Sikkim Manipal University – Distance Education’s stands for its main motive of “Education for All”

Gangtok, Sikkim -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/21/2010 -- The line above may look very confusing especially when on the first look both seem to stand for the same meaning or denote the same thing. But when we look inside there is a huge difference that separates Bharat from India. Bharat stands for everything that is not modern India. Western lifestyle, fat salaries, sports cars, parties and lots of money determines a fast growing India. But what about the rest 70% of the country who still reside in Bharat. How do we make Bharat the new India?

The answer is higher education. While having cars and money is not sufficient to be a part of new India, what is important is to get higher education for better opportunities in life; something that most of us are not able to do at present. Though India has the highest number of institutes for higher education, the rates of people joining such places for pursuing higher studies is very low. Why is it so? Many factors are involved. Most of these institutes are in big cities where distance is a problem, money matters as course fees are abnormally high, and also the need for people from smaller families to start earning as fast as they possibly can to support their family are some of the reasons. Adding to this is the lack of good quality higher education, lack of teachers to take care of individual students and rigid timings of such places that does not allow one to study while they work and earn.

This is where Sikkim Manipal University comes in with the single aim of delivering high quality education anytime, anywhere making sure that Bharat catches up to India. Sikkim Manipal University Distance Education (SMU-DE) offers Post Graduate, Graduate, Post Graduate Diploma and Diploma programs across 10 disciplines mentored by the best of faculty and industry experts. The disciplines include Allied Health Sciences, IT, Mass Communication & Journalism, Biotechnology, Apparel & Fashion Designing, Hospitality, Telecom Technology, Commerce and Management. In addition SMU-DE has recently launched new and advanced specializations in Total Quality Management, Operations Management and Project Management for its MBA program.

Constant monitoring of the classes, individual attention to students, timely delivery of course materials, experts from the industry for guidance, placements and counselling are some of its highlights. The entire education pattern is totally based on student choices keeping in mind all the difficulties that Bharat faces so that they can be overcome permanently. Plus all our courses are recognized by UGC and other institutes.

Whether it was Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Abraham Lincoln or Swami Vivekananda, everyone emphasised on the need for quality higher education. It is time for Bharat not to lag behind but merge with India and our aim at SMU-DE is to give that chance to all students without any barriers.

About Manipal Education
Manipal Education the field of education, the group provides education services across all genres. The group's presence includes 3 universities - Manipal University, Sikkim Manipal University, and is a pioneering and leading academic services provider in India. With over 50 years in American University of Antigua and over 30 institutions in India, besides colleges & campuses in Antigua, Dubai, Malaysia & Nepal.

Sikkim Manipal University is a unique public-private initiative between the Govt. of Sikkim and Manipal Education. SMU, a state University, is recognized by the UGC, Ministry of HRD and is a member of the Associations of Indian Universities. The Distance Education Council has granted recognition to all Distance Education programs offered under the aegis of SMU (Sikkim Manipal University). The SMU Directorate of Distance Education is ISO 9001:2000 certified.

In addition to formal university programmes delivered through 5 campuses in India & 4 overseas, Manipal Education also offers Distance Education, Professional & Skills Education across multiple genres.

SMU-DE is recognised & appreciated by students for its efficient processes like prompt delivery of study materials to students, EduNxt initiative, conduct of scheduled examinations, on-time declaration of results & swift dispatch of certificates & degrees. Our students number of more than 3,00,000 across 52 countries points to the success of our program.

For further information just visit http://www.smude.edu.in or call 1800 266 7979 toll free. You can log on to the site and find more such articles that explain in easy steps how to get into SMU-DE.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The applications and benefits of the Alumni portal of Sikkim Manipal University

Gangtok, Sikkim -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/09/2010 -- The all new Alumni portal of Sikkim Manipal University for Distance Education is barely a few weeks old but is already buzzing with activity. In sync with SMUDE's reputation of being a path breaker in technological excellence, this all new portal extends the boundaries of interactivity and collaboration. With a vision of being every alumnus's delight, the portal with its features has managed to surpass all expectations.

It started as an ambitious plan to bring onto a common platform for the 3 lakh students that have passed out from SMUDE. These students have achieved huge success in their life and are currently working for some of the best companies in India and abroad. The SMU-DE Alumni portal aims to bring all SMU-DE students under one roof. It gives one the perfect forum to interact and share with other alumnus.

The alumni section provides you with a sea of options. You can contribute with articles, look for counseling options and request for a guest lecture. You can collaborate with alumni chapters, post jobs, search for jobs and share your success story. You can even refer a friend, locate a friend, view the gallery or directly contact us. You can learn through reading articles, looking up at the events section or catch up on the latest news about SMU-DE.

The three most famous sections of the portal are the 'Download', 'Featured Alumni' and the 'Job Listing' pages. The 'Download' section contains SMU-DE ads and wallpapers that can be downloaded easily and used as screensavers for mobile phones and computers. The 'Featured Alumni' pages display all the alumni members on the portal along with details such as their name, picture, course and the year of passing from SMU-DE. This in turn helps you to locate your batch mates very easily or make new friends. Under 'Job Listing' page you will get all the jobs that are currently available across different industries.

Based on the core principles of Collaborate, Contribute, Mingle and Learn, the alumni portal is living up to all of these and more. Behind all the success lies the true contributor 'YOU'.

To access the alumni portal all you have to do is put forth a request (http://www.smude.edu.in/AlumniPreLogin/Pages/AlumniRegistration.aspx) and our Alumni cell after validating a few details will approve your request and send you a confirmation mail.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Gone are the days when one needed to sit in a class at an institute for long hours, listening to a million words that seemed monotonous or those instances when one needed to study at a given time no matter what even though the mind never really wanted to cram all the pages lying in front. Today is a new age where individual freedom and preferences matter the most for each and every one of us

Gangtok, Sikkim -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/29/2010 -- It's the age where practical knowledge is valued much more than simple theory. An age where you have the choice to do what you want more so in the field of education. Thanks to the advent of Distance Education and premier institutions in this field like the Sikkim Manipal University who value students choice more than anything else, the field of education in India has turned better. But is it not the same Distance Education mode which until a decade back critics and experts alike, scorned at or were ever so ready to give it a thumbs down? Surprisingly it's the same critics who have had to change their opinions due to the lack of a future vision on their part in this field. Today as our country with more than half of its population in the age bracket of 20-30 years strives hard to increase literacy levels, the HRD (Human Resource Development) ministry accepts the huge role of Distance Education towards making India literate. How did it all happen?

Firstly, Distance Education is not the same as it was a decade back. It has changed immensely thanks mainly to the positive efforts of many dedicated institutions like Manipal. Secondly, these institutions filled the gap between teachers and students which regular colleges left wide open mostly due to complacency on their part. Let's take Sikkim Manipal University (SMU-DE, http://www.smude.edu.in) as an example since its country's foremost Distance Education provider and possibly the best with more than 3 lakh students on its rolls.

SMU-DE is UGC recognised and is also a member of Association of Indian Universities (AIU). Close to 40 programs are on offer currently, ranging from diploma to graduate and also post graduate courses. Most importantly all the courses are based heavily on technical and practical knowledge with grounding on theory thus covering all aspects needed in today's corporate setting. But what SMU-DE has done most commendable is in ensuring that quality does not suffer in distance education mode. SMU-DE has developed EduNxt, the next generation online learning platform. This state of the art system available to all SMU-DE students allows for online discussion with faculty for course related doubts, industry professionals for job openings and careers, counselling, video presentations of lectures and an online library with over 1 million books. As a result of these features it has also won 2 awards in the ICT category making SMU-DE 'ICT enabled university of the year'. All of this a student can access from anywhere and at any time. Add to that over 700 SMU-DE authorised Learning Centres across the country that make sure students get all the practical training needed based on each course. And of course the options of e-mail and online video chatting are also available.

All this adds up to a huge advantage for students. Courses that are better with more practical expertise, you get a UGC recognized degree; can study even while working from anywhere plus the reputation that SMU-DE enjoys in the industry. It's no wonder then that Distance Education mode is becoming more popular by the day and career wise it only increases one's prospects. While it's near impossible to go to a regular college and work at the same time, here you can do both without any hassles thus always staying ahead than a regular college attendee since you have the work experience.

With technology and educational tools getting merged seamlessly, it's only a matter of time before the Distance Education mode takes over regular colleges in terms of their acceptance amongst students. It will be only apt when that happens. After all students are the future of a country and they need to be career ready and not just book worms.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Influence of distance learning on the Indian population.

Gangtok, Sikkim -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/11/2010 -- In a globalised society like that of today, the need for quality based higher education has been on a constant rise. As companies become more competitive in a changing world scenario and new fields emerge, the demand for qualified professionals increase exponentially. This case becomes even more important for a developing country like India where government policies are aimed at attracting more and more corporate firms. However higher education has been able to reach only 19% of our population. Blame it on family obligation or other external factors, the bare minimal figures inflict much pain since more than half of India's population is based in the age bracket of 18-35 years. In this regard Distance Learning has been able to come in and bridge much of the gap in reaching out to the population not touched by regular institutions.

Sikkim Manipal University of Distance Education (SMU-DE) has been one of the leaders in this segment having already touched the lives of more than 3 lakh students, thereby allowing them to further their career prospects. A sizeable number of the students have been able to successfully complete the course while they were working or even sitting at home taking care of their families. Such has been the influence of Distance Learning that HRD Ministry of India now accepts that Distance Learning will have a major influence to play in increasing India's population of educated and trained professionals in the years to come. Popularity of Distance Learning also depends on its innate advantages especially the fact that it promotes lifelong learning.

Distance Learning offers one the advantage to study from a place of his choice at his own time unlike regular institutions. Housewives, working people, students or doctors can all avail the courses provided they have the motivation to study further. The added benefit is they can do so without having to change their daily life schedule at all. Since Distance Education mode emphasizes most on self learning, it naturally inculcates learning values for life. Research has shown that most individuals who have done Distance Education have got better as time passes thanks to their already existing habit of self learning. What starts as a necessity in this mode of education changes to a lifelong learning habit ensuring unlimited success in the life ahead.

Soon the habit of self learning encompasses all walks of life and results in a holistic development of the individual. For the person then, there is only one way in life and that is the path forward.

About Manipal Education
Manipal Education is a pioneering and leading academic & education services provider in India. With over 50 years of existence in the field of Education, the group provides education services across all genres. The group's presence includes 3 universities - Manipal University, Sikkim Manipal University, and American University of Antigua - and over 30 institutions in India, besides colleges & campuses in Antigua, Dubai, Malaysia & Nepal.

Sikkim Manipal University is a unique public-private initiative between the Govt. of Sikkim and Manipal Education. SMU, a state University, is recognized by the UGC, Ministry of HRD and is a member of the Associations of Indian Universities. The Distance Education Council has granted recognition to all Distance Education programs offered under the aegis of SMU (Sikkim Manipal University). The SMU Directorate of Distance Education is ISO 9001:2000 certified.

SMU-DE programs are recognised by DEC for three academic years 2009-10 to 2011-12. The courses include Master in Business Administration (MBA) , PG Diploma in Business Administration, PG Diploma in specialization areas of Management, Bachelor of Computer Applications, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Master of Computer Applications, Master of Science in Computer Science, PG Diploma in Computer Applications, Master of Science in Information Technology, Master in Business Administration in Health Care Services, Master of Science in Clinical Research & Regulatory Authorities, PG Diploma in Clinical Research & Regulatory Authorities and Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication.

SMU-DE has also launched the pioneering next generation learning system called the EduNxt. Through EduNxt, one can access virtual classrooms, chat with faculty, counselling, placements, peer to peer interaction, personalised guidance from faculty and industry experts, model question papers and log in to over 1 million books and journals. EduNxt has not just made the quality of distance education better but has also led to a higher acceptance amongst employers.

Dispatching education round the clock through more than 700 SMU-DE authorised Learning Centres based across 247 districts in 303 towns, learning has never been easier. In addition to formal university programmes delivered through 5 campuses in India & 4 overseas. SMU-DE is recognised & appreciated by students for its efficient processes like – prompt delivery of study materials to students, EduNxt initiative, conduct of scheduled examinations, on-time declaration of results & swift dispatch of certificates & degrees.

For further information just visit, http://www.smude.edu.in/Programs/Management/Programmes/PostGraduate/Pages/MasterofBusinessAdministrationMBA.aspx or call 1800 266 7979 toll free. You can log on to the site and find more such articles that explain in easy steps how to get into SMU-DE.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Gangtok, Sikkim -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/10/2010 -- Breakthroughs in technology each year has revolutionized the way the world has been moving forward. But when it came to higher education the same has been found to be lacking. With millions still being illiterate not just in India but across the world, a path breaking initiative was needed to incorporate technology and education in a way that would make education more accessible breaking down the barriers of time and space. Sikkim Manipal University-Distance Education (SMU-DE) did just that in May 2009 with EduNxt. Launched by Steve Ballmer, CEO Microsoft Corp. USA and Anand Sudarshan, CEO Manipal Education, EduNxt is the next generation learning system that integrates modern technology and teaching techniques.

Supporting a high level of interactivity, EduNxt is a Internet based learning platform. Through EduNxt, one can access virtual classrooms, chat with faculty, counselling, placements, peer to peer interaction, personalised guidance from faculty and industry experts, model question papers and log in to over 1 million books and journals. EduNxt has not just made the quality of distance education better but has also led to a higher acceptance amongst employers.

EduNxt supports all the courses offered by SMU-DE. The courses include Master in Business Administration, PG Diploma in Business Administration, PG Diploma in specialization areas of Management, Bachelor of Computer Applications, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Master of Computer Applications, Master of Science in Computer Science, PG Diploma in Computer Applications, Master of Science in Information Technology, Master in Business Administration in Health Care Services, Master of Science in Clinical Research & Regulatory Authorities, PG Diploma in Clinical Research & Regulatory Authorities and Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication.

EduNxt represents a whole new era in distance education whereby students can acess a classroom at any point of time from any place. In the first year itself, EduNxt achieved a penetration of 45% of the 3 lakh plus student base. The site has been regularly accessed from over 90 cities across India and 79 countries world wide.

About Manipal Education
Manipal Education is a pioneering and leading academic & education services provider in India. With over 50 years in the field of Education, the group provides education services across all genres. The group's presence includes 3 universities - Manipal University, Sikkim Manipal University, and American University of Antigua - and over 30 institutions in India, besides colleges & campuses in Antigua, Dubai, Malaysia & Nepal.

Sikkim Manipal University is a unique public-private initiative between the Govt. of Sikkim and Manipal Education. SMU, a state University, is recognized by the UGC, Ministry of HRD and is a member of the Associations of Indian Universities. The Distance Education Council has granted recognition to all Distance Education programs offered under the aegis of SMU (Sikkim Manipal University). The SMU Directorate of Distance Education is ISO 9001:2000 certified.

SMU-DE programs are recognised by DEC for three academic years 2009-10 to 2011-12. Dispatching education round the clock through more than 700 Learning Centres based across 247 districts in 303 towns, learning has never been easier. In addition to formal university programmes delivered through 5 campuses in India & 4 overseas, Manipal Education also offers Distance Education, Professional & Skills Education across multiple genres.

SMU-DE is recognised & appreciated by students for its efficient processes like – prompt delivery of study materials to students, EduNxt initiative, conduct of scheduled examinations, on-time declaration of results & swift dispatch of certificates & degrees. Our students number more than 3,00,000 across 52 countries points to the success of our program.

For further information just visit http://www.smude.edu.in or call 1800 266 7979 toll free. You can log on to the site and find more such articles that explain in easy steps how to get into SMU-DE.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Quality Higher Education Available Internationally

Gangtok, Sikkim -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/29/2010 -- SMU-DE, one of the largest providers of Distance Education in the world, has announced the opening of International admissions to their Spring 2010 session. Applications to various courses are available from April 1, 2010 at over 25+ SMU-DE Learning Centres covering 15 countries. The countries are Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Yemen, Uganda, Ethiopia, Ghana, Indonesia, Cambodia, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, China and Ivory Coast. For respective countries Learning Centre contact details as well as further details, just log on to www.smude.edu.in or write to deinternational@manipalu.com or smuhelpdesk@manipalu.com

To find the learning centre in your country please visit http://portal.smude.edu.in/centre.asp.

The University offers Post Graduate, Graduate, Post Graduate Diploma and Diploma programs across 10 disciplines. The disciplines include Allied Health, IT, Mass Communication, Biotechnology, Apparel & Fashion Design, Hospitality, Telecom Technology, Commerce, Management and Journalism. In addition, SMU-DE has recently launched new and advanced specialisations in Total Quality Management, Operations Management and Project Management for its MBA program.
Aspirants joining the Spring 2010 session (and onwards) will also stand to gain through the newly launched next generation learning system 'EduNxt' accessible via Internet. EduNxt with its flexibility, convenience and accessibility offers a unique value added learning environment. EduNxt enables a student to interact with mentors, access virtual classrooms, more than a million online books and journals, self-study content and counselling with anywhere, anytime access. With EduNxt, students now have a 'portable campus' at their fingertips that breaks the barriers of time and space.

In addition to all the value add ons that come with EduNxt, a student will also be provided high quality self learning materials in the form of printed books and journals by SMU-DE.

SMU-DE also gives opportunity to students with managerial experience to join second semester directly. This is called as the Lateral Entry scheme and it allows for faster completion of the course. However the student still needs to clear the final examinations for first semester to be eligible for direct entry into the second semester.

The SMU-DE programmes are best for working professionals and individuals who have the motivation to do further studies but is short on time. Our learning environment where every individual is given personal attention and our academic methods makes sure that students get the best out of their courses that would help them to take that all important step to a great career.

SMU-DE is a pioneer in the fast delivery of study materials to students, conduct of scheduled examinations, on-time declaration of results & swift dispatch of certificates & degrees.

About SMU-DE
Sikkim Manipal University is a unique public-private initiative between the Govt. of Sikkim and Manipal Education. SMU, a state University, is recognized by the UGC, Ministry of HRD and is a member of the Associations of Indian Universities. The Distance Education Council has granted recognition to all Distance Education programs offered under the umbrella of SMU (Sikkim Manipal University). The SMU Directorate of Distance Education is ISO 9001:2000 certified.

About Manipal Education
Manipal Education is a leader in academic & education services in India. With over 50 years of excellence in the field of Education, the group provides education services across all genres. The group's presence includes 3 universities - Manipal University, Sikkim Manipal University, and American University of Antigua - and over 30 institutions in India, besides colleges & campuses in Antigua, Dubai, Malaysia & Nepal.

Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (SMIT) is ranked 8th amongst the Best University Engineering Colleges of India. SMIT Ranked amongst 17th in the Best Engineering Colleges of Excellence in India. 3 lakh students have benefited from the Distance Education programmes taking full advantage of the 65 core faculty members and the 6,500 supporting faculty members present at the learning centres covering 205 districts and 310 cities in India and further 25 learning centres spread across 20 countries worldwide.

In addition to university programmes delivered through 5 campuses in India & 4 overseas, Manipal Education also has a range of education offerings in Distance Education, Professional & Skills Education across multiple streams, as well as industry leading partnerships such as the ICICI Manipal Academy for Banking (in association with ICICI Bank).

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Making Quality Higher Education Simple for working professionals

Bangalore, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/28/2010 -- SMU-DE, one of the largest providers of Distance Education in India, will be closing their admissions on April 27 for the Spring 2010 season. So with just one more week to go its time to hurry up for those who are yet to apply. Applications to various courses are available at over 710+ SMU-DE Learning Centres covering 310 cities across India. For details, log on to http://www.smude.edu.in or Call: 1800 266 7979 (toll free). Or feel free to write to us at info@smude.edu.in and we will get back to you at the earliest.

The University offers Post Graduate, Graduate, Post Graduate Diploma and Diploma programs across 10 disciplines mentored by the best of faculty and industry experts. The disciplines include Allied Health Sciences, IT, Mass Communication & Journalism, Biotechnology, Apparel & Fashion Designing, Hospitality, Telecom Technology, Commerce and Management. In addition, SMU-DE has recently launched new and advanced specializations in Total Quality Management, Operations Management and Project Management for its MBA program.

Aspirants enrolling for this session (and onwards) will also stand to gain through the newly launched next generation learning system 'EduNxt' accessible via internet. EduNxt with its flexibility, convenience and accessibility offers a first of its kind learning environment in India that bridges constraints of time and space. With EduNxt one can do small group mentoring, access virtual classrooms, simulation and other interactive content, self-study content, recorded presentations and shared browsing. EduNxt empowers students with anywhere, anytime access. Students will now experience a 'portable campus', 'carry along mentors' and will have access to over one million online books and journals – all at their fingertips at all times!

Additionally, SMU-DE grants lateral entry to those with managerial experience. Under the Lateral Entry scheme, the first semester is waived, allowing for faster completion of the course. The SMU-DE programmes combine academic rigour with personalized learning environment so working professionals who are short of time but not ambition, take that crucial step to a great career that will only enhance one's career opportunities in the longer run.

SMU-DE is recognised & appreciated by students for its efficient processes like – prompt delivery of study materials to students, conduct of scheduled examinations, on-time declaration of results & swift dispatch of certificates & degrees. Our students number more than 3,00,000 across 52 countries is a strong testimony to the success of our program.

For details on admission, visit http://mba.smude.edu.in/

About SMU-DE
Sikkim Manipal University is a unique public-private initiative between the Govt. of Sikkim and Manipal Education. SMU, a state University, is recognized by the UGC, Ministry of HRD and is a member of the Associations of Indian Universities. The Distance Education Council has granted recognition to all Distance Education programs offered under the aegis of SMU (Sikkim Manipal University). The SMU Directorate of Distance Education is ISO 9001:2000 certified.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Sikkim Manipal University‘s Distance Education to train the counsellors and the students for the EduNxt programme.

Gangtok, Sikkim -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/13/2010 -- Sikkim Manipal University's Distance Education (SMU-DE) programme has been at the forefront of delivering quality education through over 700 learning centres across 310 towns in India. Qualified academic counsellors at the SMU-DE authorised learning centres clarify doubts and mentor over 2 lac students across the country, even in its remotest parts!

As a pioneering institution in the distance education space, SMU-DE constantly innovates on its delivery systems. With EduNxt, its award-winning technology-infused delivery system, SMU-DE has established a collaborative and interactive environment that benefits students and counsellors alike.

EduNxt is an important way of training SMU-DE students – the future building blocks of Indian corporate world – to become integrated into the modern workplace. It is also a very important tool for imparting consistent quality to an academic counsellor's delivery.

EduNxt certified academic counsellors use EduNxt to:

•Orient students in EduNxt and its study benefits
•Train other academic counsellors for their own certification

The training is divided into Levels I & II. At the end of the training session, both the certified Academic Counsellors and the trainee counsellors receive EduNxt certification.

On the 31st March, 2010, Bangalore's Sidvin School of Business, an authorised SMU-DE learning centre, conducted an EduNxt training-cum-orientation session for its students where Ms. Sunitha Reddy and Ms. Vanishree Raghavendra (both of whom are EduNxt level II certified faculty members themselves) trained 15 students.

This is a perfect example of training the trainer and passing along the substantial technological and research benefits of a heritage institution down to the students. SMU-DE has always been committed to quality education and keeps up its promise to both students and counsellors.

For more details please visit:- http://www.smude.edu.in.

What is SMU-DE?
Sikkim Manipal University's Distance Education (SMU-DE) programme has more than 80, 000 students taking Management courses. SMU-DE offers Post-graduate and graduate Degree and Diploma programs across 10 disciplines. The programmes offered by SMU-DE are recognized by the Distance Education Council (DEC) of the Government of India for three academic years 2009 – 2112.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm