancellation policy:
St. George’s University often makes arrangements with outside vendors for Family Weekend events. Many events require a financial commitment on the part of the University. While we will make every effort to provide refunds whenever possible, 48-hour advance notice is requested to cancel a reservation. Failure to cancel within 48 hours of the event may result in the total booking cost being non-refundable.
White Coat Ceremony
Each term, a White Coat Ceremony is held for first-term students entering into the four-year Schools of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. The White Coat Ceremony is an important milestone in the lives of students because it marks their entry into these noble professions. The event includes remarks from the University’s President, an alumnus emcee, recognition by name of each entering student, recitation of the Professional Commitment, and an opportunity to meet the President and Deans at a reception immediately after the ceremony. As it is a special event, students and their guests should dress professionally. We encourage family members and loved ones to share this special day as they support their student in your journey to become a physician or veterinarian.
- A live broadcast will be available at sgu.edu/live and via SGU’s Facebook page for those who are unable to attend their loved one’s White Coat Ceremony. An archived recording will be also be available via YouTube.
- SGU’s white coat ceremonies are divided by colleges to accommodate strong interest from visiting families. Colleges are assigned to students on a weekly basis. If you are an accepted student and have not yet been assigned a college, please allow up to 7-10 days for notification. If you have not received the assignment after that time, please contact your Admission Counselor.
- SGU alumni and licensed physicians/veterinarians who wish to coat their family member at the SOM/SVM White Coat Ceremony must complete this short request form [link removed] to register their interest in coating. Physicians are permitted to coat with the School of Medicine, and veterinarians are permitted to coat with the School of Veterinary Medicine. The request window will close one week prior to Family Weekend. The request window is now closed for August 2019.
Travel and Accommodations
Travel
There are many routes into Grenada and you can use any of the internet-based companies or travel agents to help you. When searching for flights, please use airport code GND for Grenada’s international airport.
Major US and UK carriers provide regular service to Grenada, including daily flights from Miami on American Airlines and daily flights from New York via JetBlue. Visit our accepted students travel information page for more details.
Accommodations
Family Weekend guests have a variety of lodging options to choose from during their visit. Upon booking your reservation at any of the below hotels be sure to mention SGU’s Family Weekend. Special discounts may be available.
True Blue Bay Resort
Old Mill Road, True Blue,
St. George’s, Grenada
(473) 443-8783
truebluebay.com
mail@truebluebay.com
Spice Island Beach Resort
Grand Anse,
St. George’s, Grenada
+1 473 444-4258
http://www.spiceislandbeachresort.com
reservations@spicebeachresort.com
Radisson Grenada Beach Resort
Grand Anse,
St. George’s, Grenada
+1 473-444-4371
http://www.radisson.com/st-george-hotel-gd/grdgrgr
Calabash
L’anse aux Epines,
St. George’s, Grenada
+1 473 444 4334
http://www.calabashhotel.com/
reservations@calabashgrenada.com
Coyaba Beach Resort
Morne Rouge,
St. George’s, Grenada
+1 473 444-4129
http://www.coyaba.com/
reservations@coyaba.com
Secret Harbour Boutique Hotel & Marina
Lance aux Epines,
St. George’s, Grenada
+1 473 444-4449
www.secretharbourgrenada.com
enquiries@secretharbourgrenada.com
Silversands Grenada
Grand Anse Beach
St. George’s, Grenada
+1 (833) 594-3230
www.silversandsgrenada.com
info@silversandsgrenada.com
Points of Interest
St. George’s University Family Weekend provides students and their families with free time for exploring the island of Grenada. In addition to traditional Caribbean activities like snorkeling, hiking the rain forest, and fishing, there are many must see attractions on the island of Grenada, including the Grenada National Museum, Fort George, Fort Frederick, Seven Sisters Falls, Grenada Chocolate Company, Rhum Runner, River Antoine Rum Distillery, and Annandale Falls. The following website provides details on these and other attractions and is an excellent resource for your weekend plans:
FAQs
Who can attend Family Weekend?
St. George’s University invites students, families, and their friends to this event. Immediate family historically make up the bulk of our guests, but extended family and significant others are welcome, too!
Is a passport required?
Yes, a valid passport is required of all visitors when entering the country.
When is the best time to arrive for the weekend?
Family Weekend activities begin on Thursday, August 29. Some families elect to arrive earlier in the week to enjoy Grenada, while some families arrive the day before a white coat ceremony. With daily flights from New York, Miami, Trinidad, and Barbados you can choose an itinerary that suits your schedule.
Can I coat my loved one at their White Coat Ceremony?
St. George’s University is proud to welcome physician and veterinarian families to Family Weekend!
SGU alumni and licensed physicians/veterinarians who wish to coat their family member at the SOM/SVM White Coat Ceremony must complete this short request form [link removed] to register their interest in coating.
Physicians are permitted to coat with the School of Medicine, and veterinarians are permitted to coat with the School of Veterinary Medicine. The request window will close one week prior to Family Weekend. The request window is now closed for August 2019.
What is the dress code for Family Weekend?
Professional dress is required for the White Coat Ceremonies and receptions. Casual attire is appropriate for most other events. Sun protection, an umbrella and comfortable walking shoes are always a good idea, too!
What is professional dress in the Caribbean? For men, we generally recommend a collared shirt and comfortable slacks as a baseline, but its not uncommon to see parents wear a light sport coat. A casual dress or office wear is appropriate for women.
Is transportation provided for events during the weekend?
Yes, a shuttle service is provided from campus to the various off-campus events. Check the event schedule or Information Desk for details.
Are Family Weekend guests able to ride SGU buses? Is a special pass required?
Campus guests, including Family Weekend participants, require identification for riding the bus and gaining access to campus. Family Weekend guests will be provided with guest badges at the Family Weekend Information Desk, permitting them to ride regular SGU buses.
Are you arriving before the official start of Family Weekend? Temporary visitor passes are available from SGU’s Department of Public Safety. Students should accompany their guests to the security office at Westerhall Building (behind the Student Center). Students must bring their student ID, and visitors will be asked to produce a government-issued photo ID.
Where can I find assistance on-campus during Family Weekend?
During Family Weekend an in-person Information Desk will be located on campus at the Caribbean House. Check the schedule above for open hours, or reach us anytime via familyweekend@sgu.edu.
If I cannot attend, how can I view the White Coat Ceremony?
A live broadcast each White Coat Ceremony will be available at sgu.edu/live and SGU’s Facebook page.
Recordings will be uploaded to YouTube and shared with the incoming Schools of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine classes.
We are bringing children. Do we need to register our children, too?
Children under the age of 3 do not require registration.
Do students need to purchase tickets for events?
Yes, students will need to purchase tickets if they wish to attend any paid event.
My student has class or other obligations during Family Weekend. What do I do?
Your student may have coursework commitments. Please check with your student before registering them for paid events.
When will I get the confirmation of my registration?
Your Family Weekend confirmation is immediate, following completion of the online registration form and payment. Bring a printed or electronic copy of your ticket to each event. Have further questions? Send us an email – familyweekend@sgu.edu.
Are refunds available?
St. George’s University often makes arrangements with outside vendors for Family Weekend events. Many events require a financial commitment on the part of the University. While we will make every effort to provide refunds whenever possible, 48 hour advance notice is requested to cancel a reservation. Failure to cancel within 48 hours of the event may result in the total booking cost being non-refundable.
Is campus accessible?
St. George’s University makes every effort to accommodate individuals with disabilities. If you require disability accommodations to attend an event at, please contact us in advance of the event.
Is there a campus map?
Yes, click here to view the campus map.
Is there an ATM on campus?
Yes! There are three ATMs on campus. One on the ground floor of Charter Hall (lower campus), and two more at David Brown Hall (upper campus).
Where can we find SGU merchandise?
Head over to the SGU Bookstore (located at Founders Library) for a great selection of SGU items. There will also be a mobile station at the Sunset BBQ.
I don’t see my question here, who should I contact?
Drop us an email! Our team monitors and responds to the Family Weekend mailbox all year long: FamilyWeekend@sgu.edu.