Dean Message
Abdul S. Hassam, Ph.D.

In contrast to the traditional residential university, a distance learning university is one in which students interact and communicate with the University using various media. They interface with the University's administration and faculty through the mail and the electronic media such as telephone, fax, email, computers, etc.

Certain implications immediately follow from this situation. The role of the traditional classroom is reduced and classroom instruction, in the sense of "sitting in", is all but eliminated. Instead, the educational process returns to the root meaning of education, the Latin term "educare", to lead out. Each student is encouraged to reach within and draw out new insights based on new perspectives of past and current experiences. This approach provides the greatest possible respect for the mature student's own individualism, initiative, and special interests.

Equally important is the fact that the mature, already accomplished student, no longer bound to the classroom, works closely with an acknowledged expert who serves as the learner's faculty advisor and directs the details of an individualized independent study program. While a distance learning university may seem unconventional, the one-to-one relationship between the mature student and faculty advisor at Rutherford University (Rutherford.edu) recalls the tutorial system of classical European universities. The distance learning university is more concerned with what the student has achieved and is achieving in life than with performances in classrooms.

The process is one based on performance and pragmatism; the ideal test of education being functional in knowledge that is applied over time. The distance learning university, in essence, provides a focal point for the already experienced, accomplished student to synthesize and codify his or her experiences and to receive academic acknowledgment on which can be built an earned degree.

At Rutherford University, we design academic programs for each student individually and recognize their life experiences. I invite you to explore the Rutherford University website (RUTHERFORD.EDU) for comprehensive information about our mission and philosophy, academic programs, admission and monitoring procedures, and success of our students.

Welcome to Rutherford University !

 

 

2006-07 ® All Rights Reserved | Corbiz Consultancy Sdn Bhd