UTech, Jamaica 2016-17 Annual Report

University of Technology, Jamaica ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 Page 20 Excellence Through Knowledge DIVISION OF STUDENT SERVICES AND REGISTRY OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR SEPTENNIAL REVIEW SECRETARIAT Subsequent to Council’s approval of the Second Septennial Review Committee (SSRC) and for the Review to be conducted by a short-term consultancy, FocalPoint Consulting Limited was selected to conduct the University’s Second Septennial Review. The Review is for the period 2006–2013 and the Consultants were also requested to review the University over the period 2013–2015. Both internal and external stakeholders were advised of the Review and encouraged to participate in this critical activity of the University’s life. The Consultants, a mix of local and regional experts, commenced duties on August 8, 2016. The consultancy period will end September 2017 while the post–consultancy activities conducted by the SSRC will end December 2017. The Consultants have engaged in several data gathering activities such as an Appreciative Inquiry (workshop), document review as well as meetings and interviews with internal and external stakeholders. The internal stakeholders engaged were senior management, faculty, staff and unions including the Students’ Union while the external stakeholders included government agencies, tertiary educational institutions and private sector organizations and associations. The Consultants are required to submit six deliverables over the life of the short-term consultancy. For the reporting period, the Consultants submitted two deliverables, specifically the Inception Report and Interim Septennial Review Report. Report on each deliverable was submitted by the SSRC to Council through the Governance Committee. As with any project, the Second Septennial Review encountered some challenges but they were overcome through cooperation by the relevant stakeholders. The Review is within its timeline and it is anticipated to result in not only recommendations but also a strategic plan to be used to guide the future direction of the University. Dr. Elaine Wallace University Registrar