Flexible Learning Centre (DWU): a walk into to the future
By Ass.te Prof. Z. Z. Kruczek CSMA - Executive Director
10 AUG 2013. Flexible Learning Centre (FLC) is an integral part of Divine Word University (DWU) in Madang. It begun to function as Tertiary Distance Education Centre in 2000. Then in 2004 it was renamed and for eight years it was known under the name of Faculty of Flexible Learning (FFL). The name from FFL to Flexible Learning Centre was instituted at the end of 2012. This change was necessary to reflect the structural adjustment within this arm of the University. The restructure was consistent with the University’s strategic goal and plan to be an internationally competitive institution.
The aim of Distance Education Centre at DWU was to give chances for working people within Papua New Guinea (PNG) to undertake studies and upgrade their knowledge and skills in the areas where the advances are most intense and required. Doing so, the individuals employed by various companies, governmental institutions and sectors are able to activate more effectively and professionally and they have a chance to enrich their life and be more satisfied with their work experiences.
Therefore at present the FLC hosts at four faculties a total of 23 academic programs offering diplomas, advanced diplomas, bachelors and masters at the level of Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programs.
Faculty of Arts /Good Governance and Leadership Department/:
Master in Leadership in Development (MLD)
Master of Public Administration (MP Admin.)
Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA)
National Advanced Diploma in Governance (NADG)
Diploma in Project Management (DIPM)
Diploma in Youth Development (DYD)
Diploma in Media Management (DMM)
Faculty of Business and Informatics /Finance and Management Department/:
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Leadership in Business Administration (MLBA)
Master of Professional Accounting (MPA)
Bachelor of Management (BOM)
Diploma in Business Studies (DBS)
Diploma in Human Resource Management (DHRM)
Diploma in Management (DIM)
Faculty of Education /Education Curriculum and Leadership Department/:
Master of Educational Leadership (Curriculum) (MED)
Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Teaching and Learning (PGCHETL)
Postgraduate Diploma in Education (TQUP)
Bachelor of Education (In-service, Primary) (BED)
Bachelor of Special Education (BSE)
Diploma in School Management and Leadership (DSML)
Diploma in Teaching (TQUP)
Faculty of Health Sciences /Public Health/Leadership and Management Training Department/
Advanced Diploma in Emergency Medicine (ADEM)
Diploma in Health Services Management (DHSM)
The doctoral degrees are available as well but through the Post Graduate Centre.
Responsibilities for the delivery and facilitation of academic programs are in the hands of the Faculty Deans and Heads of Departments (HOD). The Director of the Centre takes full responsibility for the administration and management of the Centre and he is also responsible to provide leadership at FLC to foster discipline among the academics and administrative staff and comprehensive interpersonal relationship within.
Every year ca. 500-530 new students join DWU through FLC and over two hundred graduate after successful completion of their studies in respective programs. The enrollments for these programs might be done within Faculties two month ahead the program commenced. Potential students can obtain necessary information on programs and the operational academic calendar via e-mail (flc@dwu.ac.pg) or via post (FLC, P. O. Box 483, DWU, Madang) or via phone (422 29 37). The Centre holds briefed brochures at the reception desk on each separate program which could be acquired throughout the whole academic year.
The FLC students must participate in full and intensive lecturers for a period of two weeks at each semester. This is a compulsory duty together with other academic tasks, e.g., submission of a group assignment and then within five weeks of research and own studies, submission of individual assignment.
With regard the FLC’s administrative and academic functions, these are open to both national and international observers and regulatory agencies, hence we are demanded to provide improved management and teaching practices to match today’s changing environment. This is a part of the Centre’s strategy to comply with the University’s values and policies on Total Quality Assurance.
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