University of the Philippines, Open University

Infobox University
name =
native_name = Unibersidad ng Pilipinas, Bukás na Unibersidad


motto = Honor and Excellence
established = 1908 (system)
1995 (campus)
type = National University
president = Dr. Emerlinda R. Roman | chancellor = Dr. Grace J. Alfonso
city = Los Baños
province = Laguna
country = Philippines
nickname = UP Fighting Maroons
free_label = Hymn
free = "U.P. Naming Mahal"
mascot = U.P. Oblation
website = http://www.upou.org

The University of the Philippines, Open University (U.P.O.U.), headquartered at Los Baños, Laguna, was established on February 23, 1995 as the fifth constituent university of the University of the Philippines System. Its mandate is to provide education opportunities to individuals aspiring for higher education and improved qualifications but were unable to take advantage of traditional modes of education because of personal and professional obligations.

UPOU provides quality higher and continuing education to Filipinos through the distance education system. Its mission is to give its students formal qualification, as well as to develop in them the discipline and capability to become lifelong learners who are at home in today's knowledge society.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) has declared the UPOU as the National Center of Excellence in Open Learning and Distance Education in recognition of its achievements in this field and its vital role in pushing the frontiers of learning in service to the Filipino nation.

The U.P. Open University aims to:
* Offer through open and distance learning degree and non-degree programs that are responsive to the needs of learners and of the society of which they are a part;
* Develop a system of continuing education to sustain professional growth and promote lifelong learning;
* Develop and adapt delivery systems appropriate to distance learners;
* Provide leadership in the development of open learning and distance education expertise in the country and in the appropriate use of information and communication technologies of education; and
* Make instructional packages accessible to various publics through collaborative arrangements, institutional agreements, and other appropriate mechanisms.

Academic Programs

The UP Open University offers the following degree programs:

Undergraduate programs

* Associate in Arts
* Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies

Post-Baccalaureate Diploma Programs

* Diploma in Social Work
* Diploma in Computer Science
* Diploma in Research and Development Management
* Diploma in Environment and Natural Resources Management
* Diploma in Science Teaching
* Diploma in Math Teaching
* Diploma in Language Studies for Teachers
* Diploma in Social Studies Education

Graduate Programs

* Master in Social Work
* Master of Development Communication
* Master in Distance Education
* Master of Public Health
* Master in Hospital Administration
* Master of Arts in Nursing
* Master of Public Management
* Master of Environment and Natural Resources Management
* Master of Arts in Education (Language Studies)
* Master of Arts in Education (Social Studies)
* Master in Information Systems
* Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Biology Education, Chemistry Education, Physics Education, Mathematics Education)

Nonformal courses

The UPOU offers several nonformal courses and certificate programs. These are:

* Online Teaching and Learning
* Filipiniana Online
* Information Technology for Health Research
* Caring for the Special Child
* Caring for the Elderly
* New Enterprise Planning
* Personal Entrepreneurial Development
* Introduction to E-Commerce
* Certificate in Barangay Administration
* m-learning program

Past and present students

* Sharon Cuneta - Associate in Arts student; singer, actress, television host; wife of Senator Francis Pangilinan
* Jackielou Blanco - Associate in Arts student; actress, bodybuilder, fitness instructor; daughter of singer Pilita Corrales and wife of actor Ricky Davao
* Gerardo Gambala - Master of Public Management graduate of 2007; former Captain of the Philippine Army; Valedictorian, Philippine Military Academy Class of 1995; the leader of the soldiers who staged the Oakwood mutiny; "mistah" (classmate) of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV
*Richard Gomez - Associate in arts student; actor
*Rachelle Ann Go - Associate in arts student; singer
*Aldred Gatchalian - Associate in arts; actor; Pinoy Big Brother ex housemate teen edition
* Joanne Zapanta-Andrada - Masters in Development Communications, Phil. National Red Cross Governor, fashion model, newspaper columnist, Presidential consultant
*Juan Nanagas - graduated MPH; former PGH director; doctor
* Jejomar Binay - Diploma in Environment and Natural Resource Management graduate, Makati City Mayor
*JC De Vera - Associate in arts student; actor

ee also

*List of University of the Philippines people

External links

* [http://www.upou.edu.ph U.P. Open University Official Website]