Programme articulation is an important mechanism for promoting inter-institutional collaboration on a voluntary basis. Articulation can usually be defined as the smooth transition (transfer) of students from one level of education to the next (known as vertical articulation) or from one programme of studies to another - at the same level (horizontal articulation).

The overall aim of programme articulation is to offer students the opportunity to advance in a logical and progressive fashion through the tertiary education system without unnecessary duplication of their efforts.

When an institution indicates an interest in having one of its programmes assessed by University of the West Indies (UWI) for the award to its graduates of matriculation status or advanced placement in UWI Bachelor's degree programmes, there are an established set of procedures that must be followed.

The Process
 

Step 1	The institution contacts TLIU declaring its intent.
Step 2	The institution conducts a self study of its course/programme which is sent on to TLIU.
Step 3	A UWI team - from the relevant faculty (or faculties) - is identified to assess the course/programme information and, if necessary, to conduct an on-site visit of the institution to assess its resources.
Step 4	TLIU then prepares a report based on the team's comments, recommendation and findings which is submitted to the Board for Non-Campus Countries & Distance Education (BNCC & DE) in consultation with BUS for approval.
Step 5	TLIU notifies the institution of the decision reached regarding the nature of the articulation arrangement being pursued and a formal Articulation Agreement is signed.

Objectives

Recognising that in all articulation arrangements the academic integrity of the institutions involved must be protected and the autonomy of the institutions concerned must be preserved, TLIU in collaboration with UWI Faculty staff and regional TLIs have developed a Procedures Manual which clearly outlines the procedures to be followed and the understandings that should be agreed upon in order to ensure that the overall relationship is one of partnership with developmental intent.

Contact TLIU for a copy of the ' A Procedures Manual - Collaboration between UWI and other Regional Tertiary Level Institutions (TLIs): Articulation, Franchising & Divestment'