Government of Jamaica

Registration Process

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Interim
Permit

Grant to Operate

During the assessment of the application for institutional registration, the Commission may grant the institution a permit to operate pending the determination of the application.

Invalidation Conditions

A permit shall cease to be valid:

  • Upon the breach of a condition imposed upon the grant of the permit.
  • Where a notice of refusal of registration is delivered to the applicant.
  • Upon the delivery to the applicant of a certificate of registration.

Registration
Criteria

Governance & Registration

Sound corporate and academic governance for the category of education operations.

Financial Viability

Financial resources, support and management capacity to sustain operations.

Academic Integrity

Programs that ensure the academic quality and integrity are maintained.

Human Resources

Ensuring faculty and staff are well managed and human resources are appropriate to fulfill the mission.

Student Support

Documented plan for student services, providing information, support, and equitable treatment.

Health & Safety

Procedures catering to the health, security, and safety of all students, including those with special needs.

Physical Resources

Well-maintained physical and electronic infrastructure sufficient to enable objectives.

Risk Management

Qualified staff and policies to effectively address risk management and assessment.

Philosophy & Strategy

Clear philosophy guiding education and research, consistent with industry strategy.

Non-Discrimination

The institution’s policies should not discriminate based on disability, age, gender, political affiliation, social class, religion, or any other characteristics protected by the Jamaican Constitution in the administration of its procedures, infrastructure, and scholarship programmes.

Approval of Registration

The Commission shall approve an application if satisfied that:
  • Registered with the Office of the Registrar of Companies.
  • Applicant is in good standing as a company.
  • Facilities are suitable for the level of registration sought.
  • Financially capable of satisfying obligations to students.
  • Academic staff is sufficiently qualified.

Refusal of Registration

Process and strict implications of application refusal:
  • Refused if not satisfied with compliance of Tertiary Education Standards.
  • Applicant must cease operation within 90 days of receiving notice.
  • Commission shall notify applicant in writing with explicit reasons.
  • The applicant maintains the formal right to appeal the decision.

Institutional
Inspectors

The role of the inspector in the registration process is essential. JTEC’s inspectors are respected and acknowledged based on their contributions to education in general and to the peer review process. Inspectors are recognized for their commitment and alacrity to give back to Jamaica’s tertiary education system by serving on assessment teams and reviewing institutions without bias or prejudice, according to established JTEC standards.

In addition to institutional monitoring, full team visits will include program specialists and inspectors with expertise in student relations (SR), educational activities (EA), finance, security, occupational health and safety (OSH), and risk assessment and management. The number of inspectors will be dependent on the size of the institution, the level of registration being sought, and the number of academic programs.

Selection Criteria

Selectees are asked to complete a bio sketch giving basic biographic data (i.e., career specialisation, educational experience and/or qualification, current membership in civic, professional, or service clubs) and a two-page CV including their expectations of the JTEC evaluation and assessment process. This information is then matched with the relevant category of tertiary institutions. Inspectors who meet the following criteria qualify for selection:

  • Accomplished senior and middle management professionals from tertiary and non-tertiary communities.
  • Ages 22 – 75 years.
  • Must have experience in at least two areas of operation including instruction, admissions, financial aid, placement, and administration etc.
  • Must be willing to spend four to five hours over a minimum of two days for evaluation/assessment system processes and complete required reports.
  • Must have excellent investigative, research, and reporting skills.
  • Must be confidential and adhere to the Official Secrets Act.
  • Must have good interpersonal skills and be willing to work with a team.
  • Must be sensitive to stakeholders’ unarticulated wishes and concerns and use their own objective criteria.
  • Must be knowledgeable about the Jamaica Constitution, JTEC Act and Tertiary Education Standards, Education Act, Financial Administrative Audit Act (FAAA),
  • Must not have a criminal record (submission of a police record mandatory).
  • Must be available for Institutional Inspector meetings and feedback sessions.
  • Must establish a formal schedule with JTEC
  • Must agree on a work schedule and similar activities
  • Must adhere to ethical standards and have good work ethics