The following is the edited version of a presentation made at the University of Technology Jamaica by Professor Stephen Vasciannie on the occasion of his introduction to members of staff at the university. Professor Vasciannie was introduced by Pro-Chancellor Richard Powell.

“… I am aware of some of the varied issues and concerns of internal and external stakeholders, and these have been raised in some of the meetings that I have had to date. In this context, please rest assured that I will be pursuing your concerns aggressively with the hope of providing solutions in the shortest possible time.

It is my intention to maintain very open channels of communication during this transitional phase and beyond to ensure that all stakeholders are kept abreast, and that we are all working in unison for the good name, reputation and advancement of UTech, Jamaica.

“The Vision Question”

Since my arrival at the University of Technology, several persons, both within and without the institution, have asked me about my vision for UTech. This is understandable, for without vision, we could embrace the fate of aimless movement.

So, I take the view that the “vision question” carries concerns about the standing of the university. In some instances, the vision question also carries personal concerns: many of you may well want to know how you fit within the broad approach which I intend to take in my stewardship of UTech. So vision is important.

In this regard, it is prudent for me to continue consultations with the various stakeholders of the UTech community with a view to ascertaining your perspectives. I will seek to find out your own vision for the institution: Where are we now (in your view)? Where should we seek to go? And, what are some of the constraints that limit the great potential that UTech has in serving Jamaican society and the wider Caribbean?

Inclusive institution

My desire to listen to you is linked to a part of my vision. Specifically, I believe that UTech must strive to be an inclusive institution where attention is paid to the views of the different stakeholders. It may be that your individual view does not prevail on a particular issue, but I want you to leave deliberations and exchanges accepting that you have been heard.

I should also note in this regard that transparency, fairness, justice and integrity are important components of my vision for UTech. For the avoidance of doubt, I am not suggesting that these elements are absent from UTech today; I am simply saying what I intend is to carry these elements with me in my work at this institution, which I know is truly loved by many of you.

External components

Openness to consultation, willingness to listen, transparency, fairness, justice and integrity — these are internal elements of our work together. But what about the external components? What should be our vision for UTech? Again, I will await further discussions before putting forward a detailed statement on various matters.

Nonetheless, there are some elements that may be mentioned at this stage — and again, I am not saying that these elements are not already in place. Also, this list is just a starting point which is not intended to be comprehensive. Among other things:

Student-friendly environment

UTech must ensure that it provides a student-friendly environment. Even though we are faced with economic constraints, our students must know that we are working to ensure that they fulfil their intellectual potential in keeping with international standards of teaching and learning. This emphasis on the place of the student must be based on the fact that students are not an afterthought to the work of UTech — they constitute the raison d’etre of the institution.

Research and scholarship

Universities live and die on the basis of the creation and dissemination of knowledge. With this in mind, UTech must never rest on its laurels. Lecturers must always place themselves in a position to undertake independent research and keep up with the latest developments in their respective fields. I will work with you to ensure that this happens as a matter of emphasis.

For the moment, I should mention that I have in mind the introduction of a journal which will feature work by UTech lecturers. I am aware that some of you publish in various journals and that there is an annual publication of UTech scholarship. This is positive; the journal I have in mind would come out, possibly, on a bimonthly basis, and would highlight aspects of the work of UTech in the context of Jamaican society — more anon.

As a separate matter, I have also asked AVP (Assistant Vice-President) Wheeler to work towards having the UTech newsletter published in hard copy form so that it may be accessible as a more permanent record of developments at the institution.

As part of the drive to promote student interests and learning, my vision includes the introduction of a competitive scholarship examination on a faculty by faculty basis. The top student in each faculty would have his or her fees paid and would receive other financial support. This should be the highest merit-based award from the university.

University focus

Another important vision question concerns points of emphasis in UTech’s work. Some people say that UTech must focus on technology and scientific matters and leave other subjects to other places. There are two issues here: to start, what should be our focus? Yes, our focus should reflect the name of the institution — that may go without saying.

But, just as importantly, our focus on technology and scientific matters need not prompt us to ignore other issues. Some of UTech’s offerings, for example, in business-related studies, are of a high quality and have been in place for years. They proceed on the basis that scientific and technological developments need to take place within a commercial context.

They also proceed on the basis that business and commercial activities are of profound significance to Caribbean societies. UTech must remain in such areas, no doubt.

UTech should also maintain its commitment to teaching and research in the humanities, law, and other areas which are not purely scientific. UTech must be a leader in all areas of study pursued by the institution — and we must work to ensure that this is unquestionably so.

There is no case for any one institution having a monopoly, by right, over any area of study in a Jamaica committed to competition, increased opportunities, and enhanced enrolment for students.

Funding

I should make two final points. We will need, first of all, funding to meet our objectives. And so, in light of well-known financial constraints at the central government level, we need to work even more assiduously to promote alternative sources of funding.

We need to promote greater linkages both at home and abroad with the private sector. Our work, however, must be guided by principle and good governance practices and, as I have said before, transparency.

Reconciliation

Secondly, I suggest that we work calmly and carefully to heal the breaches that may exist within our community. Reconciliation does not require us to abandon our principles and values. But it requires us to listen to each other.

If we are committed to the advancement of UTech, and I know we are, then we must work towards solving the thorny staff problems that threaten to consume our energy and efforts. That does not mean, though, that we must compromise on any of our shared principles.

UTech has made valuable, practical contributions to the lives of thousands of Jamaicans. We must redouble our efforts to continue our major contribution to national development, to serve our students, to enhance research and innovation for development, and to improve social understanding as Jamaica seeks to move from the Third World to the first.”

Stephen Vasciannie is President of the University of Technology.