Thompson Rivers University cemented its relationship with the world’s largest university, the Open University of China (OUC) on Friday, September 21, 2012.  The partnership with OUC expands on the training programs and Joint International Research Centre formed in 2010 at OUC in Beijing.

The collaboration between the two involves a broad range of academic activities including joint research and Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) training.

Alan Shaver, TRU President and Vice Chancellor recieves a customary gift from Professor Li Linshu, Vice President, Open University of China, marking the strengthing of the relationship between the two universities.

Similar to TRU, the OUC operates a credit bank with the functions of credit accreditation, transfer, deposit and withdrawal. The bank helps learners establish lifelong learning portfolios and accredit or receive certificates for various learning achievements. The bank performs accreditation and transfer of credits between degree and non-degree continuing education, and bridges and connects different types of learning achievements.

OUC offers open and distance education using modern information technology. It is directly administered by China’s Ministry of Education, and is dedicated to both degree and non-degree continuing education. Established on the infrastructure of China’s Radio and TV University system, OUC’s educational network spans multiple industries, provinces, cities and regions. The network covers both urban and rural areas, and includes headquarters, branches, colleges and study centres. At present, 3.59 million students (1.09 million undergraduate students, 2.5 million associate degree students) are actively enrolled, including 200,000 farmers, 100,000 military personnel and more than 6,000 disabled students.

Today’s visitors to campus represent the largest of several delegations expected this month from international universities.  TRU’s continued tradition of international cooperation creates opportunities here and around the world.  Joint international operations provide fiscal benefits, and chances for TRU students and faculty to actively participate in the global economy.