Principles of the European Network for Higher Education Online (EuNeOn)
Aims of EuNeOn
(1) EuNeOn is a network of agencies and networks set up in European countries in order to promote the shared use of online courses, educational materials and resources in higher education and thus to make the best use of expertise, shared knowledge and sensible division of labour. In this way, the networks cooperating in EuNeOn make use of the economic advantages of online education as much as of its pedagogical and social benefits.
(2) By sharing their experience and by exploring ways to more intensive cooperation, the agencies and networks united in EuNeOn will make a significant contribution to the development of e-Learning in European higher education. By emphasising the economic aspects of high-quality online education as well as its pedagogical and social aspects, EuNeOn will contribute to the enhancement of European competitiveness in the fields of education and the development of the European knowledge society.
(3) EuNeOn will complement the existing European organisations and initiatives in the field of online education by also focussing on the aspects of management and economy. With this aim, EuNeOn will concentrate on the practical issues of online education and will therefore bring together decision makers and top executives of the respective leading European organisations in online teaching and learning on the higher education level.
(4) EuNeOn will support, facilitate and advance virtual student and staff mobility and the practical aspects of the implementation of the Bologna process as well as the exchange of content.
(5) The member organisations of EuNeOn will make available their experience and know-how to all member organisations. They will furthermore make available their experience and know-how to emerging networks and other interested organisations in order to promote the dissemination of good management and organisational practice in online education on the university level. The member organisations of EuNeOn will contribute to the creation, expansion and strengthening of stable and sustainable structures for the shared use of online courses, educational materials and other resources in higher education.
Membership
(1) To qualify as a full or associate member of EuNeOn, a network or organisation must pursue the aims outlined above.
(2) New members (full or associate) are accepted by majority vote of the existing full members.
(3) Competition for status within EuNeOn between organisations from one country is to be avoided.
(4) Full members should not compete for the recognition by the appropriate institution or body (e.g. ministry of higher education, conference of rectors) in their respective country.
(5) Organisations or institutes interested in building national networks or agencies pursuing the aims of EuNeOn are welcome as observers.
(6) There are no membership fees. Financial expenditures and contributions will be decided about on a project basis as the case arises.
Organisational Structure
(1) Full and associate members name contact persons and / or representatives of their organisations in EuNeOn.
(2) Full and associate members meet at least once a year.
(3) Full and associate members elect a coordinator and a substitute for the coordinator for a period of two years.
(4) Full and associate members adopt biannual action plans for the activities of EuNeOn.