success of combined universities and colleges.

More than 130 people, many from overseas, will gather at Bermuda College for the four-day seminar on new approaches to higher education.

The conference was the brainchild of college president Dr. George Cook, who is eager to explore how Bermuda College can best serve the people of the Island.

The main topic of discussion will be how colleges and universities can become combined to offer both technical courses, as well as academic degrees.

At the moment, most people on the Island looking to obtain a degree must travel to a college abroad to do so.

However, because of its size, Bermuda, along with many other small Islands, does not warrant both a college and separate university.

At the conference this week, delegates from overseas will talk about their attempts and experiences of combining the two, mistakes that were made and how best to map out higher education for the future.

The conference, which will begin tomorrow, is the first of its type in the world.

It will bring 14 internationally recognised experts to the Island, along with 125 participants, who together will explore practises overseas, develop closer working relationships, and lay foundations for future decision-making.

At the end of the conference, it is hoped a book will be published detailing the findings and content of the seminars, which can be distributed globally.

"The reason we are holding this conference is to learn from other people's experience, so there may be opportunities for people in the field to exchange,'' he said at the unveiling of the conference plans.

"We may learn from pitfalls, what is to be avoided, and then we can document what has come out of it.'' He said there was no definite plan to turn Bermuda College into a combined university just yet, as educators were still exploring the possibilities and pros and cons.

But he said any decision would be made only with the agreement of Government and the community.

However, he said one of the sections of the community that would benefit from the combined learning facility would be working adults, who could further their training and education on a part-time basis without missing work or leaving the Island.

And the president added: "The Bermuda College, having recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, intends to use this conference as an opportunity to engage in a process of organisational exploration.

"Bermuda College, like all tertiary institutions in small island jurisdictions globally, finds that it must re-examine its role and the types of educational services it is providing to its community.

"Colleges and universities around the world are faced with the same challenges as technology shrinks the world and expands educational outreach.'' Mr. Cook, Wayne Wilson, who is dean of adult faculty and continuing education, and the Reverend Dr. Leonard Santucci, who is training development co-ordinator, thanked the sponsors who have helped to fund the conference.

They are CentreSolutions, Butterfield and Vallis, Stevedoring Services, Bank of Bermuda, Deloitte & Touche, Bermuda Press, Conyers, Dill & Pearman, Gosling Brothers, John F Barritt & Son, Cable & Wireless, Ace Bermuda and The Department of Tourism.