UWI Open Campus receives seven-year reaccreditation

The University of the West Indies Open Campus has been reaccredited for the next seven years, after demonstrating improved performance in its administrative systems, among other improvements.

According to a UWI release, the instrument of accreditation was received by Acting Principal, Professor Julie Meeks Gardner, who credited the accomplishment to the staff. “This Certificate of Institutional Re-Accreditation which I have just accepted on your behalf, granted for seven years, the maximum time achievable, is testimony to your commitment, dedication and in so many cases to your efforts beyond the call of duty to ensure the success of our beloved Campus,” Gardner stated.

It was related that the Campus went through a self-evaluation process, which Gardner said provided them with the excellent opportunity to critically evaluate its operations and processes, and identify recommendations and future actions to ensure the Campus continues to provide first-class service and world class education to its students.

A report from the accreditation team described their evaluation as being “reflective and analytical and addressing the various challenges faced by the Open Campus.” It was noted that the accreditation criteria and standards were clearly met. “In the view of the team, the Open Campus is poised to take advantage of the opportunities presented by Global Online Strategy, its ambassadorial role in the non-physical campus countries and the growth of continuing professional education,” the report stated.

The release said the team commended the Open Campus for several positives, including: “The honesty of the self-evaluation and the use of the exercise to identify opportunities for improvement; improvements in administrative system and the commensurate reduction in students’ complaints, following the introduction of the Banner Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system; and the commitment of all staff at all levels to serve the under-served in the region.”

They also noted significant improvements in the performance of the Campus’ administrative systems, and the fact that it enjoys “strong support from its alumni, who value the opportunities that it provides, and who consider that the university lives it student-centred values.”

It was noted that the re-accreditation period runs from June 18, 2019 to June 17, 2026 and the Campus will undergo a mid-cycle review in another three years.