1. What will the amalgamated institution be called?

Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies.

2. Tell me about Campuses and Programmes

There will be three campuses in the first phase of the Amalgamation:

(a) Dr. Alister Francis Campus – School of Education, Art, Science and Industry. It will be located in Golden Grove in what was formerly called Antigua State College (ASC).

• Department of Research, Education and Professional Development
• Department of Industrial Technology
• Department of Liberal Arts
• Department of Fine Arts and Creative Studies
• Department of Science and Health Services

(b) Eustace Hill Campus – School of Business, Innovation and Information Technology. It will be located in Coolidge in what was formerly called Antigua and Barbuda International Institute of Technology (ABIIT)

• Department of Business
• Department of Innovation and Information Technology

(c) Muriel O’Marde Campus – School of Tourism and Hospitality Services. It will be located in Dutchman Bay in what was formerly called Antigua and Barbuda Hotel Training Institute (ABHTI).

• Culinary Arts
• Hospitality Management
• Food & Beverage
• Tourism Management
• Basic Cookery
• Front Office
• Restaurant Operations

(d) The Harrison Centre – School of Continuing Education (HCABSCE) will join the amalgamation in a subsequent phase.

1. Will my current programme or course of study be disrupted as a student?

No. All current programmes will continue as planned. Where programme enhancements are introduced, students will be guided through any updates without academic disadvantage. Any changes to course outlines will apply only to new students. Second year students will continue with their already established programmes. The continuity of student progress is a top priority.

2. Will tuition fees change under the new institution?

There are no immediate plans to significantly change tuition fees. However, some fees have been reduced. There will be some adjustment in fees for Caricom and International Students and to account for insurance of all students. Those adjustments will be made transparently and with consideration for accessibility and affordability. Students will be informed well in advance of any proposed changes.

3. What will happen to my academic records and transcripts?

All academic records and transcripts will be preserved and remain valid. The institution is implementing a secure, integrated records management system to ensure seamless access to student academic histories.

4. Will student support services be maintained or improved?

Yes. The amalgamation presents an opportunity to enhance student support services. Key areas such as counseling, academic advising, and transparent scholarship applications will be strengthened to provide more comprehensive and accessible support.

5. Will students have representation in the governance of the new institution?

Yes. Student representation will be integrated into the governance framework through structured mechanisms such as student councils and seats on institutional committees. This ensures that the student voice continues to inform policy, programme development, and the overall student experience.

6. Will employees lose their jobs or benefits as a result of the amalgamation?

No. The amalgamation process is being carefully managed to ensure that job security is preserved. All existing benefits, including pensions, leave entitlements, and service recognition, will remain intact. Where there are excess administrative staff lateral transfer may occur within the government service.

7. Will there be changes to reporting lines, job titles, or work locations for staff and faculty?

In some cases, there may be adjustments to align with the new institutional structure. However, these changes will be communicated clearly, implemented gradually, and carried out in consultation with affected staff.

8. How will professional development be supported during and after the transition?

Professional development is a key pillar of the amalgamation. Targeted training, workshops, and capacity-building sessions will be offered to support the transition.

9. What role will current staff play in shaping the new institutional structure?

Staff input is vital. There are multiple avenues for staff to contribute to the planning and development process, including working groups, consultations, and feedback mechanisms. The goal is to build an inclusive institutional model that reflects the collective expertise and vision of its workforce. We welcome staff to contact us through your Campus Heads for clarity on any issue.

10. How will performance evaluations be handled in the new structure?

The performance evaluation framework will be revised to reflect the goals and values of the amalgamated institution. The system will be fair, transparent, and development-focused, designed to support continuous improvement, recognize excellence, and guide professional growth.

11. How will the amalgamation lead to improved resource use and efficiency?

By integrating systems, programmes, and administrative functions, the amalgamation will reduce duplication.

12. Will campuses be consolidated or closed?

At this stage, there are no plans to close campuses. However, there may be some merger of programmes. The amalgamation is focused on strengthening existing campuses and ensuring that each plays a strategic role in the overall delivery of tertiary education across the country.

13. What steps are being taken to ensure smooth operational integration across campuses?

A phased implementation plan is in place to guide the integration. All Heads of Campuses and Deputy Heads are part of a supervisory committee responsible for the operationalization of the amalgamation. A Governance Committee was also set up to provide structure and guidance to this process.

14. Will new academic programmes be introduced as a result of the merger?

Yes. The curriculum review process is designed to identify gaps and opportunities.

15. How will the new institution be governed and managed?

The institution will be governed by a Board of Directors, with day-to-day operations led by a President. Supporting the President will be key administrative officers including a Vice President, Bursar, Registrar, and Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Information Technology. The current Heads of Campuses will be maintained, and all other existing structures within the individual institutions will be preserved where appropriate to ensure continuity and stability during the transition.

16. How will employers and industry partners be engaged in the transition?

Employers and industry stakeholders are key partners. Their input is being sought. We have engaged stakeholders in the research and development process and will continue to engage them appropriately. We invite stakeholder input.

17. What mechanisms are in place to ensure transparency and accountability?

A comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework is being implemented to track progress and outcomes. In addition to sub-committee, a Governance Committee has been implemented to oversee the work of the amalgamation and to ensure accountability and improve transparency. The Governance Committee includes representatives from Legal Affairs, Labour Department, Stalwart Educators, Higher education, Heads of Campuses and other stakeholder partners. Regular updates, published reports, and open forums are part of the strategy to keep stakeholders informed and engaged throughout the process.

18. Will there be continued alignment with regional bodies such as CXC or UWI for articulation and credit transfers?

Yes. The amalgamated institution will continue to collaborate with regional education bodies to maintain articulation agreements and ensure that students can seamlessly transfer credits and pursue further studies.

19. How will the amalgamated institution contribute to national development priorities?

The new institution will be a key driver of national development through workforce preparation, skills development, innovation, and community engagement. Programmes and research initiatives will be aligned with national goals to ensure relevance and impact.

20. What will happen to the identity and culture of existing institutions?

The unique identities and cultures of each institution will be respected and acknowledged. The goal is to build on the strengths and legacies of all institutions, fostering a new, shared institutional identity that reflects the collective values, traditions, and aspirations of the merged entities.

21. Will the quality of programmes and accreditation be affected?

No. Maintaining and enhancing academic quality is a top priority.

22. Can the Government successfully achieve this amalgamation?

Yes. The Government has established a clear governance framework, including the appointment of a dedicated Governance Committee, to oversee the transition. This process is guided by strategic planning, stakeholder consultation, and technical expertise to ensure a smooth and effective amalgamation. Regular updates and monitoring mechanisms are in place to track progress and address challenges proactively.

23. How will the process ensure equity and fairness among all institutions?

Equity is a guiding principle in this transition. Each institution’s contributions, needs, and strengths are being considered. The process is being undertaken transparently and inclusively, with input from stakeholders to ensure fairness in resource allocation, representation, and opportunities across all campuses.

24. What are the potential benefits of this amalgamation for students and staff?

This transformation presents a unique opportunity to strengthen tertiary education in Antigua and Barbuda. It allows for expanded academic offerings, improved access to services, increased professional development opportunities for staff, and a more dynamic, student-centered learning environment. The amalgamation is not only a structural change but a catalyst for educational excellence and innovation, with systems such as a curriculum review and a central examinations office laying the foundation for long-term academic quality and institutional sustainability.

25. How will students and other stakeholders be engaged during the amalgamation?

Stakeholder engagement is central to the success of the amalgamation. Regular consultations, feedback sessions, and updates are being held to ensure that students, staff, and community members have a voice in the process. Student representation will also be included in relevant advisory and planning committees to ensure their perspectives are reflected in decision-making.

26. How will research, innovation, and community engagement be affected?

The amalgamation will provide a stronger platform for research and innovation through shared resources, interdisciplinary collaboration, and dedicated research support. Community engagement will be expanded through outreach initiatives and partnerships that leverage the combined strengths of all campuses.