Section 5: Functions of Open University

5. Functions of Open University The Open University shall have such functions as are necessary to attain its objects most effectively and shall, in particular— (a) act as the national focal point for open and distance learning; (b) set standards for the provision of open and distance learning; (c) provide education and training through a diversity of means in such branches of knowledge, vocations and professions as the Open University may determine from time to time; (d) enter into affiliation with other institutions, local and overseas, which would assist in attaining any of the objects of the Open University; (e) co-operate with any local or overseas institution which has objects which are wholly or partly similar to its own; (f) provide consultancy and professional services, especially in open and distance learning; O6A – 3 [Issue 5] Open University of Mauritius Act (g) plan and prescribe courses of study for degrees, diplomas or certificates through open and distance learning, with the collaboration of local and overseas providers of education and training; (h) hold examinations and grant degrees, including honorary degrees, diplomas, certificates or other academic awards, acting on its own or jointly with any other education and training institution; (i) accept examinations and periods of study of students at other universities or places of learning as equivalent to appropriate examinations and periods of study in the Open University and withdraw such acceptance at any time; (j) institute professorships, lectureships, tutorships and other academic positions necessary for imparting instruction, for preparing educational material or for conducting other academic activities, including supervision, designing and delivery of courses and evaluation of the work done by learners and appoint persons to such positions; (k) institute and award fellowships, scholarships, prizes and such other awards for recognition of merit as it thinks fit; (l) set up and maintain Regional Centres within this region of the world for the purpose of co-ordinating and supervising the work of regional study centres in the region and for performing such other functions as may be conferred on them by the Academic Council; (m) set up, maintain and recognise study centres, telecentres and practice centres for the purpose of advising, counselling, tutoring, obtaining practical experience or rendering any other assistance required by learners; (n) provide for the preparation, reception and distribution of instructional materials through differentiated media, including terrestrial, satellite, video, radio, print, web or compact disc media and others; (o) make provision for research and development in educational technology, instructional design, learner support and related matters; (p) provide, control and maintain discipline among the learners and academic and general staff and lay down the conditions of service of such staff, including their codes of conduct; (q) determine standards and specify conditions for the admission of learners to programmes of study at the Open University, which may include recognition of prior learning, experience, examination, evaluation and any other method of testing; (r) link up with Governmental and inter-governmental institutions and the private sector to support an enabling environment for the provision of education and training at certificate, diploma, graduate, post-graduate and research levels; (s) create partnerships with key insti dards and specify conditions for the admission of learners to programmes of study at the Open University, which may include recognition of prior learning, experience, examination, evaluation and any other method of testing; (r) link up with Governmental and inter-governmental institutions and the private sector to support an enabling environment for the provision of education and training at certificate, diploma, graduate, post-graduate and research levels; (s) create partnerships with key institutions worldwide to deliver programmes of open and distance learning. [Issue 5] O6A – 4 Revised Laws of Mauritius