The graduating class of 2009 of the University College of the Caribbean (UCC) had a lot to cheer for as the graduands walked tall to receive their degrees at the convocation ceremony held at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston on Sunday, November 22.

The new graduates were called upon to live up to the name of the institution and exhibit high standards in the world of work.

Chairman and President Winston Adams, in his address, noted that the institution was committed to create world-class Jamaican graduates. "Ultimately, the UCC is deeply committed to the need to create Jamaican graduates that are 'fit for export'," said Adams.

Constant improvement

These world standards, Adams said, come from constant improvement, so "we must continue to improve ourselves, our programmes and our systems; to enhance our results and most importantly the students' experience". He added that for Jamaica to take advantage of the emerging opportunities in key growth sectors, both locally and internationally, the workforce had be qualified to global standards.

Hence, he said, the UCC was pressing ahead with plans to achieve international accreditation and to develop further partnerships abroad.

In this regard, Adams disclosed that the institution had started to seek further institutional accreditation from the prestigious international accreditation body in the United States (US) - the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) which is one of six major bodies recognised by the US Department of Education. He further disclosed that the UCC had successfully satisfied and passed all preliminary criteria and expects to host an initial site visit by an evaluation team sometime early next year.

Adams also said that the University Council of Jamaica had to date accredited one-third of the UCC's programmes and was expected to meet soon to deliberate on accrediting the outstanding course offerings.

Sir John Daniel, president and chief executive officer of the Commonwealth of Learning, who was the keynote speaker at the convocation, praised the professiona-lism exhibited by the UCC and the enthusiasm of the students. "This convocation ceremony is an important milestone in your careers and in your lives," said Sir Daniel to the graduates in his opening remarks.

"I am proud that the University College of the Caribbean has the chance to take part in a very 21st century approach to higher education," he said.

Development

The UCC got the distinction of pioneering the Commonwealth executive masters in business administration and masters in public administration in the region. The first batch of students successfully completed the courses this year and were awarded degrees. The programmes, which are offered as a mix of onsite and distance learning modules, was a landmark course for the region.

"Our role is to empower people with the learning that enables them to be the agents of economic and social development," Sir Daniel pointed out, adding that distance learning was the key to high-quality learning and professional opportunities. "As I see here, distance learning helped to reduce the wide gender gap in the classrooms!"

Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Dr Grace Turner, while detailing the achievements of the institution, warned the graduates of complacency.

"Remember, however, that there are several destinations ahead of you and that while UCC has given you an education and an experience that will set you apart from the rest, you will need to continue to reinvent yourselves as competition is always waiting in the wings, watching, emulating and strategising to be like you and to be better than you," Dr Turner reminded graduates.

A total of 595 certificates, diplomas, and degrees were awarded, the ceremony had a capacity crowd of faculty, friends and family who cheered the new graduates as they were given their degrees.