UTECH: The discussion continues

UTech - the discussion continues …

The stakeholders of the University of Technology, Jamaica, who brought the matter of the weak management of the University, the continued poor governance practices and the poor administrative and human resource management systems, are concerned about the absence of robust responses to the matters raised. These stakeholders continue the "business of UTech" but are still alarmed that no action has yet been taken in response to additional reports from the Ministry of Finance and Planning, which we have been informed, have exposed major failings in the financial planning and performance as well as the procurement policies of the University. We await the submission of the reports to Council, as should be expected, and hope to be relieved when the requisite considerations and decisions are made.

The Minister has given an indication that Ambassador Burchell Whiteman was sent to “steady the ship”. But let us note that a ship in calm waters in the harbour is safe, but that is not the purpose for which a ship was built. We note though, that to maintain the calm, some shedding and reshaping will be required. Let us see this being done.

Again, we observe a divisive style - the “Willie Lynch” syndrome – by using the pretence of an academic concept “STEM University”. Can this STEM University operate in a vacuum without the requisite supporting arts and business structures to provide the template and threshold for sustainable development, growth and competitiveness? Does the overt commitment to STEM justify the allocation of resources in a manner which will seek to undermine the simultaneous development of all areas of education required for the development of Jamaica? The prevailing studies and literature continue to debate the value in adopting a STEM focus over a STEAM focus and largely supports the latter. Any effort to cannibalize the developed, functional, surplus making, market driven courses of study will be to the detriment of the institution.

UTech continues to expand the qualified and able professions of Jamaica and though there may have been a debatable tangential shift in the middle 2000s because of a “whiff of a hurricane idea”, the institution has fulfilled its mandate to provide high calibre work-ready graduates. Admittedly, there needs to be effective human resource management and planning with the long term and medium term objectives of getting the terminal degree ratios right within the academic landscape. The resulting strategy would see a strengthening of the mix through employment and upgrading activities. Academics at UTech embrace the vision and are pushing for the changes. The challenges faced however, include a lack of opportunity but not a lack of capacity or willingness.

The staff continues to be challenged by the obvious lack of will (ineptitude eh?) of the leaders of the University of Technology, Jamaica at all levels to provide strong decisive actions, based on strong academic strategic planning, as well as strong management and administrative leadership. The evidence of confused positioning is stark, based on the utterances of representatives from each of these units in the last few weeks. The Acting President says one thing (see Induction Ceremony text, 2014), the Chancellor says another (see Induction Ceremony text, 2014), and the Ministry of Education saying one thing (Gleaner August 23, 2014). We would be happy if each statement was a part of a clearly communicated vision with strategic focus.

What is this “renewed model, which was planned from before" to which the Minister refers to in the Gleaner article? It is significant to note that the decision has been made to implement a model, regardless of the findings of the second septennial review or the views of all stakeholders? Is it that the political directorate is moving forward on “gut feel” rather than data driven decision making?

The academic staff of the University of Technology, Jamaica has continued to carry on "the business of UTech" but would seek to ask that what we perceive to be actions damaging to the UTech image be discontinued immediately. To create this turnaround it may be useful to suggest some areas on which to focus (certainly not exhaustive). This would involve the following

1) Avoiding the labels and strengthening the National University

There are significant differences between universities and polytechnics which generally operate at the college training level. UTech was made University by an Act of Parliamentary in 1999 retroactive to 1995. Since then, the constituents of UTech have achieved major milestones as a university with the courses of study being offered to the Jamaican people, even with decreasing amounts of subventions over the last few years. It now brings into focus the model being pursued and raises the questions relating to funding and the strategic direction for the national university. Has the government no interest in its own national university which has been a major contributor to the educated workforce? Are Jamaicans again going to be dependent on offshore universities with their attendant problems to provide undergraduate and postgraduate education? Is the obvious favoring of the regional institution above the national institution in the interest of all Jamaicans?

2) Maintaining the image and protecting the brand

UTech has many students and alumni whose academic qualifications from the University have helped them to hone their skills and by which they have earned their reputation. The alumni occupy major decision making roles nationally and internationally. Would any actions being considered now diminish their qualification, reputation and image? The current students of UTech are especially desirous of completing degrees which are marketable and they know well the rigors of the courses of study which they currently pursue. The UTech brand must be protected at all cost through a process of brand development and equity building strategies.

3) Maintaining Accreditation status - both locally and internationally for courses of study

This University has chosen to use the option of courses of study accreditation and so various courses of study have sought and have successfully satisfied the rigorous examination of the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ). They have earned accreditation and re-accreditation. UTech continues to be a registered institution with the UCJ. In addition, a number of courses of study have been examined by external local and international accrediting bodies and many have the stamp of approval by professional bodies. In these instances, UTech students/graduates get exemption or earn the equivalent professional credits based on their course of study at UTech. This should certainly continue.

4) Building MOU and International partnerships

UTech boasts a high number of partnerships held under MOU and some social contracts. The list (which could be discussed in another article) is evidence that the institution is attractive and is finding its way in the international marketplace. This pursuit is being continued and must be ramped up so that our international student numbers may be increased and our coffers benefit from earning foreign exchange – an imperative for every Jamaica institution.

5) Developing the ability to attract lecturers, professors, researchers will be affected

The image of a university is contingent on a number of factors, including the quality in the profile of its lecturers, professors, researchers and general academic staff. Therefore, the threshold for the academic output and the necessary research output must be sustained at a level which will enable the university to attract, and retain academicians. The academic staff and academic community are aware that the expectations include increased levels of research and the associated citations, and the presentation of applied research which should enhance to the development of Jamaica and its regional role. From this perspective, academic staff should have every confidence in the management of its university and as every successful university world wide has found, be allowed to participate in a shared governance. Those who fail to take this approach have stories to tell and the pages of history for universities worldwide will record some strong action by academics. Let us look at the experience of

a) Larry Summers, http://www.universityherald.com/articles/4152/20130807/cornel-west-explainscontroversial-relationship-former-harvard-president-larry-summers.htm

http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2013-07-18/larry-summers-s-billion-dollar-bad

bet-at-harvard

b) UVA president, Theresa Sullivan http://content.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2117640,00.html

c) Austin powers---- http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/college-sports/texas-longhorns/20140704-reportuniversity-of-texas-president-bill-powers-told-today-to-resign.ece

d) Richard Laviriere -- university of Oregon http://www.oregonlive.com/education/index.ssf/2011/12/the_rise_and_fall_of_richard_l. html

e) IIene Busch-Vishniac --- http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/students-relieved-thatuniversity-of-saskatchewan-president-fired-1.1832727

f) Haynes--- http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/04/03/3756131/finance-chief-fired-from-staugs.html

g) Neal king https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2007/06/26/antioch

http://ysnews.com/news/2011/09/governance-questions-at-au

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2014/02/07/former-president-takes-heat-direfinancial-straits-sofia-university

6) Proceeding with the development of courses of study

Polytechnics operate at the community college level generally and may offer degrees, largely undergraduate degrees. UTech has gone far passed this. UTech, by the UTech Act 1999 is a University. It has demonstrated its ownership of this vision by the development of a model which produces graduates who are knowledgeable, competent and work ready critical thinkers who are well prepared for their chosen professions. This is evidence that UTech continues to offer a diversity of credentials from the institution. Additionally, its courses of study continue to be copied by competitors. As a market leader, UTech requires good management to ensure this position is maintained and further developed. The polytechnic model has many advantages and is still being used in some countries like Canada, it is the framework for the well regarded MIT which has developed its own unique structure and has charted its own success path. Jamaica’s educational system can well benefit from the experiences of other educational institutions like MIT and CalTech and create its own model without reverting, given the possible high costs.

UTech has longed realized that Jamaica's need for knowledge workers and critical thinkers will only be sufficiently met through the development of the national University. Jamaica’s only national University (University of Technology, Jamaica) has successfully demonstrated that it can deliver knowledge based degrees as well as the much needed technology based, technical graduate.

Colleagues, do not be disheartened, impatient or unsure, because we know our past. We know it will not be repeated if we continue to do our part and accept the guidance of God in our endeavours.

Joan Lawla (Mrs.)

President, UTASU