News

Members of the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP), including its Executive Committee and Board of Directors, convened in Montego Bay, Jamaica, from January 30 to February 2, 2014, for its final Semi-Annual Meeting of the 2011-2014 Triennium.  Hosted by Prof. the Hon. Errol Morrison, President of University of Technology (Jamaica) and Chair of the IAUP Caribbean Council, the meeting brought together academic leaders from around the world for discussion of issues of concern to higher education within the region and beyond.

Highlights of the meeting included:

• Keynote speech by Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, MP and Minister of Education of Jamaica
• Presentation of IAUP commendation to Sister Francesca Onley, President of Holy Family University (USA) for service to the IAUP/UN Commission on Disarmament Education, Conflict Resolution, and Peace
• Presentation of University of Technology Chancellor’s Medal to Mrs. Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce, renowned Olympian and UTech Alumnae
• Regional forum dedicated to higher education in Jamaica and the Caribbean, featuring Prof. Claude Packer, President, Mico University College, Dr. Winston Adams, President, University College of the Caribbean, Dr. Luz Longsworth, Director, University of the West Indies, Western Jamaica Campus, Dr. Trevor Gardener, President, Northern Caribbean University, Dr. David Hall, President of the University of the Virgin Islands,  and Dr. Don Betz, President of University of Central Oklahoma
• Matchmaking sessions for institutions seeking partnerships (followed by signing ceremonies)
• Cultural experiences, including Jamaican music, history, dance, cuisine, and eco-tourism

IAUP President Neal King and Secretary-General Jason Scorza reported on several key IAUP initiatives, among them the WISE Program on Education Leadership and IAUP sponsorship special international sessions the Annual Meeting of the American Council on Education (ACE).  IAUP President-elect Toyoshi Satow, Chancellor of J.F. Oberlin University, reported on developing plans for the 17th IAUP Triennial Meeting in Yokohama, Japan (June 11-14, 2014).

The IAUP Executive Committee took up the issue of membership dues and unanimously approved a proposal to offer IAUP membership on a sliding scale, offering presidents from lower and middle income countries (as defined by the World Bank) a reduced rate.  The Executive committee also endorsed a discount of one-third for members joining for a three-year period.  These proposals were subsequently approved by the IAUP Board of Directors for implementation during the 2014-17 Triennium.

IAUP Semi-Annual Meetings are organized to fill the gap between Triennial meetings.  All IAUP members are invited and encouraged to attend these gatherings of higher education chief executives, which afford unique opportunities for the development of international partnerships.  The Semi-Annual Meetings also include meetings of the IAUP Executive Committee, the IAUP Board of Directors, and various IAUP working groups.  The schedule of Semi-Annual Meetings for the 2014-17 Triennium will be announced at the Triennial Meeting in Yokoham, Japan.