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November 2012
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Message from the Principal: Onward Transformation
The Strategic Plan for 2012-2017 was approved by the University Council in April, and it favours a business model. The times call for change and the capacity to transform is what we have been working most assiduously to hone to meet the challenges of the future. Universities globally are engaged in deep introspection all with a view to adapting to changed circumstances of a global economic downturn, technology usage and internationalisation, increased competition and mobility of students, the demands for research, innovation and new business development and graduates better prepared to navigate and meet the challenges of today’s job market. The rampant demands for agility and speed in these times sometimes overlook the corresponding need for due care and considered action. Our former Vice-Chancellor, the late Rex Nettleford, often quipped that “UWI is not a sprint, it is a marathon.” There is a balance that must be struck as we pursue our own quest for transformation. We need to learn how to do things differently, but we also need to understand that change can be just as traumatic as it can be rewarding and we will be moving ahead mindful of the sensitivities of all concerned. But all the sensitivity in the world will not remove the imperative to keep our eyes fixed on continuously improving what we do and how we do it. I am committed to that process and will be working on ensuring high quality in our curricula, our graduates, our service, our financial status, our research, our campus enrolment, etc. We are also building a new future for our campus and university as we expand our research into Orange Grove, into the South Campus at Penal-Debe and soon into Tobago. I see research as one of our strengths that sets us far apart from our contemporaries. There are many members of staff, Units and Centres of our University that are engaged in internationally respected research. We will continue to encourage high standards and impact for our research and recognising this through our assessment and promotions system and Research Awards for Excellence Scheme that was just initiated. It is where I plan to lead this St. Augustine Campus as we negotiate the future together. Pro Vice Chancellor & Principal |
The winding down of a year invites reflection and planning for the future. The thread that linked activities on this St. Augustine Campus over the past year has been the continuous movement to develop at all levels: physically and intellectually. During the year, two faculties emerged from the Faculty of Science and Agriculture: the Faculty of Food and Agriculture and the Faculty of Science and Technology. Another has been created in the Faculty of Law; all in the quest to make our offerings more suited to the broadening needs of the 18,000 students currently enrolled.