As part of ongoing collaboration between the University of the West Indies and the University at Albany, State University of New York (SUNY) a delegation from UWI paid a reciprocal visit to the University at Albany from October 16-19, 2007. The delegation comprised the Pro Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development, Dr. Bhoendradatt Tewarie and the Director of the International Office, Mrs. Indrani Bachan-Persad and Professor Patricia Mohammed, lecturer at Center for Gender and Development Studies who was teaching for a semester at Albany.

The team met with principal officers of the University at Albany including Professor Marjorie Pryse, Dean of Graduate Studies; Ms. Sue Faeman, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies; Professor Ray Bromley, VP for International Education and Mr. James Pasquill, the Director of Study Abroad and Exchanges. The delegates also met with members of the Psychology Department and with the School of Education.

Some of the matters arising from the meetings were strengthening of international supervision of UWI doctoral candidates, provision of laboratory facilities to conduct research in areas such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, nanobiology, cultural studies, Caribbean Studies and faculty exchanges. Areas of undergraduate exchange were also discussed with the possibility of expanding the exchange programme between the two universities in courses such as Latin American Studies, Criminology, History, Politics and Literature.

The possibility of conferences, seminars and open dialogue between the two universities was discussed. The visit opened doors for myriad possibilities for advancement of relations between the two universities which are now strategically poised for the leap forward.