University College of The Caribbean

Infobox_University
name =University College of The Caribbean
motto ="Breaking New Frontiers in Higher Education"
established =2004
type =Private
president =Mr. Winston I. Adams
location = Kingston, Jamaica
website = [http://www.uccjm.com www.uccjm.com]

The University College of The Caribbean (UCC), is Jamaica’s largest privately-held tertiary education consortium. UCC was established in January 2004 from an amalgamation of the Institute of Management Sciences (IMS) and the Institute of Management and Production (IMP). In preparing students for an increasingly complex and diverse society, the UCC has developed a number of programmes to provide the knowledge and skills to help students succeed within a world community. Their range of programmes cover local "Associate" and "Bachelor" degrees and overseas "Bachelor" and "Master" degree programmes, offered in partnership with internationally recognized universities such as the Florida International University, Florida Memorial University and the University of London.

History

Perspective

In the early 1990s, Jamaica was faced with what seemed then to be an insoluble problem. The country was losing thousands of young, ambitious individuals who sought higher education opportunities overseas because there were not many recognised higher education programmes on the island for further development through formal training.

Answering The Call For Increased Access to Higher Education

This was proving to be an expensive option and was only available to a few Jamaicans who could afford to do so. In addition, the country was losing a number of trained persons seeking additional educational and employment opportunities overseas; this was costing the government more to train and recruit additional personnel. The Chairman and President, formerly a chemical process engineer at Petrojam, saw a great entrepreneurial opportunity and recognised that something had to be done to provide more accessible, high quality and flexible higher education training programmes to Jamaicans in both urban and rural areas. This resulted in the Institute of Management Sciences (IMS), which has since grown to become one of the most respected private higher education institutions in Jamaica.

Incorporated in January 1992, the Institute of Management Sciences is a self-supporting, higher education institution, governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the executive body.

The board designs broad policy for the institution, and the executive body is responsible for the implementation of policies and directives from the board. Members are appointed for two years.

Accreditation achieved

As at July 2007

The University College of the Caribbean is now formally registered and recognised by the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ), the official accreditation body for higher education in Jamaica, and has made history as the first university college in the region to receive this status. The institution has also gained full matriculation status from the University of the West Indies.

Affiliates & Partnerships

Florida International University-The UCC’s partnership with the prestigious Florida International University started in 1999. These programmes have proven popular with Jamaican scholars and employers alike. Currently UCC offers the FIU Executive MBA, MSc. in Curriculum & Instruction and the MSc. Human Resources Management programmes.

University of London-The University of London, Britain's largest, and one of the world's most prestigious universities, offers through The UCC, seven exciting degree programmes. These programmes include, LLB (Bachelor of Laws), M.Sc. Financial Management, M.Sc. Financial Economics, M.Sc. Public Policy & Management.

Florida Memorial University-Florida Memorial University, through The UCC offers the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. This programme is ideal for teachers seeking to upgrade and certify themselves in keeping with the new standards set by the Ministry of Education and Youth.

Institute of Business and Technology-In 2007 the UCC was proud to admit its first overseas students; through a partnership with St. Lucia based Institute of Business & Technology (IBT) the UCC now offers programmes in that country. IBT is one of the leading tertiary institutions in St. Lucia, offering academic courses and professional development training

The University College Concept

IMS/IMP created history in Jamaica when it outlined its plans for the first University College of the Caribbean. Simultaneously it unveiled its logo for what has now become reality, the University College of the Caribbean.

"A university college can be defined as an institution that amalgamates many of the functions of a university and a college. Effectively a hybrid of some of the functions of a university and a traditional college. It is a comprehensive institution that offers a wide range of programme offerings from certificates through Associate and Bachelor degrees and Masters degrees with its main focus being at the baccalaureate degree or certificate level in the applied areas."

External links

* [http://www.uccjm.com University College of The Caribbean] - Official Website
* [http://uccnews.blogspot.com UCC Current Happenings] - Student Blogspot Page