Open University
ABOUT US
THE BICOL UNIVERSITY OPEN UNIVERSITY
On November 20, 1997, the Bicol University (BU) Board of Regents (BOR) passed BOR Resolution No. 24, series of 1997 which approved the setting up of the BU Open University. The objective of the BU Open University was to bring the curricular programs of the University to a wider populace of students in the Bicol Region. To fully operationalize BOR Resolution No. 24 in accordance with the present thrust and direction set forth in the BU Comprehensive Development Plan, Administrative Order No. 177, series of 2004 was issued to provide the general implementing guidelines for the operation of the BU Open University. The emphasis of the BU Open University under the present leadership is to initially address the educational capability enhancement need of professionals by offering selected graduate programs via distance education/open learning. The long-term direction of the BU Open University is to eventually offer some baccalaureate courses in support of regional development. The re-structured BU Open University (BUOU) is now mandated to be the degree-offering and eventually a degree-granting academic unit of the University. It was also given authority by the Board of Regents to expand its program offering into offering selected undergraduate courses and non-degree/short term courses needed in the region.
Vision
A world-class University producing leaders and change agents for social transformation and development.
Mission
To give and professional and technical training and provide advanced and specialized instruction in literature, philosophy. the sciences and arts, besides providing for the promotion of technological researches.
Quality Policy
Bicol University commits to continually strive for excellence in instruction, research and extension by meeting the highest level of clientele satisfaction and adhering to quality standards and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.stance education.
Objectives
The BU Open University seeks to provide wider access to quality education adhering to the highest standards of academic excellence in order to produce trained manpower required for the development of the Bicol Region. The program specifically seeks to:
(a.) Provide wider access to quality education by offering degree programs via the distance education mode;
(b.) Establish an innovative system of continuing education of professionals and career development for those unable to avail of the opportunity thru the usual traditional delivery mode;and
(c.) Develop instructional materials and technology appropriate for distance education.
THE DISTANCE LEARNING
Delivery of academic programs via the distance education mode will be thru modular and/or online. The Open University office shall serve as the venue of curricular activities and where student of the program shall convene for the following activities:
(a) enrollment;
(b) obtaining their modules and other instructional materials;
(c) attending tutorials;
(d) submitting course requirements;
(e) accessing the internet;
(f) meeting and interacting with other students;
(g) taking proctored examinations; and performing other activities related to the course.
At present, there is a Distance Learning Office/Center in the Main Campus of Bicol University at the Third Floor of the University Library. The DLC in the Main Campus is open to serve students coming from various parts of the region. To better serve a wider segment of the Bicolanos, the BU Open University intends to engage in partnership with local government units and other academic institution in the region. Under AO No.347 series of 2019, specifying the Revised Implementing Guidelines of BUOU, the Office is manned by the Dean and supported by Core and Affiliate Faculty and Technical Staff to serve as the link between the BUOU and the distance education students in the region or offshore.
MODE OF INSTRUCTIONAL DELIVERY
The course modules are the basic medium of instructional delivery. These are prepared by Module Development Teams consisting of writers, readers, instructional design specialists, and language editors drawn from the faculty complement of the University. Other instructional materials like video clippings and the like shall also be used in the process of course delivery. Actual delivery of these course modules is taken care of by Faculty-in-Charge (FIC) and tutors. Each course or subject has a FIC or course supervisor who ensures the attainment of the objectives of the course and who rates or evaluates the performance of distance education students. Performance of students enrolled in the distance education mode is assessed through submitted assignments, exercises and activities, and supervised examinations. Tutorial sessions are part of the course delivery system of the open university/distance education mode. These are designed to facilitate clarification of topics/issues and ensure informed discussions among module users. Tutorial sessions shall, therefore, be held at the BUOU Office at least once a month or depending on the students need. Facilitating these sessions shall, therefore, be held at the OU Office with the FICs and/or tutors who will be the link with the learners.
BUOU ONLINE KAPIHAN
It is expected that in every “online kapihan” episode, students are:
1. acquainted with pressing and present issues and problems in academic, psychological, and spiritual and find solutions through guest-experts.
2. updated with the current trends in Bicol University.
3. motivated in pursuing their studies.
4. acquainted with their fellow students.
Note: If you're new to the “online kapihan”, use the Key: kapihan
OUR PROGRAMS
The BU Open University shall initially offer selected graduate curricular programs. This is due to the stringent requirement of open learning to have “mature” learners who are capable of undertaking independent self-learning. Due to resource limitation and perceived market, only the following programs will be initially offered thru the open university/distance education mode:
Doctor of Philosophy in Peace and Security Administration
Master of Arts in Peace and Security Studies
Master of Arts in
Educational Leadership & Management
English Education
Social Studies Education
ADMISSION
Admission to any of the aforementioned graduate programs thru open university/distance education mode is governed by the following admission requirements:
Applicants must be holders of an appropriate bachelor's degree from any recognized institution.
Filing of an application in writing at the BU Graduate School or BUOU together with a copy of the official transcript of records. Applicants must meet the specific admission requirements of a particular degree program aside from satisfying a general weighted average of 2.2 or better.
Payment of a non-refundable admission fee of P100.00 and Distance Learning Fee of P 1,500 upon enrollment.
A foreign student applicant from a country where the medium of instruction is not English must present a Certificate of English Proficiency from former Professor or Chairman of the University English Department, while TOEFL score of at least 460 ism required for admission.
ACADEMIC LOAD
The regular academic load of students in the Open University is 12 units per semester for full-time graduate students, nine (9) units for part-time students and not more than six (6) units during mid-year. Government employees who are not full-time students, shall not exceed the prescribed nine (9) units academic load during any school term. However, a student may be allowed to carry more than the regular academic load under justifiable circumstances.
COURSE WORK REQUIREMENTS
To earn a degree in any of the aforementioned curricular programs, a student must pass a course work of 36 or 39 units for master's program and 60 units for doctoral program. All students are required to complete a 6-unit master's thesis/12-unit doctoral dissertation where they study and analyze a particular problem/s in their field of interest. A student will earn the degree in 2 to 3 years time for master's program and 4 to 5 years time for doctoral program. Furthermore, it is dependent on his/her classification, either part-time or full-time student. The maximum length of time permitted by the Graduate School to complete any of the master’s program is five (5) years and seven (7) years for doctoral program after which a readmission is required.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
A student is recommended for graduation upon satisfying the following: (a) completion of all academic courses leading to the degree; (b) passing the written comprehensive examination; (c) passing the final oral examination of the thesis; (d) submission of six bound copies of the thesis within the prescribed period; and (e) presentation of a clearance.