After 31 years of serving in tertiary education, the Catholic College of Mandeville (CCM) has finally closed operations. Its graduation ceremony in September was its last.
As reported by Jamaica’s Catholic Opinion, the Diocese of Mandeville, which oversees the College, the decision to close was made “after various efforts to sustain the institution”, citing “the financial burden that the diocese could no longer maintain.”
It said arrangements for students to either complete their degrees or be placed elsewhere were conducted in conformity with guidelines of the University Council of Jamaica. Arrangements have also been made for transcripts to be managed by St Michael’s College.
Over the years, the College produced graduates with degrees in Education in Early Childhood and in Primary Education. Since 2008, the College collaborated with St Mary’s University to offer a Master’s in Education in Teaching and Learning. St Mary’s will provide transcripts for those students. In recent years, from 2020, CCM also offered Sixth Form Alternative Pathways programmes.
The Board of the College has expressed its appreciation to the staff for their commitment to the institution over the years, especially during the closing down period. Appreciation was also expressed to Bishop John Persaud and the Diocese of Mandeville for support under difficult circumstances.