JYU Open University receives recognition for quality development
JYU Open University received the E-xcellence quality label in spring 2026 as recognition for its work to improve the quality of Open University education. JYU Open University received the first E-xcellence quality label in Finland in autumn 2022.
JYU Open University systematically develops the quality of its teaching by analysing its own activities, drawing on research knowledge, and actively trying out new solutions for online pedagogy. The Open University staff is engaged in development efforts in cooperation with the university’s faculties, teachers and students.
“The review team was positive about the work of the JYU Open University during their previous visit and commended them on that. In this visit we see that this good work has continued,” says auditors Anja Oskamp and Jon Rosewell.
Flexible competence development for different life situations
Regular cooperation with the JYU Open University’s student panel forms an important foundation for developing operations. JYU Open University students especially value the various ways to complete courses, the range of courses available, guidance, as well as the flexibility and quality of teaching.
“We have already been running our student panels for four years, where some of our students regularly and actively provide comments and feedback to us,” says Merja Karjalainen, Vice Director of JYU Open University. “We are delighted that three student panel members were involved in the quality audit session to answer the auditors’ questions and share their experiences as students.”
Auditors Anja Oskamp and Jon Rosewell gave feedback on, among other issues, how important it is to examine topics such as artificial intelligence and its role in learning together with students. JYU Open University’s student panel activities provide a solid foundation for such a discussion.
“In terms of operation and the system, the services of JYU Open University have been excellent! I could say that I have enjoyed nearly every course I have taken, because the courses are designed to be studied alongside work and other commitments,” says JYU Open University student and student panel member Sanna-Kaisa Salminen. “The academic courses are demanding, of course, but often the content has been divided into smaller parts so that they won’t be too hard to complete. The quality of the courses is evident as soon as you open the Moodle learning environment. In each course, students know the requirements. Good video lectures and accessible materials also contribute to the quality.”
As a student, she appreciates the regular quality assessment of the Open University: “I find it important that the operation is developed based on feedback. A sign of quality is that JYU Open University continues to develop courses, even if they already work quite effectively. From a student’s point of view, I’d say that I would not have enjoyed my studies or felt that I got what I paid for if the quality of courses and the whole operation had been less than adequate.”
The 28,800 students engaged in continuous learning at JYU Open University accounted for 24 percent of the Open University studies in Finland in 2025, with more than 102,100 study credits completed. The extensive course selection covers about 60 subjects and includes hundreds of courses.
Recognition of JYU Open University for quality development
The E-xcellence quality label is awarded as recognition to a university or its unit providing open, distance or online studies. The quality label recognises systematic efforts to improve the quality of teaching and operation. The label reflects the systematic development work of JYU Open University, built on the quality work process in the university community. The label is awarded to an Open University for four years at a time.
“The second time around, preparing for the quality audit was already familiar, and thus went more smoothly than the first time,” Merja Karjalainen states. “This year, we had a small and concise group of Open University staff participating in the quality audit. The quality audit addressed interconnected assessment themes ranging from teaching to guidance and management. AI, for example, was a theme common to all assessment areas.”
Preparations for the quality audit began in autumn 2025 with reflection on the data from the previous audit round, drawing up descriptions of the current state, and drafting a new development plan. In spring, a preparatory meeting for the audit was held between Open University staff, auditors, and an expert from EADTU, the organisation that awards the quality label. The actual audit meeting took place in Jyväskylä in March 2026.
“We did not participate in the E-xcellence audit just to obtain the quality label. Instead, we view the audit as a tool for developing our activities,” says Director of JYU Open University Jukka Lerkkanen. “We consider the development proposals in relation to JYU’s strategy and then, based on these, we prepare development measures in our operating plan and put them into practice.”
In the final report, the auditors gave their development recommendations. Among other things, they proposed that the development of small learning units be continued together with business and industry. The auditors also encouraged the Open University to continue the examination of their activities and monitoring of emerging technologies in the development of Open University education.
“We additionally commend JYU Open University for their demonstrable willingness to enhance quality shown by the actions they have taken upon the recommendations of the previous visit,” says Anja Oskamp and Jon Rosewell.
JYU Open University received excellent ratings for the flexible implementation of its study units, guidance-oriented and student-centred teaching, alignment of its strategy with the University’s broader focal areas and ensuring the continuity of strategic processes, the strong team spirit of the staff, as well as attention to the staff’s well-being.
