Teaching

As an accredited university institute, UniDistance Suisse is mandated to offer high-quality, research-based degree programmes while ensuring significant flexibility in terms of time and location. It promotes equal opportunities, contributes to addressing the shortage of skilled professionals, and simultaneously strengthens the internationalisation of Swiss higher education.

Its vision is that of a “university without walls”: innovative in its use of digital technologies and open to a diverse student population. This includes, in particular, working professionals, students admitted under the «25+» programme, and individuals with disabilities.

The teaching strategy is based on several fundamental principles:

• Unity of teaching and research: All faculties establish a close link between research and academic teaching.
• Student-centred approach: In line with the principles of the Bologna Reform and the ECTS system, individual responsibility, learning progress, and student success are at the heart of teaching.
• Digital teaching and digital transformation: Teaching is based primarily on digital teaching and learning formats. These include online learning materials, synchronous online lectures recorded for later viewing, and digital examinations. These are complemented by regular academic interactions, which take place online or, where relevant, in person. Participation in teaching is not mandatory in principle, unless specific didactic requirements dictate otherwise.
• Quality and support: Individual support, rapid feedback, and regular evaluations guarantee the quality of the educational offerings. Students and external experts are involved in this process.

For the coming years, the strategy focuses on five priority areas of development:

1. Strengthening digitalisation: Continuous development of a high-performance technological infrastructure and promotion of digital skills for students and teaching staff, supported by the EDUDL+ service (Educational Development Unit in Distance Learning).
2. Expansion of the study programme offering: Development of the offering within the faculties, notably through the creation of new study programmes, interdisciplinary pathways, minors, and micro-credentials.
3. Skills development: Continuous professional development for teaching staff in innovative didactic approaches and educational technologies, as well as targeted promotion of students’ digital competencies.
4. Strengthening quality assurance: Implementation of systematic evaluations of study programmes, teaching courses, and teaching staff competencies.
5. Clarification of governance: Precise definition of the roles and responsibilities of the Vice-Rectorate for Teaching (strategic orientation), the Directorate of Academic Services (operational implementation), and support services (Student Services, Faculty Services, and IT).