UTech, Ja Annual Report 2017-18

University of Technology, Jamaica “Pioneering Past; Bright Future ” ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 4 CHANCELLOR’S MESSAGE STEP BY STEP PROGRESS It is a standard feature of universities to endeavour to expand. Each year there is usually an increase in the number of students which means more services are needed to accommodate them. Over the last five year period students enrolment was between 11000 and 13000. The University of Technology, Jamaica has been growing not only because of an increase in the enrolment but because the University has maintained a lower cost than the competition which is an attractive consideration for students. This enables the students to better manage their ability to afford an education. UTech, Jamaica continues with providing a good education. This past year there has been a tremendous expansion of facilities at the university by way of new lecture theatres, classrooms, labs and personal accommodation. This has had to be incorporated into the relatively small campus. We well recognise that this is not ideal but it helps to ease the discomfort which has been oppressive to all the stakeholders. Also, it has to be noted that UTech, Jamaica is under great stress for funds to keep it operating. Comparison with another university with somewhat more students will show that the contribution to UTech, Jamaica from government is about one-quarter. For some time now this has been pointed out to government by myself, the President and the Pro Chancellor, but without much success. Logically this means that payments to UTech, Jamaica staff is substantially lower. This has a negative impact on staff. It should be noted that UTech, Jamaica is dedicated to students who are struggling. Hopefully, the improvements for all stakeholders will be approved and the staff will get the benefits they deserve disbursed over an acceptable period. I know that this will make those of us who struggle to achieve a better UTech, Jamaica very happy. I congratulate the University of Technology, Jamaica for its success over adversity. The Most Honourable Edward Seaga ON, PC