6 March 1995 Lincoln And Open Polytechnic Join Forces For Open Learning Boost

Lincoln University and the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand today (6 March) signed an agreement aimed at enhancing student access to both institutions internationally and domestically. 

The five-year "memorandum of understanding" will achieve this by increased enrolment flexibility and greater portability of degree credits.

Three key benefits are identified in the agreement –

• Student recruitment in international markets
• Flexibility for students enrolled in either institution especially portability where possible within the requirements of a programme of study
• Collaborative development and delivery of selected courses.

Access for Lincoln to The Open Polytechnic's course-design specialists in the planning of programmes for open and distance delivery, is another identified benefit.

Both institutions are particularly enthusiastic about the increased opportunities the collaboration will open up for the recruitment of international students.

"Global trends in education are towards networking and the acquisition of an 'international education'," say signatories Bruce Ross, Lincoln's Vice-Chancellor, and Shona Butterfield, Chief Executive Officer of the Open Polytechnic.

"Propelled by the information technology revolution, this networking provides pathways for students between institutions and across nations. By positioning ourselves on this network with distance education capabilities, we become very attractive internationally as education providers.

"In order to compete in today's world, New Zealand must develop open learning systems that link into the emerging global network. Lincoln University and the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand are now taking that step forward together."

The memorandum of understanding also provides for collaborative research projects between the two institutions, reciprocal input to course development and formal and informal interaction between academic staff.

Professor Ross and Ms Butterfield say they are delighted that their two organisations, each with its own individual strengths, have identified ways in which together they can offer the kind of education that will succeed in the 21st century.

Professor Roger Field, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand.