University of the Arctic

The University of the Arctic (UArctic) is an international non-governmental organisation dedicated to higher education in and about the Circumpolar North. UArctic is a decentralised university that runs programmes of higher education and research, builds local and regional educational capacity, and stimulates co-operation among participating institutions.

The University of the Arctic is referred to as "a university without walls". It consists of a co-operating network of universities, colleges and other organisations concerned with higher education and research - it is not an individual, degree-granting institution. UArctic Members share resources, facilities and expertise to build post-secondary education programs that are relevant and accessible to northern students. The University of the Arctic celebrated its official launch in June 2001. Oulu University of Applied Sciences joined the University of the Arctic in October 2001.

Guided by its vision and values, The University of the Arctic seeks to

Improve Access to Education...

Reduce barriers to higher education in the North in order to provide increased opportunities for northerners.

Serve Our Community...

Develop initiatives in partnership with our community that meet their needs and support their aspirations. UArctic has chosen, in its early stages, to focus on three core issues: accessibility, curricular relevance and mobility. Its activities include the Bachelor of Circumpolar Studies (BCS), the online Arctic Learning Environment (ALE) portal, and the Circumpolar Mobility Program (CMP).

Create Shared Knowledge...

Create Shared Knowledge and provide for quality discussion on contemporary issues related to the Circumpolar North.

Build Regional Identity...

Build a shared regional identity, while valuing inclusiveness and respect for diversity across the region.

Strengthen the Voice of the Arctic......

Strengthen the Circumpolar North's role in the world by increasing awareness of Arctic issues.

UArctic activities are currently implemented and supported by a secretariat, the Circumpolar Coordination Office, hosted in Rovaniemi, Finland by the University of Lapland and international programme coordination offices in different member institutions.

For more information, please visit the website of the University of the Arctic, www.uarctic.org.

Oulu University of Applied Sciences is a member of the University of the Arctic. Member of UArctic