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Observatory For Lifelong Learning

Aims and Objectives




WHAT ARE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF EUCEN?

  1. to contribute to the economic and cultural life of Europe through the promotion and advancement of lifelong learning within higher education institutions in Europe and elsewhere;
  2. to foster universities' influence in the development of lifelong learning knowledge and policies throughout Europe.

In furtherance of the above-mentioned objectives the Association shall have, amongst its functions, the following:

  1. to provide a forum for the development, interchange and dissemination of innovation and good practice on lifelong learning within European higher education;
  2. to encourage high standards in all areas of lifelong learning and to harmonise levels of quality for lifelong learning among its members;
  3. to represent the interests of the lifelong learning community within higher education and to European policymakers;
  4. to facilitate communication, liaison and collaboration with other appropriate bodies and organisations;
  5. to promote and conduct research into lifelong learning and to disseminate the results of this research;
  6. to obtain, collect and receive money, funds and other property and to administer them in pursuance of the objectives of the Association.

The Association shall ensure that its objectives and activities remain non profit-making.

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WHAT DO WE MEAN BY UNIVERSITY LIFELONG LEARNING (ULLL)?


The definition of ULLL varies between countries and universities. EUCEN seeks to include this rich diversity and to have a coherent focus for our activities.

We have therefore adopted the following definition of University Lifelong Learning (ULLL):

"ULLL is the provision by higher education institutions of learning opportunities, services and research for: the personal and professional development of a wide range of individuals - lifelong and lifewide; and the social, cultural and economic development of communities and the region. It is at university level and research-based; it focuses primarily on the needs of the learners; and it is often developed and/or provided in collaboration with stakeholders and external actors".


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WHAT IS OUR VISION?

  • Enable members to serve most effectively the people of Europe, particularly in their own regions, through the provision of high quality lifelong learning.
  • Influence the development of university lifelong learning policy throughout Europe.
  • Promote a European model of lifelong learning based on democracy, equal rights and social justice.
  • Contribute to a lifelong learning policy that takes into account economic and social needs.
  • Promote interaction in order to identify and mobilise resources within the Association network.

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WHAT IS OUR MISSION?

 

  • Enable the exchange of experience and information between members on current lifelong learning regulations and policies and establish contacts with the relevant European bodies.
  • Provide contacts for members with lifelong learning policy makers and practitioners in a range of universities throughout Europe.
  • Seek to harmonise levels of quality for ULLL among members and to maintain standards for effective monitoring.
  • Contribute to the development of an effective university credit transfer system that would be acceptable within the network.
  • Seek to influence European policy on ULLL.

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WHAT STRATEGY DO WE HAVE TO ACHIEVE THIS?

      
  • Assist ULLL policy makers in selecting the most appropriate and effective policies for their own institutions.
  • Provide a forum in which ideas about ULLL can be discussed.
  • Provide an accurate and rapid source of information to members on ULLL in European countries.
  • Help members to strengthen their contacts with employers and the professions in European countries.
  • Encourage the exchange of information between universities and employers to identify their changing LLL needs.
  • Provide academic and administrative support with members working together to expand their LLL provision.
  • Support members wishing to develop European LLL research.
  • Provide opportunities for LLL staff development through staff exchange.
  • Seek opportunities for student exchange.

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WHAT ROLE DOES EUCEN HAVE?


EUCEN has an important role in the policy making process. It is represented on a number of committees and advisory panels at European level and provides experts and expert teams for international projects and consultancy to universities wishing to develop lifelong learning strategies and actions. Through conferences, projects and networking activities we provide a wide range of opportunities for staff and curriculum development, for the sharing of best practice and for the development of international contacts for ULLL.

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European Education Lifelong Learning