Numbers up at UCCI

(CNS): University College of the Cayman Islands reports a noted increase in the degree programme registrations, with over 750 students in the Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 semesters enrolled in the Associate degree programmes – 15% up from the previous academic year – and more than 100 students now doing Bachelor level classes, representing a 34% increase from the Fall 2007 semester. The success of the Masters in Human Resource Management (MHRM), introduced in 2008, has generated a flurry of interest in graduate degrees and certificates offered through the Executive Training Centre.

Acting President Dr Brian Chapell (above) said, “I am pleased to see that UCCI continues to grow from strength to strength. Students in the Cayman Islands understand more and more that a University education is crucial to success in today’s environment. UCCI is involved with ongoing assessment of programmes that are designed to meet the demands of industries on the island. This approach ensures that our programmes are always of the highest standard and maintain the relevance necessary for success in the competitive marketplace.”

According to UCCI, the increase in enrolment indicates that students and the community in general are increasingly aware of the importance of tertiary education and the qualifications that will prepare them for the local and global marketplace, and new and innovative programmes strengthened by multinational partnerships are continually being developed in response to the rapidly changing global demands.

In the full time certificate programmes, the refocused attention to student retention has paid early dividends, a release from the college states. The revised admission process, which includes a personal interview process that helps the student to understand expectations, has allowed administrators to better match students with their strengths and interests. The start of the Spring semester has shown a marked decrease in the attrition rates for the certificate programmes and should lead to higher numbers of successful graduates.

With six different certificate programmes, including the successful Tourism Apprenticeship Training Programme (TATP), students have opportunities in a variety of areas to suit their interests. Now in its second year, the TATP has three sub-specialties in various disciplines within the Hospitality industry. With sponsorship and support from the Department of Tourism, this programme continues to gain strength and popularity as it puts qualified Caymanians into the tourism industry. All of the certificate programmes retain their focus of “hands-on” training by qualified practitioners in the respective industries.

The university claims it has a highly qualified array of faculty and staff, whose combined qualifications include, 14 PhDs and over 30 Masters degrees, as well as a many professional qualifications and designations, including CPA, professional engineering, Microsoft certifications, teacher qualifications and graduate diplomas and certificates. In addition to maintaining a highly qualified faculty, UCCI says it also provides an outstanding student services team, facilitating practical work experience and mentoring opportunities for students, among a variety of other services. Modern library and computing facilities also contribute to the learning environment, giving UCCI’s students access to a wealth of knowledge at their fingertips.