Open University

The Distance Education System is in fulfillment of specific provisions embodied in the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, Article XIV: “to make quality education accessible to all Filipinos and develop non-formal, informal, and indigenous learning systems, as well as, self-learning, independent, and out-of-school study programs particularly those that respond to community needs.”

The House Bill No. 13483 known as the Open University System Act. Of 1994, Section 2 provides “it is hereby declared the policy of the state to expand and further democratize educational opportunities for our people in a more effective educational technology. In view thereof, the state recognized the open learning system as a necessary mode to achieve equitable access to quality education even as it guarantees academic freedom of institutions of higher learning on what to teach and how to teach.”

Republic Act No. 7722 known as the Higher Education Act of 1994 Section 2 Declaration of Policy: “the state shall protect, foster, and promote the right of all citizens to affordable quality education shall be accessible to all. . .”

Brief History of the Open University

1996 – In UNP, the distance learning concept started with the approval of the establishment of the UNP – Graduate School, Institute of Distance Learning by virtue of the Board Resolution No. 84 S. 1996, with Dr. Salvador S. Eder as the Director, and initially offers the following degree programs:

Master of Arts in Education (MA Ed.) major in Science Education
Master of Arts in Education (MA Ed.) major in Mathematics Education
Master in Public Administration
Master of Arts in Nursing major in Maternal and Child Nursing
Master of Arts in Social Work
This took effect during the Second Semester, School Year 1996 – 1997

1999 – inclusion of the Bachelor of Science in Criminology in the programs offered by virtue of Board Resolution No. 121, S. 1999
1999 – Dr. Susan S. Refuerzo was appointed Director of the unit
2001 – Dr. Francisco C. Macanas, became the Director
2002 – Dr. Lumen H. Almachar succeeded Dr. Francisco C. Macanas
2005 – Prof. Crescencio B. Velasco became successor of Dr. Lumen H. Almachar, and was reappointed in 2015, 2018 and 2020.

Goal
The Open University aims to develop world – class leaders, administrators and managers by employing borderless instructional scheme.

Objectives
1. Minimizes the constraints to professional development brought about by geographical distances, nature and demands of the learners’ job and other similar circumstances.
2. Enhance the conceptual skills of students from the military service, education, government and health sectors.
3. Train students to be ethically upright; and
4. Be self-reliant

Master of Arts in Education (MAEd)
Majors in: Science Education and Mathematics Education

Legal Foundation
The Master of Arts in Education with fields of specialization in Science Education and Mathematics Education is approved under Board Resolution No. 84 s. 1996 of the University Board of Regents.

Mission
The distance learning programs on Master of Arts in Education major in Science Education and Mathematics Education serve as an avenue for the professional development of Teachers both in the elementary and secondary levels. It endeavors to enhance their teaching competences in the field of Science and Mathematics along content (knowledge) and pedagogy (teaching skill).

Master of Arts in Social Work

Legal Foundation
The Master of Arts in Social Work is approved under Board Resolution No. 84 s. 1996.

Mission
The distance learning program on Master of Arts in Social Work serves as a vehicle for the continuing professional development of social workers who, by constraint of time and the nature of their job, could not attend the traditional formal school. The Center is committed to provide an avenue for the enhancement of the skills and competencies of social workers engaged in the practice of their profession.

Master in Public Administration

Legal Foundation
The Master in Public Administration is approved under Board Resolution No. 84 s. 1996.

Mission
The Master in Public Administration distance learning program as medium for the enhancement of administrative and managerial competencies for effective and efficient operation of government and non-government organizations; serving as agent in stimulating, encouraging and sustaining learner-centered intellectual endeavors geared towards ideal public administration.

Master of Arts in Nursing
Major in Maternal & Child Nursing

Legal Foundation
The Master of Arts in Nursing of the Open University is approved per Board Resolution No. 84 s. 1996.

Vision of the Program
The distance learning program In Master of Arts in Nursing as an indispensable alternative for the traditional school-based education system for continuous professional development of nurses who, by constraint of time and place and the nature of their jobs, could not attend the traditional formal school.

Mission Statement
The Open University is committed to provide unlimited accessibility for the enhancement of the skills and competencies of nurses engaged in the practice of their profession.

Bachelor of Science in Criminology

Legal Foundation
The Bachelor of Science in Criminology is approved under Board Resolution No. 121 s. 1999.

Mission
The BS Criminology- Distance Learning Program endeavors to make quality criminology education accessible to all the PNP, TMG, BFP and BJMP personnel who are undergraduate and by the nature of their job and/or geographical distance are unable to attend formal traditional classes.