Quality at the UWI
The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is dedicated to achieving excellence across various facets of its operations including teaching, research, innovation, public service, intellectual leadership, outreach, governance, and administration. In its pursuit of these goals, The UWI is steered by five (5) interrelated dimensions of quality.
These are:
- fitness of purpose;
- fitness for purpose;
- value for money;
- transformative development of students and staff; and
- adherence to high standards, including internal and external customer service standards.
Fitness of Purpose: This dimension ensures that the University defines objectives that are relevant and aligned with the needs of its stakeholders, reflecting its mission. It assesses the adequacy of the quality-related intentions of an organization or programme.
Fitness for Purpose: This involves the University’s capability to meet its stated objectives and fulfill its mission at both institutional and programme levels. It includes evaluating the institution or programme against indicators and standards that originate from its core mission and stated objectives.
Value for Money: The UWI demonstrates efficiency and effectiveness in utilizing its human, physical, technological, information, and financial resources, ensuring optimal resource allocation and management.
Transformative Development of Students and Staff: The University commits to significantly enhancing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of its students and staff, contributing positively to their personal and professional growth.
Adherence to High Standards: The UWI consistently meets, and often exceeds, agreed service standards and applies best practices in the delivery of academic, professional, technical, or support services. This commitment extends to its interactions with both internal and external stakeholders.
These quality dimensions guide the management of The UWI’s resources, internal operations, and communications, ensuring a comprehensive application of quality standards.
As outlined in the “Report of The UWI Task Force on Quality to the Executive Management Committee, September 2016,” these principles are foundational in all aspects of university governance and administration. They have been concretised in our Quality Policy.
In reinforcing the established culture of quality, The UWI St. Augustine has initiated its candidacy for continuous institutional accreditation in 2024, applying these dimensions to ensure sustained excellence and alignment with global educational standards.