Lifelong learning is defined as continuously gaining knowledge or skills to achieve educational, life or career goals. The Kent State University Lifelong Learning Initiative promotes and supports impactful learning experiences that complement approaches to or extend beyond those provided through the university’s degree programs. Lifelong learning embraces a variety of teaching modalities and encompasses both for-credit and non-credit realms of education. Kent State’s goal is to become a champion of lifelong learning experiences relevant in every phase of life through a broad range of learning opportunities to benefit individuals and communities.
At Kent State University, we believe in providing access to high quality educational experiences and opportunities to earn credentials that positively impact the lives and careers of learners. Lifelong learning extends that commitment to a wider variety of learners than we have served in the past to ensure greater access to a broader community of learners.
- Become a champion of lifelong learning experiences relevant in every phase of life.
- Define, develop, and implement a broad range of learning opportunities to benefit individuals and communities.
- Provide current and prospective lifelong learners with a simple, well-supported experience from the point of first opportunity awareness to completion.
Objectives
- Offer easy on and off ramps, a variety of learning formats and delivery modes, and an array of programs to help learners build their professional skills, explore their passions, and keep pace with technological advances.
Strategies
- Develop a list of the types of learning experiences that should be considered part of the Lifelong Learning Initiative based on market demand analysis and institutional mission.
- Develop a robust Lifelong Learning portfolio of educational opportunities grounded in Kent State’s mission and serving market needs by conducting a full environmental scan to identify (a) all current KSU offerings that could fit under the Lifelong Learning Initiative and (b) high-demand opportunities for consideration.
- Develop comprehensive Lifelong Learning user experience that meets the needs of learners, employers, faculty and staff.