“Education for All, Learning with Aspiration” is the motto here. It’s the guiding light of Shanghai Open University. This university stands as a beacon of lifelong learning. It champions education for everyone regardless of age or background.
Shanghai Open University started as Shanghai TV University in 1960. It used telecommunications, broadcasting, television, and computers for teaching. The goal was distance education. In 2012 the university officially became Shanghai Open University. It now grants associate and bachelor’s degrees.
Imagine Shanghai in the 1960s. The Shanghai TV University began offering undergraduate courses for adults. Some thought the university just kept unemployed workers busy. Others believed its diplomas equaled only a two-year college degree. By the mid-1960s over 50000 students enrolled. Only 12000 graduated.
Fast forward to the early 1990s. Shanghai TV University expanded its curriculum. Eight economic courses appeared. These included business management, auditing, and finance.
In 2003 student enrollment reached 100000. By 2012 the Ministry of Education of China approved a name change. Shanghai TV University became Shanghai Open University.
Shanghai Open University offers 51 academic programs. These range from junior college to undergraduate levels. Currently about 80000 students are registered. Since its start over 570000 students have graduated.
Adapting to Shanghai’s economic growth the university provides non-academic training. Almost half a million people participate each year. Shanghai Open University has colleges designed for those with special learning needs.
The university has 40 campuses and teaching centers. These use government, industry, and social resources. Shanghai Open University boasts the largest number of college students in Shanghai. It is key to lifelong learning.
The Vice Mayor of Shanghai leads the University Council. Council members are leaders from the Shanghai Municipal Committee. They also represent the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government and the university.
Shanghai Open University promotes lifelong learning. It is the Services and Guidance Center for a Learning Society in Shanghai. The university authenticates learning outcomes and manages credit transfers. It runs the Shanghai Lifelong Learning website too. This site offers one-stop learning support.
The university hosts the UNESCO Chair on UNITWIN Network in Distance and Open Learning. It won the UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize. This was for using technology in education. The International Council of Open and Distance Education also recognized it.
Shanghai Open University values openness, quality, flexibility, and convenience. It welcomes all learners. It strives to be a first-class modern open university. The aim is to help build a learning society in Shanghai. This means learning is possible for anyone at any time and in any place.