As of September 2008, all entrants to The Mico University College will be pursuing four-year degree programmes in areas such as primary, secondary and special education.

This year, Mico will host its final crop of diploma students before switching to the new programmes.

"Our vision for this institution is for it to become a full university before 2012," said Dr. Claude Packer, principal of The Mico University College.

Special guest speaker, Professor Sir Roy Augier, former pro-vice chancellor of the University of the West Indies, Mona, also expressed hope for the day the word 'College' will be dropped from the school's name in its quest to become a full-fledged university.

The move to introduce the degree programme in 2008 comes as partial fulfilment to a Ministry of Education mandate that all teachers should have a degree in their specialised area of study by the year 2010.

Donned in their gold and black gowns, a total of 546 graduates were presented to Dr. Packer, Karl James, Mico chairman, and Dr. Ethley London, executive director of the University Council of Jamaica, to be awarded with master's and bachelor's degrees, diplomas and certificates.

Family members and friends of the graduates turned out in their numbers for the three-hour ceremony held on The Mico University College grounds.

Petoree Brown was on a roll for the evening, graduating with honours with a diploma in guidance and counselling. She also received three special awards - the Edwin Jones Award for Public Service, the Karl James Award for Outstanding Leadership and the MOSA Trophy for Outstanding Leadership Programme (The Mentorship Club).