In view of the growing demand in the country for lifelong learning, it is proposed to set up a cluster of these Centres to cope with the new challenges that the University is facing. This Lifelong Learning Cluster (LLC) will pool resources from these three Centres (human infrastructure and financial) to technologically design Programmes of Studies and identify and supervise research projects in the ICT and Lifelong Learning. This LLC will be the focal point for satisfying the existing and emerging needs of non-conventional learners. It will reach out the regional international community at a later stage.

It is felt that by grouping the three Centres into a Cluster, a synergy will entail that could eventually sustain the University in its development path.

1. Design and deliver short and full-fledged Programmes of Studies ranging from undergraduate certificate to Postgraduate levels.

2. Design and deliver Programmes of a non-conventional nature targeted towards the whole community, to face the emerging needs created by the re-engineering of the Mauritian society.

3. Encourage the continuing personal growth and intellectual development of adults, empowering them to reflect and generate change for themselves.

4. Design innovative modes of delivery, which can enhance access to lifelong learning and their productivity potential of existing human resources.

5. Admit students to Programmes at the Centre(s).

Any non-conventional educational Programme offered by the Lifelong Learning Cluster will be assessed through either the Continuous Learning Assessment Scheme, the PearsonVUE Authorised Test Centre, CISCO Test Centre or any other skills recognition scheme under certification to be approved by Senate.

Research

1. Initiate, appraise and undertake research projects related to sustainable capacity building within the University and the country at large.
2. Undertake international networking to promote collaboration and enhance the outreach of the University to the whole Indian Ocean and African region

Consultancy

Provide consultancy services in such fields as:

1. Approaches and Methodologies to improve the quality of education and add value to existing resources and knowledge.

2. Methodological issues bridging the relationship between society and technology to allow for action and support cultural diversity and creativity.

3. Entrepreneurial model of the University for developing countries and methodologies to make effective the impact of research and technology transfer on their socio-economic environment, evaluation, certification and quality assurance issues for developing countries.

4. Respond to any other emerging needs as expressed by the community or the government.

Others

Promote exchange and mobility of staff with overseas institutions.

A Lifelong Learning Cluster Board will manage the proposed Cluster. It will be composed of:

Director, VCILT - Responsible for e-learning, e-pedagogy and technology
Director, CPDL - Responsible for Distance Education/Pedagogy
Director, CITS   - Responsible for IT Backbone and Vendor Certificates
Director, Quality Assurance - for QA Matters
Manager/Head of Academic Unit, VCILT
Manager, MIS

One representative from each Faculty, to be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor, in consultation with the Dean.

Registrar’s Representative - Secretary

The senior-most Director of the three Centres (VCILT, CPDL and CITS) will chair the “Lifelong Learning Cluster Board”.

Other members may be co-opted as and when necessary.

Reporting

The Lifelong Learning Cluster Board will report to either T&L or RCI, depending on the topics addressed before onward transmission to Senate and/or Council, as appropriate. Quality Assurance issues will be discussed at the level of Central Administration Quality Assurance Team (CQAT).