logo
UNIVERSITY COLLEGECAYMAN ISLANDS
backgroundImage

Governance & Leadership

The governance framework at the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) ensures that the institution is effectively managed and aligns with its mission and strategic goals.

University Governance

The University College Law establishes a bicameral governance structure, separating fiscal and academic responsibilities between the Board of Governors and the Administrative and Academic Committee, each with distinct powers and supporting sub-committees.

This dual structure fosters self-governance by incorporating input from internal and external stakeholders, enhancing transparency and inclusivity. The Board of Governors may request the Administrative and Academic Committee to submit decisions for approval when roles overlap.

University College Law
Media

Roles and Responsibilities

Stewardship and Strategic Oversight

  • Members of the Board and Committees serve as stewards of UCCI, committed to advancing the institution’s mission and vision while maintaining its autonomy and reputation. They provide oversight that focuses on strategic objectives rather than day-to-day management.

Approval, Oversight, and Advisory Functions

  • Approval: Governance bodies authorize policies, strategic plans, and significant projects based on the terms of reference outlined for each committee
  • Oversight: Through detailed reporting and analysis, governance monitors UCCI’s leadership and decision-making processes to ensure quality and effectiveness
  • Advisory Role: Governance provides input on initiatives during development, ensuring alignment with institutional goals

Management and Accountability

Leadership and Executive Management

While governance plays a critical oversight role, the operational leadership rests with the President, serving as the chief executive officer. The President, alongside the President’s Cabinet, is tasked with shaping UCCI’s strategic direction, developing policy proposals, and implementing approved strategies. This collaborative approach ensures that governance remains focused on strategic guidance, while the President and senior management execute the day-to-day administration.

A Commitment to Oversight

UCCI’s governance framework emphasizes collective and individual responsibility, requiring members to act in the College’s best interest and defend its independence. This model strengthens the institution’s public image and ensures it remains responsive to both current and future educational challenges.

Management and Accountability

University Governance

  • Board of Governors
  • Administrative & Academic
  • Audit and Finance

Board of Governors

The Board of Governors which meets about four times each year has the power to control and exercise general supervision of the affairs, functions, purposes, policy and property of the College.

The Board’s responsibilities are conducted through a set of committees with clear accountability and delegated authority for advice, oversight or approval. The Board determines those matters it requires the Administrative and Academic Committee to also submit for approval by the Board where those matters cut across the distinctive roles of the two bodies.

Matters requiring Board approval include the following matters

  • Mission statement
  • Strategic plan
  • academic planning frameworks including enrollment frameworks
  • long-term budget strategy
  • annual operating budget
  • capital plans and capital projects over CI$50,000
  • academic priorities for fundraising
  • approval of the Ownership Agreement and Purchase Agreement
  • between the Government and the College
  • establishment, disestablishment or restructuring or renaming of academic units
  • approval of annual reports to the Minister on the work of the College, including the report of key performance indicators compared with targets contained in the Ownership Agreement
  • approval of the annual audited financial statements
  • approval of the report to Minister and the Minister of Finance on the financial activities of the College
  • subject to the approval of the Minister, approval of a policy on tuition fees and compulsory academic incidental fees
  • approval of annual fee schedule
  • approval of a policy on student financial aid, bursaries and scholarships

The Board’s Terms of Reference set out further details.
See detail of the Board’s legal responsibilities.

The Board membership consists of the President, who shall be a member ex-officio, and the following other members each appointed generally for three years by the Governor.

Mr. Gilbert A McLean, JP*, Chairman
Mr. Jared Awe*, Deputy Chairman
Mr. Jerome McCoy, Non-Voting Member
Dr. Gayle Woods*, Member
Mrs. Nichelle Scott*, Member
Mr. Carson Ebanks, MBE, JP, OLY*, Member
Mr. Jaron Leslie*, Member
Ms. Shan Whittaker*, Member
Mr. Vinton Chinsee, Non-Voting Member
Dr. A. Steve McField, Member
Dr. Livingston Smith, Acting President, Ex-Officio, Non-Voting Member
Ms. Wendy Lauer, Recording Secretary
Office: 743-0602

* Voting members pursuant to Sections 9.(6)(c) and 24.(b) of The Public Authorities Act (2020 Revision)