EUCEN - 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.

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".

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. More...