SVGCC to introduce Associate Degrees

While admitting that there will be challenges to be faced with the programme’s introduction, Dean of the Division of Arts, Science and General Studies at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College Kelvin Malcolm believes that Associate Degree studies is the way to go for higher learning.{{more}}

As faculty members of the College attended a three-day workshop in course design and programme development for the soon to be implemented programme, Malcolm sees the transition from the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) CAPE and Cambridge A’Level studies to be the largest hurdle.

But according to Malcolm, the phasing in of the programme, in addition to meetings with parents of potential students, would make the transition smoother.

Associate Degrees, which are awarded upon completion of a course of study usually lasting two years, appear to be the programme of choice of a number of leading colleges in the Caribbean.

Malcolm indicated that many these colleges are either using the programme solely or with other courses of study, and it was just a matter of time before it was introduced here.

He noted that with an Associate Degree Programme, students receive a more rounded education.

He also noted that the programme works better with the semester systems being introduced in the region, and students can do a combination of courses with the Associate Degree programme.

Not knocking CXC CAPE or Cambridge A’Level, Malcolm said that these programmes have been tried and tested, but with the changing times, they have served their purpose.

The Associate Degree programme is expected to be phased in, beginning September 2009.