The UWI Cave Hill Campus Annual Report to Council 2021/2022

Chairman’s Statement

CHAIRMAN’S

2

STATEMENT I t is my pleasure to present to Council, the Annual Report of the Cave Hill Campus for the Academic Year 2021/2022, a comprehensive record of the Campus’ activities and accomplishments in the face of continued challenges. The Report is a testament to the Campus’ determination to achieve the strategic goals of The UWI, regardless of obsta- cles faced.

Sir Paul Altman Chairman

The Council recognises the tireless efforts of the entire Cave Hill team during the COVID-19 pandemic, which persisted in the 2021/2022 academic year. We commend the staff and students for their adaptability and their commitment to not only maintaining, but enhancing the Campus’ operations throughout this period. A warm welcome is extended to Professor R Clive Landis, who assumed the role of Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Cave Hill on August 1, 2022, after having served the University with distinction in various capaci- ties since 2004. The Campus Council looks forward to working with Professor Landis and wishes him a successful tenure, driven by his vision for growth through interna- tionalisation, innovation/industry partnerships, academic publications, and outreach. The notable achievements of the Campus, as outlined in the Report, reflect its hard work and unwavering spirit. The digitisation of internal operating processes continued to advance, resulting in increased efficiencies which ultimately improved experiences for students and staff. This is evidenced by enhancements to the post- graduate admission process, the successful piloting of the Human Resources Performance Information System, and improvements to the timetabling process. Appreciation is extended to the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) for the excellent technical and pedagogical support provided to faculty throughout this period. This support was pivotal to the successful transition to remote teaching during the pandemic. The Council also acknowledges the exceptional student

support provided by the Student Enrolment and Retention Unit (SERU) and the Office of Student Services and Development (OSSD). Campus Council commends the Campus on its commit- ment to curriculum renewal, as it strives to ensure its programme offerings are not only attractive, but perti- nent to the developmental needs of the Region. The addition of over 50 degree programmes to its suite of academic offerings in the 2021/2022 academic year is both noteworthy and impressive. The breadth of programmes that have been approved or revised during the period will further add to the Campus’ offerings and is indica- tive of its endeavour to remain relevant and enhance its appeal as the university of choice for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. The Campus’ focus on harnessing its strengths and uniqueness to boost its global appeal is highly commendable, as it forges ahead with its interna- tionalisation thrust, towards improving its financial health. After four consecutive years of enrolment growth (2018/2019 - 2021/2022), the Campus experienced a marginal decline in enrolment of 4.6% in 2022/2023, compared to the previous year. The decline could be attributed to the economic downturn, triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. As Caribbean nations seek to reju- venate their economies, enrolment trends will be closely monitored, as the Campus intensifies its efforts to attract new students and improve retention rates. The Report commends the faculties for their efforts to recognise and reward exceptional students who have earned a place on Deans’ Lists, received scholarships, or won special prizes across a range of disciplines. On

THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES CAVE HILL CAMPUS ANNUAL REPORT TO COUNCIL 2021/2022

Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator