Open University

Open University

Type	Public research university
Established	1964
Academic staff	8.000 (2020)
Administrative staff	4.000 (2020)
Students	60.000 (2020)
Location	Kanedras , Kausania and other centres , Gylias
Website	http://www.ou.gls/

The Open University is a public research university, with its main facility located in Kanedras, Kausania. It is Gylias' largest distance learning institution.

History

The Open University was founded in 1964, and became the "crown jewel" of education ministers Rin Tōsaka and Sakura Tōsaka's strong advocacy of distance learning. Rin herself would name the Open University as one of her proudest accomplishments.

With its administrative centre established in Kanedras, the Open University has been a major force and pioneer in Gylian distance learning, utilising a variety of methods including written materials, television and radio, home video and cassette tape formats in the 1980s, and the internet since the 1990s.

Academics

Open University is divided into four faculties: Arts and Social Sciences, Law, Science and Technology, and Education and Wellbeing. There are a total of 20 departments, each grouped in their respective faculty.

Notably, the university does not have an economics department.

It is considered a top research institution of Gylias, particularly in social sciences, humanities, and law.

Governance

The university is governed through a system of direct democracy: boards are chosen by sortition among students and faculty, who then vote on every issue. The boards in turn elect the university council, which monitors performance and formalises the budget and long-term planning.

It owns terrestrial television and radio broadcasting stations at the headquarters in Kanedras, and also uses satellite broadcasting.

Notable people

Notable alumni of the university include Jeanette Moitessier, Kaede Suzuki, and Chihiro Munakata.

Former President Eiín Dairyn worked as a tutor at the university after her presidential term ended.