HISTORY The University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Ja.) dates its beginning from 1958, originally as the Jamaica Institute of Technology. In 1959 the name of the institution was changed to the College of Arts, Science and Technology and became incorporated in the College of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST) Scheme of 1959. This was validated by an ACT of Parliament in 1964. In 1986, the CAST Scheme was revised in order to make the College a degreegranting institution, and the College became legally empowered to conduct affairs under a governing Council and Academic Board. The institution was formally accorded University status on September 1, 1995 as the University of Technology, Jamaica. The University of Technology, Jamaica Act 27-1999, which makes permanent provisions for the establishment of the University of Technology, Jamaica was approved by Parliament on June 8, 1999 and signed into law by the Governor General on June 19, 1999. The history of the institution is intimately connected with the social and economic development of Jamaica. From just over 50 students and four programmes in 1958, UTech, Jamaica has grown to become Jamaica’s premier national institution with a student population of over 13,000. The University now offers 100 programmes at the certificate, diploma and degree levels through its three colleges and five faculties. The University has further expanded access to its programme offerings to meet the demands of business and industry by establishing campuses and satellite locations across Jamaica. In addition, several programmes are franchised through links with community colleges, and most programmes are linked to national and international professional organisations. Syllabuses are modeled on the English polytechnic system, with emphasis on flexibility of approach, work-based, experiential learning and professional linkages afforded through co-operative work based programmes. Flexibility in the University’s academic programmes is reflected in the various modes of course delivery, which include the establishment of a semesterised mode of delivery introduced in academic year 1999/2000 and further adjusted and piloted in 2009–2010. The University’s mandate is reflected in its mission –” to positively impact Jamaica and the wider Caribbean through high quality learning “EXC E L L E NC E THROUGH KNOWL E DG E ” 21 INTRODUCTION TO THE UNIVERSITY
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