THE EDITOR, Sir:
IN RESPONSE to the news article that appeared in The Sunday Gleaner, October 2, 2005 under the caption 'UWI not accredited by the University Council of Jamaica', I would like to expand the discussion on accreditation.
There are two words that come to mind immediately: 'recognition' and 'accreditation'. The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines each word as:
(a) Recognition - acknowledgement, special notice or attention;
(b) Accreditation - to give official authorisation to or approval of; to provide with credentials. To recognise (an educational institution) as maintaining standards that qualify the graduates for admission to higher or more specialised institutions or for professional practice.
An institution that enjoys government recognition is not the same as an accredited institution. An accredited institution carries a significant meaning in the academic community, especially outside of Jamaica.
Accreditation has two fundamental purposes: 1. To assure the quality of an institution or programme; 2. To assist in the improvement of the institution or programme.
Accrediting bodies, whether of national or international status, are organisations that usually are sanctioned by governments, academic communities, professional communities and employers.
In the United States, there are six regional accreditation bodies for colleges and universities. They are Middle States Association, New England Association, North West Association, North Central Association, Southern Association and Western Association. Colleges and universities in Florida are accredited by the Southern Association.
NOT A NEW PHENOMENON
Let me state clearly that accreditation is not a new phenomenon. This has gone on for many years in the United States. UWI for years was the only university in Jamaica, therefore it did not see the need for accreditation. It saw itself as the standard, even after the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ) was formed as a statutory body, their arrogance did not allow them to seek accreditation.
No university can accredit itself or speak to the quality of its offerings. Only an independent accreditation body can speak to quality assurance.
Educational institutions must be constantly assessed for quality. This usually is done in t3-5-year intervals. Let me commend the UCJ for the excellent work already done and the excellent work it is presently doing. The UCJ and in particular, Dr. Ethley London, have transformed the tertiary education landscape in Jamaica. UCJ made the Jamaican people understand that success in Jamaica can mean UWI, NCU, UTech, local colleges and overseas universities.
The idea that accreditation was meant for entities outside of UWI is most disturbing. The marketplace will force UWI to seek accreditation from UCJ. I think what the university has feared for years is finally taking place. As a monopoly, they dominated tertiary education in Jamaica. Now they have to compete for students.
Today, there are many options in Jamaica. I think the Jamaican parents and students are most happy to exercise that option. For the first time in the history of tertiary education in Jamaica, there are more students studying in other universities than UWI. With this revelation that UWI is not accredited by UCJ, the trend will continue.
REFORM PROCESS
I know that good sense will prevail as the university leaders grapple with the reality of the situation. Already, a reform process is in place. The introduction of the semester system and credit hours is a good start.
However, they must expand the undergraduate programmes to 120 credit hours minimum for a bachelor's degree. It is a fact that some graduates of UWI with 90-93 credits are having difficulty getting into graduate programmes in North America. In many cases, they are asked to do make-up credits. Universities in North America know that there is oversight. They can be sanctioned by these accrediting bodies.
In conclusion, I would recommend to the university to submit itself to the UCJ. Do the necessary self-study. If it lacks the expertise, seek help from UTech and NCU. I know this will be difficult for the intelligentsia of the university. However just do it for the sake of the students, especially for those students who will continue their studies in North America.
I am, etc.,
WITFORD RED, M.D.
heartlandpain@earthling.net
Searing, Florida, U.S.A.
Via Go-Jamaica
