UP Open University

UPOU aims to give its students formal qualification, as well as to develop in them the discipline and capability to become lifelong learners who are at home in today’s knowledge society.

What is an open university?

An open university espouses a philosophy of open learning which differs in degree and dimension from institution to institution. For UPOU, open learning is widening access to quality higher education.

What is distance education?

Distance education is any of the various forms of study, wherein students and teachers are physically separated. Students are encouraged to have an independent self-learning style. Students study in their own places of residence using specially designed learning materials. These learning packages consist of print materials, and sometimes, audio-video tapes & CD ROM.

What is a learning center?

A learning center is where students may register, receive learning packages, attend face-to-face or telephone tutorials, submit assignments, take examinations, access library services and other student support services such as counseling.

Where are UPOU learning center located?

UPOU has nine learning centers in Luzon, six in Visayas and five in Mindanao. Learning centers are located in all UP campuses (e.g. UP Manila, UP Diliman, UP Los Baños, etc.) and in some cooperating institution like a state college or university. (For the complete list of learning centers and their locations, click here).

As a distance learner, do I have all the time to finish a course?

While students basically study at their own pace, this does not mean an open schedule for going through the courses. Learning materials are designed in such a way that these require a specific time period to finish. Thus, students at UPOU also conform to a semestral schedule, similar to residential programs.

As a distance learner, do I get to interact with my teachers/tutors and classmates?

DE students discuss lessons with tutors and classmates through three types of tutorials: face-to-face, telephone, and online.

What is face-to-face tutorial?

Some courses have face-to-face tutorials, depending the course requirements. Students meet with a tutor and their classmates every Saturday once a month at a UPOU Learning Center

What is teletutorial?

Students meet at the Learning Center on a scheduled time and interact with their tutor via telephone.

What is online tutorial?

Students and tutors interact via the Internet using the Integrated Virtual Learning Environment (IVLE). IVLE has discussion forums and chat facilities for teacher-student and peer interactions.

What is IVLE?

IVLE is the acronym for Integrated Virtual Learning Environment. It is a system that allows you to communicate online with peers and faculty.

What is myportal.upou.org?

It is a facility that makes online learning easier and more convenient. It has the following features: 1. myDesk - a page containing announcements, calendars and a student chat room
2. myClassroom - a list of all enrolled courses for the semester, and the discussion boards, workbins, chat rooms and quizzes created by online professors. This is powered by IVLE (Integrated Virtual Learning Environment).
3. myEmail - a web-based email facility (name@l...)
4. myContacts - a directory of all UPOU offices that offer student support services 5. Help - a direct link to technical support staff who can now be reached by phone, email, chat or text (SMS)

How do I access myportal?

If you are officially registered, there are five ways to get your own ID and password:
1. Fill up the online signup form (recommended).
2. Email techsupport@u... with the following information: complete name, student number, registered courses, learning center and contact information.
3. Call techsupport staff at (02)434-3297 (Manila) or(049) 536-6001 to 6006 local 441 (Laguna) Mondays to Fridays 8:00AM to 5:00PM.
4. Send a text message. Key in "TEXT TECHSUPPORT [complete name, student number, registered courses, learning center, and your contact information]" and send to 700UPOU (7008768) for SMART only. Wait for verification within 24 hours. Requests received on Saturdays and Sundays will be replied to on Monday.
5. Catch us online during office hours. Add "myportalhelp" to your list of friends in Yahoo! Messenger or MSN Messenger.

Where do I go for help (myportal)?

For technical support, you can call, text, email or chat with the Multimedia Center staff using the contact information given above.

How is student performance assessed?

Students submit assignments and take examinations. Assignments may be submitted during face-to-face tutorials or may be sent to the Learning Center or Faculty Office through email or post. Examinations are given at the Learning Centers under the supervision of proctors/tutors.

What other support services does UPOU provide to its students?

The UPOU provides online library services, guidance and counseling, financial and scholarship grants. See the separate links on Virtual Learning Center page (www.upouvlc.org)

How many degree programs and nonformal courses does UPOU offer?

UPOU offers 18 degree programs: one undergraduate, seven diploma, nine masters, and one PhD; and eight continuing education courses. (For complete list of degree and continuing education programs, click here.)

Where do I apply for admission to the UPOU?

Apply at a UPOU Learning Center near you or apply online at www.upou.org

What are the admission requirements for graduate programs?

Application form, original & duplicate copies of transcript of records, 2 recommendation letters, 2 2”x2” & 2 1”x1” ID photos, medical certificate, self-addressed & stamped letter envelope, proof of payment of P100 application fee (deposit slip from PNB) and copy of board exam rating, if applicable.

Download application & recommendation forms from UP Open University website

What are the admission requirements for the AA program?

Application form, High School Form 137 with dry seal or Philippine Educational Placement Test result, 2 recommendation letters, 2 2”x2” & 2 1”x1” ID photos, self-addressed & stamped letter envelope, and proof of payment of P250 application fee (deposit slip from PNB).

Download application & recommendation forms from UP Open University website

Where do I pay application fee?

Pay in any Philippine National Bank (PNB) branch to UPOU Revolving Fund account, no. 075-800050-8. Write name, program, learning center & semester in the deposit slip.

Do I need to take an admission exam?

There is an admission exam for Associate in Arts, Public Management. & PhD in Education programs

When is the deadline for application?

For Associate in Arts, Public Management & PhD in Education: 31 Jan 2004. For all other programs: 15 Feb 2004

Where do I submit the application for admission?

Submit application requirements in any UPOU Learning Center or mail to the Registrar’s Office, UP Open University, Los Banos, Laguna 4031

How do I know that I was accepted in UPOU?

Successful applicants will receive by mail an official notice of admission, along with instructions on how to register.

What is UP Open University?

What is the mission of UPOU?