THE OPEN UNIVERSITY AT BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY

     The Benguet State University-Open University (BSU-OU) was established in 1997 through University Board Resolution No. 768 in fulfillment of Article XIV (Education) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and R. A. No. 7722 known as the Higher Education Act in 1994 as follows:

1. Article XIV (Education) - to make quality education at all levels accessible to all Filipinos and to develop "non-formal, informal and indigenous learning systems as well as self-learning/independent and out-of-school study programs particularly those that respond to community needs."
2. R. A. No. 7722 - "the State shall protect, foster and promote the right of all citizens to affordable quality education at all levels, shall take appropriate steps to ensure that education shall be accessible to all….", and "the state shall likewise promote the continuing intellectual growth, the advancement of learning and research, development of responsible and effective leadership, education of high and middle level professionals and the enrichment of cultural heritage."

HOW DOES THE OPEN UNIVERSITY DIFFER FROM THE GRADUATE SCHOOL?
 
     The BSU-OU offers Master's Degree programs and non-degree or short courses that are not offered by the Graduate School in the University.  It also differs from the Graduate School by having an open and distance mode of learning.

WHAT IS OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING?

     In an open and distance mode of learning, the students do not attend classes in classrooms regularly.  The students are given course modules to study and answer, and they meet their professors at least once a month.  Additional consultations with the professors may also be done anytime and by any modes of communication, i.e. through internet or fax.   

     The students are therefore able to gain new knowledge and skills wherever they are whether at work, at home or even while on travel, and at their own pace and time.