About the Centre:

The Department of Extra-Mural Studies was officially established in 1948, based on the recommendation of the Irvine Commission. Dr. Philip Sherlock, a member of the Irvine Commission and one of the founding fathers of the University College of the West Indies (now known as UWI), was largely responsible for setting up its Extra Mural Department, which he regarded as a fundamental supporting plank to the University.

The operations of the Extra-Mural Department were originally based on the Mona Campus in Kingston, and were expected to provide outreach for the entire island. Gloria Cumper, was appointed Resident Tutor for Jamaica in 1948, with the distinction of being Extra Mural’s first female Resident Tutor. About a decade later, in 1957 while Douglas Hall was Resident Tutor, the move was initiated by him to relocate the centre away from the Mona Campus in order to make the Resident Tutor more accessible to the general public. This resulted in the acquisition of the original building on Camp Road from the Jamaican Government in the late 1950’s. Jamaica Eastern was therefore the first outreach department of the region-wide UWI.

Although ‘Jamaica Eastern’ is the official name for the centre, its location has made ‘Camp Road’ the well-known moniker. ‘Camp Road’ is presently the only University Centre for Jamaica Eastern, serving the parishes of Kingston & St. Andrew, St. Thomas, Portland, St. Mary, St. Ann, Manchester, Clarendon and St. Catherine.

In 1970, the University's Extra-Mural programme in Jamaica was expanded by the appointment of a Resident Tutor in Montego Bay for Western Jamaica, and in 2002 this was further enhanced with relocation of operations to the restored heritage building, Harrison House located on the Cornwall College campus in Montego Bay.

In 1996, under the directorship of Professor Rex Nettleford, the Department’s name was officially changed to the School of Continuing Studies (SCS), to more accurately represent the ever-expanding vision of the University.

The original structure at Camp Road was a two-storey building which consisted of an administrative office and three classrooms. However the dramatic growth and development of Camp Road’s courses and programmes led to growing inadequacy of physical facilities. By 1987, an adjoining property was acquired which doubled the physical size of the Centre, extending from Camp Road in the east to Anderson Road in the west.

Through expansion and restructuring, Jamaica Eastern is now the second largest centre, exceeded only by the University Centre in Trinidad & Tobago. Camp Road is now equipped with twenty classrooms, a strong IT infrastructure with an Internet Café, and a Library/Reading Room. The Centre’s facilities also include a reception area, canteen, tutors’ lounge and parking facilities for its students and staff. 24-hour security is provided at the Centre.

The Camp Road Centre has developed a wide range of innovative programmes and courses, offered from Certificate to Associate Degree levels, which enhance the educational and professional development of its students. At present, the Centre offers more than 50 programmes and courses each year, with several of its one year courses being accredited by the UWI.

The popularity of its programmes has enabled thousands of persons to upgrade their education and expand their horizons in keeping with the University’s commitment to lifelong learning. This Centre is dedicated to the continued development of educational opportunities that will enhance the skills and knowledge of the region.

On 1st August 2008, the School of Continuing Studies will merge with other outreach departments of the UWI to become the Open Campus of the University of the West Indies.

Open Campus Jamaica Eastern

2A Camp Road, Kingston 4

Kingston , Jamaica

Phone: 876-926-2246 / 7

Fax: 876-920-1622

e-mail: jamaica.eastern@open.uwi.edu

Office Hours:

Mondays- Thursdays 8:30am – 6:00pm

Fridays 8:30am – 4:30pm