About UOP
The University Office of Planning (UOP) is part of the Vice-Chancellery which is the Regional Headquarters of The University of the West Indies (UWI) and is one of many administrative units which assist the Vice Chancellor in administering the affairs of the University. It is headed by Pro Vice Chancellor (PVC) Academic, Industry Partnerships and Planning, Professor Densil A Williams, who reports directly to the Vice Chancellor.
The UOP has four key portfolios, namely: strategic planning, institutional research, industry engagement and project management. Its offices are located on the three main campuses: Mona, Jamaica; Cave Hill, Barbados; and St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. It has overall responsibility for coordinating the preparation, implementation, monitoring and assessment of the University’s Strategic Plan. It also coordinates efficiency studies and prepares productivity reports to inform operational and strategic planning efforts.
In relation to its institutional research function, the UOP develops, maintains and disseminate strategic information on current undergraduate and postgraduate students, graduates, peer institutions and employers; provides timely and accurate information for planning, internal decision-making and external accountability; and supports the strategic development, analysis and evaluation of policies and plans for the University.
In 2016, the office expanded to include the Economic Engagement and Industry Partnerships Unit which will be primarily concerned with working with the wider university community, to facilitate greater academic/ industry partnerships, in order to improve its alignment with industry. This office is primarily involved in organizing consultations, developing conceptual frameworks and policy documents to guide academic/industry partnerships.
The University Project Management Office (UPMO), located in Jamaica is responsible for researching, preparing, developing and managing projects in accordance with the strategic priorities outlined in the strategic plan. Additionally, it provides project management support in the areas relative to institutional development, academic programme development and infrastructural development. It also provides guidance and support in the areas of technical support and secures external grants that are in alignment with the University’s strategic aims.
The Projects Office administers mechanisms and associated procedures as follows:
- Develop proposals for funding
- Review and produce as applicable, modified version(s) of project proposals developed by other units
- Perform project monitoring and evaluation activities that can lead to accountability and project/programme improvement
- Facilitate skills development workshops.
