UTech Annual Report 2018-19

Accredited by the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ) ANNUAL REPORT 2018-2019 University of Technology, Jamaica 6 PRESIDENT’S OVERVIEW There have been a number of pos i t i ve developments and shared successes for the year in review. These developments are highlighted in the ensuing pages of this Annual Report. I should, however, mention the collective success of the University obtaining Institutional Accreditation from the University Council of Jamaica, and the multiple awards of programme accreditation to various Faculties and Colleges. Other noteworthy achievements have included the completion of of the Shared Facilities Building, the successful series of Distinguished Lectures, concerts and other activities associated with our 60th Anniversary celebrations. We have also seen an increase in the number of Professors within the institution, and there have been pronounced efforts to enhance the research mission of the University with leadership on the part of some Professors and Deans. Efforts to enhance our research output have also included the provision of incentives to encourage publication, an increase in the budget for research purposes, and attempts to strengthen the link between research publications to promotions within the academy. Another related feature of the year was the publication of the first book from the University of Technology, Jamaica Press - Dr Adella Campbell’s “The Jamaican Public Health System from the 17th -21st Centuries”. Other publications are in the pipeline at the Press, and I look forward to the growth of the Press with optimism. With respect to students, we have introduced approximately 60 new scholarships under the banner of the University’s 60th Anniversary, sought to be sensitive in the enforcement of our fees policies, and tried as much as possible to keep student fees to a minimum. In respect of scholarships, I express gratitude to all external donors who contributed $140M in scholarships to UTech, Jamaica students. We have also paid greater attention to student evaluations of teaching and kept open channels of communication between students and management. The past year has also involved the consolidation of goal-setting and administrative changes to improve service to our students. The Chapel, used mainly by students, has been renovated, and the University’s new Graduate Students’ Lounge has been opened. I am grateful to all persons who have contributed, in ways large and small, to these and other activities which have contributed to the forward movement of the University. Professor Stephen Vasciannie, CD