UCJ to Host 21st Quality Assurance in Higher Education Week, March 9-13

The University Council of Jamaica (UCJ) will host its 21st annual observance of Quality Assurance in Higher Education Week from March 9 to 13, under the theme ‘From Shock to Stability: Sustaining Higher Education Quality Through Crisis and Beyond’.

UCJ’s Director of Public Relations and Communications, Najae Murray, told JIS News that this year’s observance seeks to highlight the Council’s role as a catalyst for dialogue on pressing issues affecting higher education institutions, particularly in the wake of recent climate events such as Hurricane Melissa.

“The theme reflects the reality that disruption is now a constant, and institutions must be prepared to respond to climate change, digital transformation, and economic pressures while maintaining standards of quality,” he stated.

Mr. Murray emphasised that achieving stability in higher education depends on strong governance, well-defined policies, and student-centred systems.

“Quality is what protects trust when systems are under strain. This year’s theme speaks to resilience, governance, and protecting students through strong quality systems,” he said.

The Week’s activities will include an online forum on March 10, featuring insights from both local and international experts.

The keynote address will be delivered by Professor of International Education at the Institute of Education, University College London (UCL), United Kingdom, Tristan McCowan, who will speak on the theme ‘Sustaining Higher Education Quality Through Crisis’.

Additionally, Assessment Specialists at the University of Cambridge, Heidi Green and Megan Rees, will present on ‘When Integrity is Tested: Understanding Security in the Assessment Lifecycle’.

The day will conclude with an online awards ceremony recognising institutions that have successfully achieved accreditation status.

On March 12, the UCJ will host a youth-focused engagement activity at the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC), located at 17 Worthington Avenue, Kingston.

Student leaders from across the country will have the opportunity to share their experiences on how crises such as hurricanes impact learning and well-being, while also discussing their perspectives on resilience within higher education.

The session will also include a climate round-up presented by Environmental and Policy Specialist at Environmental Services Limited, Jamaica, Leneka Scott.

The week will conclude on March 13 with a virtual Quality Clinic, providing institutions the opportunity to engage directly with UCJ accreditation officers on standards and best practices for programme recognition.

The clinic is designed for higher education institutions seeking to have their programmes accredited.

Mr. Murray stated that Quality Assurance Week 2026 is intended to foster dialogue, reflection, and resilience across Jamaica’s higher education sector.

He emphasised that quality assurance is most severely tested during times of crisis, and reaffirmed UCJ’s commitment to strengthening the foundation of trust in higher education.

Members of the public, students, and institutions are encouraged to participate in the Week’s activities.

For further information, please contact the UCJ at 876-618-4267, email info@ucj.org.jm, or visit the University Council of Jamaica’s official Facebook and Instagram pages.