The Bermuda College wants more autonomy when it comes to tuition rates and annual funding from Government to maintain its 20-year-old campus.

Dr Duranda Greene, College president, has a wishlist for the new Minister of Education, Dr Grant Gibbons. The wishlist includes a change to the Bermuda College Act to allow the College more control over tuition rates.

“The Board should be allowed to raise tuition rates up to the cost of living in order to balance its budget without the prior approval of the Minister and Cabinet,” said Dr Greene. She said annual funding for campus maintenance was also needed.

“The campus is more than 20 years old and minimal capital funds have been received to maintain and upgrade the campus.”

Dr Greene would also like to see more collaboration between the College and high schools in order to “increase the number of students enrolled in the College’s dual enrolment programme,” allowing students “the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school.”

Additionally, she said scholarships are needed for students wishing to complete their bachelor’s degree at the college. She said: “Currently the Bermuda Government scholarships and further education awards do not cover persons obtaining degrees through Bermuda College in partnership with a four-year institution.”

Dr Greene also hopes to see a change in the Bermuda College Act “to allow the Board more autonomy in selecting members to support the College’s mission and vision”.

Dr Gibbons said he wished to speak with Dr Greene personally before addressing her comments.