Uttarakhand Open University
Higher
education is the most critical element of growth in this era of knowledge
economy. We need to at least double the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) to remain
active contributors to growth in this era. This truth has been well recognised
by many policy planners, commissions and thoughtful individuals. The National
Knowledge Commission has brought out valuable documents outlining the critical
role of higher education. In this context, the role of Open and Distance
Learning System (ODL) becomes significant and unique. The experience across the
globe substantiates that ODL system is an effective tool for educationally
empowering the different sections of society who, for one reason or the other,
had missed the formal ‘face-to-face’ education. These days, distance education
provides many vocational, professional and technical courses, including
specialised programmes oriented towards the higher end of technology usage. It also
has the potential to reach the unreached, marginalized and excluded people
residing in distant places and difficult terrain. Strictly in tune with the
philosophy of ODL system, Uttarakhand Open University (UOU) was established by
an Act of Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly in 2005 (Act No. 23 of 2005) with
the aim of disseminating knowledge and skills through distance learning, using
the flexible and innovative methods of education to ensure ‘independent
learning’.
The
University uses novel educational programmes, various modes of communication
technology and contact sessions to make distance learning more effective. The
major objective of the University is to cater to the educational needs of the
target groups to create skilled and knowledge based human resource for speedy
upliftment and development of the State. The University aims to impart quality
education by maintaining high academic standards. For this purpose, it has
radically reoriented itself in view of the rapid changes in the sphere of
professional and technical education and has developed a number of new and
innovative self-employment/ employment oriented courses of study. Uttarakhand
Open University is especially focusing on the educational needs of women, the
tribals and other marginalized sections. It has extended its reach to most
distant and difficult places and has made its presence felt even in the
remotest corners of the state. It has signed MoUs with various providers with
the sole aim of sharing resources and knowledge for the benefit of the people.
The vision of the University is to provide the most critical components of
growth, through quality higher education, to the state of Uttarakhand. UOU
offers its programmes through 300+ Study Centres established at different
locations in the state under eight Regional Centres at Dehradun, Roorkee,
Pauri, Uttarkashi, Dwarahat, Bageshwar, Haldwani and Pithoragarh. The
University has also signed Memorandum of Understanding with several leading
research institutions, companies and professional bodies for the benefit of its
students.