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HISTORY
The University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) dates its beginning from 1958,
originally as the Jamaica Institute of Technology. In 1959 the name of the insti-
tution was changed to the College of Arts, Science and Technology and became
incorporated in the College of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST) Scheme
of 1959. This was validated by an ACT of Parliament in 1964. In 1986, the
CAST Scheme was revised in order to make the College a degree-granting insti-
tution, and the College became legally empowered to conduct affairs under a
governing Council and Academic Board.
The institution was formally accorded University status on September 1, 1995
as the University of Technology, Jamaica. The University of Technology,
Jamaica Act 27-1999, which makes permanent provisions for the establishment
of the University of Technology, Jamaica was approved by Parliament on June
8, 1999 and signed into law by the Governor General on June 19, 1999.
The history of the institution is intimately connected with the social and eco-
nomic development of Jamaica. From just over 50 students and four pro-
grammes in 1958, UTech has grown to become Jamaica’s premier national
institution with a student population of over 14,000. It now offers more than
100 programmes at the certificate, diploma and degree levels through its three
colleges and five faculties. The University has further expanded access to its
SCHOOL OF GR ADUA T E S TUD I E S R E S E A RCH AND ENT R E P R ENE UR SH I P
1
Introduction to The
University of Technology,
Jamaica