UCC achieves full teaching status under university council and JTEC

The University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) has been formally recognised as a full teaching university by both the University Council of Jamaica and previously the Jamaica Tertiary Education Commission (JTEC).

The UCC said this acknowledgment positions UCC as one of only four universities in Jamaica to be recognised by the university council and JTEC, and therefore the Government of Jamaica, marking a significant milestone in its short 20-year history and in the development of higher education in Jamaica and globally.

As the largest and fastest-growing non-affiliated private university in Jamaica, UCC said it has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to educational excellence and innovation.

“This recognition is a testament to the quality of its programmes and the effectiveness of its internal quality assurance mechanisms, which ensure the highest standards of education for its approximately 7,000 students and 400 faculty and staff members,” UCC said.

Created countless opportunities

Professor Colin Gyles, president of UCC, said, “We have broken many barriers and have created countless opportunities through diversification and modern innovative approaches to education. I am pleased with the work our faculty and staff have done to make this a success and look forward to even greater achievements as we excel.”

Dr Winston Adams, group executive chairman and founder of UCC, shared that “receiving the full recognition from both the university council and JTEC signifies our commitment to maintaining meticulous standards.”

He added that this achievement also reflects on UCC’s efforts to continuously enhance the quality of their offerings and their overall impact on Jamaica and beyond.

The university has five campuses in Jamaica and a comprehensive online platform. In 2017 it received international accreditation from the United Kingdom-based Accreditation Service for International Colleges and Universities, as the first university in the Caribbean to have achieved such status, affirming its global competitiveness.

The UCC noted that both the university council and JTEC are known for their rigorous quality assurance and credential assessment processes, which is committed to establishing and maintaining world-class standards in higher education.

“They have been integral in guiding UCC along its path of continuous improvement. Their recognition enables the university to continue contributing to national development through high-quality, accessible, and relevant educational opportunities,” UCC said.