PHILIPSBURG:---- In the pursuit of having a fully accredited Hospitality and Tourism Management program, the University of St. Martin (USM) worked extensively on acquiring accreditation via BTEC. On August 26, 2015, USM already received the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) Accreditation of the United Kingdom to offer Level 5 programs in Hospitality and Business. Improving the curriculum and having Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE) instructors were some steps taken in assuring the quality of the HTM program. With the QCF accreditation, the Hospitality and Tourism Management program leads therefore, next to an Associate Degree, to a British Higher National Certificate/Diploma (HNC/HND).
Part of the BTEC accreditation process is having a BTEC representative perform an external verification visit to the institution. BTEC representative, Mrs. Maggie Rankine, visited USM where she inspected and verified the instructors’ work and students’ results.
Mrs. Rankine stated that she was very impressed with both the offered curriculum as well as the students’ assignments.
Head of the USM’s Hospitality Division, Mr. Erwin Wolthuis, said that he is very pleased to have been able to establish this success in close cooperation with Dr. Natasha Gittens and Mr. Jan van Beek.
Mr. Wolthuis also indicated that he is very proud of the Hospitality and Tourism students who are doing a great job academically and the results of the inspection proved them to be true ambassadors of both the USM as well as St. Maarten at large.
British Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) representative visits USM.
