1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to affirm Kalinga University's commitment to fostering a culture of continuous, self-directed, and lifelong learning among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the wider community. It aims to ensure equitable access to learning resources, programmes, and opportunities beyond formal degree requirements, enabling individuals to continually update their knowledge, skills, and competencies in response to evolving personal, professional, and societal needs.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all students (current and alumni), faculty, staff, and eligible external learners of Kalinga University who seek access to the University's lifelong learning avenues. This includes, but is not limited to, continuing education courses, certificate and diploma programmes, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), skill-development workshops, library and digital learning resources, seminars, extension lectures, and professional development programmes offered by the University.
3. Policy Objectives
- Provide equitable and non-discriminatory access to lifelong learning opportunities for all eligible stakeholders.
- Encourage continuous skill enhancement, re-skilling, and up-skilling to keep pace with technological and industry advancements.
- Ensure availability of flexible and accessible learning formats, including online, blended, and in-person modes.
- Support alumni and community members in maintaining and expanding their knowledge base beyond graduation.
- Promote inclusivity by removing financial, geographical, and physical barriers to learning wherever feasible.
4. Guidelines
- Access to Resources: The University Library, digital repositories, e-learning platforms, and online course catalogues shall remain accessible to eligible learners, subject to applicable registration or subscription requirements.
- Course Offerings: The University shall periodically offer certificate, diploma, and short-term courses, workshops, and MOOCs designed to be accessible to learners at different stages of their careers and lives.
- Flexible Delivery: Learning opportunities shall, wherever possible, be offered through flexible modes (online, blended, evening, or weekend formats) to accommodate working professionals and non-traditional learners.
- Recognition of Prior Learning: Mechanisms shall be established, where applicable, to recognize and credit prior learning, skills, and experience gained outside formal academic settings.
- Alumni and Community Engagement: Alumni and community members shall be granted access to designated lifelong learning programmes, subject to applicable terms, fees, or registration processes determined by the University.
- Accessibility and Inclusion: Reasonable accommodations shall be provided for learners with disabilities, and efforts shall be made to bridge digital divides through subsidized access or on-campus facilities where required.
- Quality Assurance: All lifelong learning programmes shall adhere to the University's academic quality standards and be periodically reviewed for relevance and effectiveness.
5. Responsibilities
- University Administration: Formulate strategies and allocate resources to sustain lifelong learning initiatives, and ensure alignment with the University's broader academic mission.
- Centre for Continuing and Lifelong Education (or equivalent body): Design, coordinate, and monitor lifelong learning programmes, maintain enrolment records, and evaluate learner feedback and outcomes.
- Deans/Heads of Departments: Facilitate the development and delivery of relevant courses and workshops within their respective disciplines and ensure faculty participation as required.
- Faculty: Contribute to the design and delivery of lifelong learning content, mentor learners, and maintain the same academic rigor applied to formal programmes.
- Learners (Students, Alumni, Staff, and Community Members): Engage responsibly with learning opportunities, adhere to programme requirements, and provide constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
6. Awareness and Engagement
The University shall actively promote awareness of lifelong learning opportunities through its website, notice boards, alumni networks, social media, and orientation programmes. Periodic surveys and feedback mechanisms will be used to identify emerging learning needs and to enhance the reach and relevance of programmes offered.
7. Compliance
All lifelong learning programmes and participants must comply with the University's academic, financial, and code-of-conduct policies. Any misuse of access privileges, misrepresentation of credentials, or violation of programme terms may result in suspension of access or other appropriate administrative action as per University regulations.
8. Policy Review
This policy shall be reviewed every three years, or as required by changes in regulatory guidelines, emerging educational technologies, or evolving learner needs, to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness of the University's lifelong learning initiatives.
