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==History==
==History==
University of the People was launched by educational entrepreneur [[Shai Reshef]] in January 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.inc.com/articles/2009/04/uopeople.html |title=It's Time to Give Back |publisher=Inc. |date=2009-04-20 |accessdate=2017-05-17}}</ref> The school has no campus or offices, and uses a [[PO box]] in California in order to qualify as American institution.<ref name=presto>{{cite web |url=https://www.presto.news/university-people-forum-review-uopeople-accreditation-6251755280.html |title=University of the people's forum: let's review UoPeople's accreditation |accessdate=20 June 2017}}</ref>
University of the People was launched by educational entrepreneur [[Shai Reshef]] in January 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.inc.com/articles/2009/04/uopeople.html |title=It's Time to Give Back |publisher=Inc. |date=2009-04-20 |accessdate=2017-05-17}}</ref> The school has no campus or offices, and uses a [[PO box]] in California in order to qualify as American institution.<ref name=presto>{{cite web |url=https://evidence-based.review/university-people-forum-review-uopeople-accreditation-6251755280.html |title=University of the people's forum: let's review UoPeople's accreditation |accessdate=20 June 2017}}</ref>


The first intake of UoPeople students began studying in September 2009, when 177 people from 49 countries across the globe comprised the inaugural class, studying for associate and bachelor's degrees in business administration and computer science.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/education/2009/oct/06/online-university-no-fees |title=An online university - with no fees |website=theguardian.com |date=2009-10-06 |accessdate=2017-05-17}}</ref>
The first intake of UoPeople students began studying in September 2009, when 177 people from 49 countries across the globe comprised the inaugural class, studying for associate and bachelor's degrees in business administration and computer science.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/education/2009/oct/06/online-university-no-fees |title=An online university - with no fees |website=theguardian.com |date=2009-10-06 |accessdate=2017-05-17}}</ref>
Line 52: Line 52:


==Structure and organization==
==Structure and organization==
{{Confusing section|reason=it may be misleading because the people on the list have never worked for the school (except for Shai Reshef)|small=no}}
{{Advert section|date=October 2017}}
The university is led by a board of trustees<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.uopeople.edu/about/leadership/board-of-trustees/|title=Board of Trustees|website=www.uopeople.edu|access-date=2016-08-23}}</ref> and its President's Council.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.uopeople.edu/about/leadership/presidents-council/|title=President's Council|website=www.uopeople.edu|access-date=2016-08-23}}</ref> The university's operations are centered on its more than 6,000 volunteers, who fill roles at every level of the organization, from lecturers to administrative staff. These volunteers are supported by a small staff of salaried employees.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/university-of-the-people-demands-high-standards-of-farflung-students/news-story/8bd891a9264c0dd17a041b85da7d0d30|title=University of the People demands high standards of far-flung students|website=The Australian|date=2016-11-16|access-date=2017-05-17}}</ref>
The university is led by a board of trustees<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.uopeople.edu/about/leadership/board-of-trustees/|title=Board of Trustees|website=www.uopeople.edu|access-date=2016-08-23}}</ref> and its President's Council.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.uopeople.edu/about/leadership/presidents-council/|title=President's Council|website=www.uopeople.edu|access-date=2016-08-23}}</ref> The university's operations are centered on its more than 6,000 volunteers, who fill roles at every level of the organization, from lecturers to administrative staff. These volunteers are supported by a small staff of salaried employees.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/university-of-the-people-demands-high-standards-of-farflung-students/news-story/8bd891a9264c0dd17a041b85da7d0d30|title=University of the People demands high standards of far-flung students|website=The Australian|date=2016-11-16|access-date=2017-05-17}}</ref>


Line 86: Line 88:
==Partnerships==
==Partnerships==
{{Outdated|reason=most of these press releases are outdated and their content may not be valid anymore|date=October 2017}}
{{Outdated|reason=most of these press releases are outdated and their content may not be valid anymore|date=October 2017}}
{{Advert section|date=October 2017}}
=== UC Berkeley ===
=== UC Berkeley ===
In April 2016, UoPeople entered into a partnership with University of California, Berkeley.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/berkeley-accept-university-people-graduates|title=Berkeley to accept University of the People graduates|website=Times Higher Education|date=2016-04-05|access-date=2016-08-23}}</ref> Under the terms of the partnership, UoPeople students who complete an associate degree have the opportunity to apply to Berkeley to complete their bachelor's degree, although there is no guarantee that UC Berkeley will accept them. UoPeople President Shai Reshef praised the agreement as "the ultimate endorsement of the value of our degrees." Berkeley Chancellor Nicholas Dirks (a member of the UoPeople President's Council) said that "UoPeople’s mission is closely aligned with the mission of Berkeley, to open the gates to a quality higher education to every deserving student."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.uopeople.edu/about/worldwide-recognition/press-releases/uc-berkeley-partners-with-uopeople/|title=UC Berkeley Partners with UoPeople|website=www.uopeople.edu|date=2016-04-04|access-date=2017-05-17}}</ref>
In April 2016, UoPeople entered into a partnership with University of California, Berkeley.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/berkeley-accept-university-people-graduates|title=Berkeley to accept University of the People graduates|website=Times Higher Education|date=2016-04-05|access-date=2016-08-23}}</ref> Under the terms of the partnership, UoPeople students who complete an associate degree have the opportunity to apply to Berkeley to complete their bachelor's degree, although there is no guarantee that UC Berkeley will accept them. UoPeople President Shai Reshef praised the agreement as "the ultimate endorsement of the value of our degrees." Berkeley Chancellor Nicholas Dirks (a member of the UoPeople President's Council) said that "UoPeople’s mission is closely aligned with the mission of Berkeley, to open the gates to a quality higher education to every deserving student."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.uopeople.edu/about/worldwide-recognition/press-releases/uc-berkeley-partners-with-uopeople/|title=UC Berkeley Partners with UoPeople|website=www.uopeople.edu|date=2016-04-04|access-date=2017-05-17}}</ref>

Revision as of 13:18, 29 October 2017

University of the People
File:Seal of UoPeople.jpg
University Seal
Latin: Universitas Populi
MottoTuition-Free University
TypePrivate nationally accredited (non-profit) co-educational, nonsectarian
Established2009
EndowmentUS$1.3 million (2013)[1]
PresidentShai Reshef
Students10,199 (2017)[2]
Location
Pasadena
,
California
,
United States
CampusOnline: the school has no campus or headquarters, and uses a virtual office/PO box in Pasadena.
ColorsEggplant  
WebsiteUoPeople.edu

University of the People (UoPeople) is an American[3] 501(c)(3) non-profit[1] institution of higher education.[4][5] Founded by Israeli[4] entrepreneur Shai Reshef in 2009, the university offers Undergraduate & Graduate School degrees and is nationally accredited and recognized by the United States Department of Education (U.S.DoED), Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).[6] It is also approved by California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).[7]

The university's stated mission is to open the gates to higher education and to give an opportunity to all qualified students who don’t have it, regardless of financial, geographical, political, cultural or personal constraints.[8]

History

University of the People was launched by educational entrepreneur Shai Reshef in January 2009.[9] The school has no campus or offices, and uses a PO box in California in order to qualify as American institution.[10]

The first intake of UoPeople students began studying in September 2009, when 177 people from 49 countries across the globe comprised the inaugural class, studying for associate and bachelor's degrees in business administration and computer science.[11]

University of the People received accreditation in January 2014, through the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), formerly the Distance Education and Training Council.[6][12] The DEAC has been formally recognized by the now-defunct U.S. Office of Education as an accreditor of higher education institutions since 1959. On the other hand, the school didn't seek regional accreditation.[10]

In April 2014, the University celebrated the graduation of its first intake of bachelor's degree students, who came from the United States, Syria, Jordan and Nigeria.[13]

In March 2016, the university began offering an online MBA, with the course itself beginning in September 2016.[14] The course has an emphasis on business and community leadership, and is designed to provide graduates with skills needed to thrive in senior organizational roles. However, the MBA is not accredited by any business school accreditation bodies (e.g. AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS).[10]

In May 2016, UoPeople announced associate and bachelor's degrees in Health Science, commencing September 2016.[15]

Tuition

The University of the People bills itself as "tuition-free". Nevertheless, there are costs that a student must pay:

  • Registration fee of $60 to register as a student at the University of the People[16]
  • Assessment fee of $100 for undergraduate assessments and $200 for graduate assessments for each exam a student takes[17]

To complete an associate degree (A.S.), a student must take 20 exams and 40 exams for a bachelor's degree, which cost a total of $2,060 and $4,060 respectively. For the MBA, a student has to pay a $200 exam fee per course for a total of 12 courses, which brings the total cost for the MBA to $2460.

Students who cannot afford to pay may be eligible for scholarships.[18]

Criticism

Critics say that advertising this business model as tuition-free is misleading, because replacing tuition with a series of compulsory fees forces students to pay tuition anyway (which, in this case, is called "fees" instead of "tuition"). Besides, if the school were actually tuition-free, there would be no need to advertise hypothetical scholarships to exempt a student from paying the fees.[10]

Structure and organization

The university is led by a board of trustees[19] and its President's Council.[20] The university's operations are centered on its more than 6,000 volunteers, who fill roles at every level of the organization, from lecturers to administrative staff. These volunteers are supported by a small staff of salaried employees.[21]

UoPeople President's Council offers guidance and support while promoting the university's mission on the international stage, and has gained widespread support from leading academics, none of which teaches any courses at UoPeople. The Council is chaired by New York University President Emeritus John Sexton,[22] and includes:

UoPeople's Board of Trustees[23] is chaired by Goldfarb Seligman & Co lawyer Ashok J.Chandrasekhar. Trustee members include:

University of the People uses instructor support combined with learning by teaching and peer-to-peer learning. The university also employs online discussion forums and online communities in order for students to cover readings, share resources, exchange ideas and discuss assigned questions. Scholars, professors, librarians, master level students and other professionals — many of them acting on a voluntary basis — oversee and participate in both the assessment process and the development of curricula.[24]

UoPeople students also have access to the UoPeople Library & Resource Center (ULRC), a virtual environment delivered through the university course site. The Center's collections are primarily proprietary academic resources, but also include open educational resources.[25]

Partnerships

UC Berkeley

In April 2016, UoPeople entered into a partnership with University of California, Berkeley.[26] Under the terms of the partnership, UoPeople students who complete an associate degree have the opportunity to apply to Berkeley to complete their bachelor's degree, although there is no guarantee that UC Berkeley will accept them. UoPeople President Shai Reshef praised the agreement as "the ultimate endorsement of the value of our degrees." Berkeley Chancellor Nicholas Dirks (a member of the UoPeople President's Council) said that "UoPeople’s mission is closely aligned with the mission of Berkeley, to open the gates to a quality higher education to every deserving student."[27]

Yale Law School Information Society Project

University of the People and Yale Law School ISP (Information Society Project) announced a digital education research partnership in 2009.[28][29] Jack Balkin, Yale ISP Director and Knight Professor of Constitutional Law and the First Amendment at Yale Law School, serves on the Arts and Science Advisory Board of University of the People.

New York University

In June 2011, New York University (NYU)[30] announced a collaborative agreement with University of the People to identify those UoPeople students eligible for admission to New York University's Abu Dhabi campus. Recognizing that many of UoPeople's students are economically disadvantaged youth, eligible students who qualify for admittance to NYU Abu Dhabi, as well as qualify for financial aid, may receive generous financial aid to enable them to afford attendance at NYU Abu Dhabi. John Sexton is the chairman of the University's council of Presidents, and all three UoPeople deans hail from NYU.

Microsoft4Afrika

Through the Microsoft4Afrika scholarship program, Microsoft has pledged to sponsor African students to study at UoPeople. Scholarship recipients will further enhance their skills and experience through participation in additional support programs, including professional training from Microsoft, mentorship by Microsoft employees, internships, and job opportunities with Microsoft and their affiliates in Africa. The university plans to replicate this partnership with further corporations in the future.[31]

Hewlett Packard (HP)

University of the People and Hewlett Packard (HP)[32] announced a partnership in June 2011 to open up virtual research internships for UoPeople students as part of HP's Catalyst Initiative—a global network of consortia that brings together educational institutions and nongovernmental organizations.

Additionally, Hewlett-Packard was the first corporate sponsor of the University of the People Women Scholarship Fund, with a donation of $200,000 to sponsor 100 women towards the attainment of their associate degrees.[33] HP also gave the University a 200,000 general donation, and donated computers to the University's learning center in Haiti.

United Nations

Working under the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, GAID was approved by the United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan in 2006 in recognition that ICT must be effectively integrated into development activities if internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals, are to be achieved within the agreed time frame. On May 19, 2009, UN-GAID announced the launch of University of the People at a press conference in New York to reporters, and its President, Shai Reshef, was named as a high-profile advisor to UN GAID.[34]

In November 2014, the university announced a partnership with UNHCR to offer higher education to refugees and asylum seekers.[35]

Clinton Global Initiative

Clinton Global Initiative Advances University of the People Pledge to Democratize Higher Education in Haiti. In August 2010, UoPeople was invited to become a member of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI),[36] and announced its commitment to Haiti, in which UoPeople committed to accepting 250 qualified Haitian youth to study at the University for free, helping them access education and develop the skills needed to rebuild their country. The commitment was fulfilled in May 2014.

In 2012, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation donated $500,000 to University of the People, as well as helping its work toward receiving for accreditation.[37]

OpenCourseWare consortium

OpenCourseWare is a free and open digital publication of high quality educational materials, organized as courses. The OpenCourseWare Consortium (OCWC) is a collaboration of more than 200 higher education institutions and associated organizations from around the world creating a broad and deep body of open educational content using a shared model. As a member of OCWC, UoPeople strengthens its commitment to advancing the current education system via the Internet.[38]

Asal Technologies

University of the People moved its IT development to Ramallah via a technology partnership with Asal Technologies, as announced on March 7, 2012.[39] One of the primary drivers behind this move is that the University states it is determined to not only provide educational opportunity, but also job opportunities to regions in need of them. Palestine is one such region. Since opening the center, part of the university's student services and financial support services have relocated to Ramallah as well.[40] University of the People also announced it is currently considering moving a large part of its back office operations to Ramallah, in order to provide additional jobs.

Ashoka

Ashoka is the largest network of social entrepreneurs worldwide, with nearly 3,000 Ashoka Fellows in 70 countries putting their system changing ideas into practice on a global scale. In recognition of his revolutionary venture, UoPeople President Shai Reshef was elected an Ashoka Fellow in December 2009. The program lends Reshef professional support, including access to a global network of two thousand peers throughout the world.[41]

Awards and recognition

In 2013, the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) Association and MasterCard Worldwide announced that University of People (UoPeople) was the winner of the 2013 ISIC Award for its "innovative approach to education access."[42][43] In 2015, University of the People's President Shai Reshef was named Salt Magazine's "#8 Most Compassionate Businessman in the World."[44] In 2016, Prince's Prize for Innovative Philanthropy has been awarded to president Shai Reshef of University of the People.[45]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b High, Peter (March 3, 2014). "A Conversation With The President Of The World's First Non-Profit, Tuition-Free, Accredited University". Forbes. Retrieved May 29, 2014.
  2. ^ "University of the People, Who We Are". University of the People. Retrieved April 2, 2017.
  3. ^ "Earn an Online American University Degree, Tuition-Free | 2015-2016 Scholarships". www.scholars4dev.com. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  4. ^ a b Lewin, Tamar (January 25, 2009). "Israeli Entrepreneur Plans a Free Global University That Will Be Online Only". New York Times. Retrieved May 30, 2009.
  5. ^ "Form 990 Supplemental Information" (PDF). 2014.
  6. ^ a b "University of the People". Distance Education Accrediting Commission. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
  7. ^ "University of the People". California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. August 31, 2015. Retrieved September 7, 2015.
  8. ^ "Who We Are – In Briefl". uopeople.edu. Retrieved May 17, 2017.
  9. ^ "It's Time to Give Back". Inc. April 20, 2009. Retrieved May 17, 2017.
  10. ^ a b c d "University of the people's forum: let's review UoPeople's accreditation". Retrieved June 20, 2017.
  11. ^ "An online university - with no fees". theguardian.com. October 6, 2009. Retrieved May 17, 2017.
  12. ^ Lewin, Tamar (February 13, 2014). "Free Online University Receives Accreditation, in Time for Graduating Class of 7". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  13. ^ "UoPeople Annual report, 2014" (PDF). www.uopeople.edu. Retrieved May 17, 2017.
  14. ^ "University of the People Launches MBA | AACSB BizEd Magazine". www.bizedmagazine.com. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
  15. ^ "Health Studies Degree Launched". www.uopeople.edu. May 3, 2016. Retrieved May 17, 2017.
  16. ^ "FAQ University of the People". uopeople.edu. Retrieved October 15, 2015.
  17. ^ "Israeli Entrepreneur Opens Online University in West Bank". The New York Times. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  18. ^ Parr, Chris (March 21, 2013). "University of the People on course for stability | News". Timeshighereducation.co.uk. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  19. ^ "Board of Trustees". www.uopeople.edu. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
  20. ^ "President's Council". www.uopeople.edu. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
  21. ^ "University of the People demands high standards of far-flung students". The Australian. November 16, 2016. Retrieved May 17, 2017.
  22. ^ "NYU: Office of the President Emeritus". www.nyu.edu. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  23. ^ "Board of Trustees - Our Leadership". www.uopeople.edu. Retrieved November 11, 2015.
  24. ^ "UoPeople Method". www.uopeople.edu. Retrieved May 17, 2017.
  25. ^ "Library Services". www.uopeople.edu. Retrieved March 22, 2014.
  26. ^ "Berkeley to accept University of the People graduates". Times Higher Education. April 5, 2016. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
  27. ^ "UC Berkeley Partners with UoPeople". www.uopeople.edu. April 4, 2016. Retrieved May 17, 2017.
  28. ^ "Yale ISP and University of the People Partner for Digital Education Research". Yale Law School. September 22, 2009. Archived from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved October 21, 2009. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  29. ^ "Yale ISP and UoPeople Partner". University of the People's Blog. September 22, 2009. Retrieved October 21, 2009.
  30. ^ Tamar Lewin (June 9, 2011). "Partnership to Further Global Quest by N.Y.U." New York Times. Retrieved June 12, 2011.
  31. ^ "4Afrika | Youth 4Afrika". Microsoft.com. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  32. ^ Sarah Kessler (June 29, 2011). "Traditional Higher Ed Opens Doors for Tuition-Free Online University". Mashable. Retrieved July 3, 2011.
  33. ^ Ethan Bauley (July 11, 2012). "HP is first contributor to UoPeople Women Scholarship Fund". HP Data Central. Retrieved July 12, 2012.
  34. ^ "UN announces launch of world's first tuition-free, online university". UN News Centre. May 19, 2009.
  35. ^ "University of the People Offers Tuition-Free Higher Education to Refugees | Hewlett Foundation". www.hewlett.org. November 25, 2014.
  36. ^ "Clinton Global Initiative Advances University of the People Pledge to Democratize Higher Education in Haiti". USA: Yahoo!news. September 20, 2010. Retrieved October 18, 2010.[dead link]
  37. ^ "Gates Foundation Announces $9 Million in Grants to Support Breakthrough Learning Models in Postsecondary Education | Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation". Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. June 12, 2012. Retrieved November 11, 2015.
  38. ^ Open Education Consortium Members
  39. ^ "University of the People Partners for Technology in Ramallah, Palestine". UoPeople. USA. March 7, 2012. Retrieved November 20, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  40. ^ Reshef, Shai (March 19, 2012). "My Vision: Peace in Palestine and Beyond". USA: Huffington Post. Retrieved November 20, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  41. ^ "Shai Reshef | Ashoka - Innovators for the Public". Ashoka.org. November 18, 2010. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  42. ^ "UoPeople named 2013 ISIC award winner". Uopeople.org. May 22, 2013. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  43. ^ [1] Archived November 12, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
  44. ^ "Salt | #8 Shai Reshef". Salt. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  45. ^ "News - HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco awards the 2015 Prince's Prize for Innovative Philanthropy to Amitabh Shah of YUVA Unstoppable". www.fpa2.com. Retrieved August 23, 2016.

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