As a prelude to the discussion proper, the paper offers an elaboration of the definition of tertiary education which, hopefully, serves to enhance that provided in the UWI Policy Group’s Proposal for a National Tertiary Educational System for Jamaica, and which leads to a consideration of stakeholders’ expectations of this educational level woven into a broad-based mission statement. It follows that a major concern is that of access, given that today, there are several routes to tertiary education, and that these simply give rise to a myriad of expectations as well. The paper concludes by highlighting a number of challenges – some related to implementing the missions, others, to improving access – all within the context of national priorities.