The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands has approved for a student and faculty representative to sit on the Board of Governors of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.
Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley who is responsible for appointments on the Board, signed the Order to give effect to the Cabinet’s decision.
Dr. the Honourable Wheatley stated that the appointment is in keeping with the concept of shared governance where key stakeholders are a part of the decision making process.
The minister said, “Students’ perspectives are critical and their voices matter, particularly, because the main population that the institution serves are these young bright minds we expect to lead our society in the future. Engaging them directly will enhance the college’s ability to serve the student body.”
Honourable Wheatley added that it is for this same reason that a faculty member is a part of the board. “Faculty is another key stakeholder. They are the ones who are delivering services directly to students. Their input is invaluable in the process of decision making at HLSCC.” he said.
An amendment has been made to the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College Act, 1990 to include a student representative and a faculty representative to be among the members of the board.
Section 1a of the First Schedule of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College Act, 1990 now states, “In appointing members under paragraph (1), the Minister shall ensure that there is a Faculty Representative and a Student Representative among members of the Board.”
The members of the Hamilton Lavity Stoutt Community College’s (HLSCC) Board of Governors set policy and serve as the institution’s final authority responsible for efficient and effective use of resources.