Virtual University of Pakistan

The Virtual University of Pakistan is the first distance learning university in Pakistan based entirely on modern information and communication technologies. It was established by the Government of Pakistan as a public sector, not-for-profit institution with a clear mission: to provide extremely affordable world class education to aspiring students all over the country and abroad. Using free-to-air satellite television broadcasts and the Internet, the Virtual University allows students to follow its rigorous programs regardless of physical location. It thus aims at alleviating the lack of capacity in existing universities while simultaneously tackling the acute shortage of qualified professors in the country. By identifying the top professors of the country, regardless of their institutional affiliations, and requesting them personally to develop and deliver courses, the Virtual University aims at providing the very best courses not only to its own students but also to students of all other universities in the country.

Recognition

Virtual University holds a Federal Charter, making its degrees recognized and accepted all over the country as well as overseas.

Governance

The Board of Governors is the apex body of the University, responsible for the general supervision and control of administrative, academic and financial affairs and having the power to lay down the policies of the University. The Rector is the chief executive and academic officer of the University; this position's responsibility is to ensure that the provisions of the Virtual University Ordinances Statutes, Regulations, and Rules are faithfully observed in order to promote teaching, research, administration, general efficiency and good order of the University. Authorities of the University include:
*Executive Council
*Academic Council
*Boards of Studies
*Advanced Studies and Research Board
*Selection Board
*Finance and Planning Council
*Affiliation Committee.

Officers of the University include the Registrar, the Director Finance, the Director Administration, the Controller of Examinations and the University Auditor.

Bachelor of Science Programs

The Bachelor of Science program prepares its students to meet the demanding challenges of the modern workplace. The degree requires more than 130 credit-hours of work. In the senior year, student will be required to spend a good deal of time completing a capstone project. Typically. this project will be done in collaboration with industry, under the guidance of a professional nominated by the University. The curriculum for various majors is based on the recommendations of the National Curriculum Revision Committees approved by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). However, the Academic Council of the University may update the curricula from time to time.

Virtual University of Pakistan offers two types of 132 credit-hour programs

*Bachelor of Science programs for Intermediate or Equivalent Certificate holders
*Bachelor of Science programs for lower Bachelor degree holders (FAST TRACK program)

Programs by Faculty

Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology

* [http://www.vu.edu.pk/pages/bscs.aspx Bachelor of Science in Computer Science]
* [http://www.vu.edu.pk/pages/bsit.aspx Bachelor of Science in Information Technology]

Faculty of Management

* [http://www.vu.edu.pk/pages/bsba.aspx Bachelor of Science in Business Administration]
* [http://www.vu.edu.pk/pages/bspa.aspx Bachelor of Science in Public Administration]
* [http://www.vu.edu.pk/pages/bsaccfin.aspx Bachelor of Science in Accounting & Finance]
* [http://www.vu.edu.pk/pages/bscomm.aspx Bachelor of Science in Commerce]

Faculty of Arts

* [http://www.vu.edu.pk/pages/bsmasscomm.aspx Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication]
* [http://www.vu.edu.pk/pages/bspsych.aspx Bachelor of Science in Psychology]

Master's Degree Programs

Students who have completed their Bachelor's degree (with at least 45% marks) from a recognized university or institution can apply for admission to Master of Computer Science (MCS), Master of Information Technology (MIT) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs. These programs comprise seventy-two credit hours each, spread over four semesters and allow graduates to upgrade their skill sets into the requirements of the modern knowledge era. Rigorous curricula allow graduates of these programs to compete effectively with their counterparts who have graduated from corresponding four year baccalaureate programs.

Students completing their 16-year education in computer science and information technology field are provided the opportunity to take admission this advanced level degree program. According to HEC criteria, these degrees are equivalent to an MPhil program offered by any other university in the country.

Programs by Faculty

Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology

* [http://www.vu.edu.pk/pages/mcs.aspx Master of Computer Science]
* [http://www.vu.edu.pk/pages/mit.aspx Master of Information Technology]

Faculty of Management

* [http://www.vu.edu.pk/pages/mba.aspx Master of Business Administration]

Accelerated Programs

From Fall 2007 the University has introduced two-year BA programs for those who want to enter job market as quickly as possible. Programs on offer include the Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Computer Science, and Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Psychology. After the two year Bachelor's the student has the option to continue seamlessly toward a four year Bachelor of Science program, whether immediately or at later stage.

The University has also introduced a four-semester Master of Science in Computer Science program to produce world class research-oriented professionals and academics.

Campuses

Virtual University was founded in 2002 since which it has expanded operations to reach more than sixty cities throughout the country with more than one hundred associated institutions providing infrastructure support to students. In addition, Pakistani students residing in several other countries in the region are also enrolled in the University's programs.

Virtual University has two types of campuses, its own, and those that are run by other organizations. These private campuses use buildings in private institutions in various cities. These facilities are required to have a computer lab and Internet access.

Milestones and Achievements

* President of Pakistan inaugurated the Virtual University of Pakistan. "March 23, 2002"
* First batch of 500 students starts classes. "March 26, 2002"
* Federal Charter granted by Government of Pakistan. "September 01, 2002"
* VU start broadcasts over its own TV Channels VTV1, & VTV2. "June 15, 2004"
* VU selected as coordinating institute of multi-country IDRC funded project. "March 1, 2005"
* Launch of MCS, MIT and MBA programs. "March 6, 2006"
* Launch of two new TV channels VTV3, & VTV4. "September 26, 2006"
* VU become Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) member. "November 7, 2006"
* VU agreement with Ujala TV Dubai for telecasting VU programs. "November 30, 2006"
* VU agreement with University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences of offering joint BS Bio-informatics program. "May 25, 2007"
* Launch of MS program in Computer Science. "Fall 2007"
* Launch of B.A., B.Com., B.Sc. (2-year programs). "Fall 2007"

References

* [http://www.dawn.com/weekly/books/archive/020331/books5.htm ARTICLES: Virtual University - Daily Dawn]
* [http://www.dawn.com/weekly/science/archive/020713/science2.htm Virtual University: now a reality Daily Dawn]

Virtual University Portal for students.
* [http://www.vumonsters.com/ www.vumonsters.com]

External links

* [http://www.vu.edu.pk Virtual University official Site]