Challenges to the sustainability of the university of the West Indies

Small states face unprecedented challenges in what is now an even more globalized and interconnected world (Bray et al. 2011). Over the last decade and a half, there has been an increasing amount of research devoted to small states and, in particular, tertiary education in small states. The focus in tertiary education has been on the physical, sociological and political characteristics of these countries that create similarities across the tertiary education systems despite their lack of physical proximity; the ways in which these education systems have been supporting the human resource and developmental demands of small states; the ways in which the systems have been organizing to treat issues of globalization and vulnerability brought on by economic shocks or natural disasters; and, how tertiary education systems in small states can be strengthened through the establishment of robust national frameworks, quality systems and regional or international partnerships. The University of the West Indies (UWI) is one of only two regional multi-country universities in the world. \u27Owned\u27 by sixteen small English-speaking Caribbean countries, it remains, after sixty-five years of existence, a very important part of the West Indian tertiary education sector. The financial and developmental realities that face each contributing country, coupled with the longstanding debate between nationalism and regionalism that occurs within the university itself, has led to many discussions surrounding institutional sustainability. Continued state financing, balancing campus and university wide governance, as well as balancing regional and national tensions, governmental relations and policy, all need to be holistically addressed within the context of the current university structure (Tewarie 2011c).These factors all relate to the sustainability of UWI and have existed in some form and to some degree for as long as the University\u27s existence. This research examined: What are the current challenges to the sustainability of the university as identified by senior internal and external leaders? What can be done to overcome the challenges and ensure the sustainability of UWI? A case study approach was utilised. From the study the following challenges to the sustainability of UWI were identified, namely: the current funding model; maintaining regionalism; the governance structure; leadership and accountability; relevance; political and governmental relationships; public perceptions and managing the effects of being part of a small state