P6 - University of Rome Tor Vergata
P6: University of Rome Tor Vergata is a public university, founded in 1981 with the aim of providing high-quality, interdisciplinary education for students and scholars to address the changing needs and challenges of contemporary societies. It offers first- and second-cycle study programmes in the humanities, economics, engineering, mathematics and science, and medicine; master’s degree programmes also at the inter-institutional level; doctoral programmes; and medical specialisation courses. Approximately 29,000 students are enrolled in the current academic year 2019-20, with a balanced gender ratio. The University employs approximately 2,100 scholars (full-time professors and researchers).
In 1999, as part of the University, the Iad (Distance Education) School was established to provide a scientific structure for the provision of teaching, research and specialised services for innovation in learning and teaching. It also provides computer-based classrooms, training and continuing professional development opportunities for SMEs. The School’s programmes put the concept of interdisciplinarity into practice: its guidelines and courses are defined by its Didactic-Scientific Council, composed of professors appointed by the departments of the Faculties of Economics, Law, Engineering, Humanities, Medicine and Science. It is a member of the Italian e-Learning Society (SIe-L), the AICA Competence Centre for IT certifications and the University Delegate for e-Learning and Lifelong Learning at the Rectors’ Conference (CRUI). He is also a member of the European Association of Distance Teaching Universities (EADTU).
Research and ‘third mission’ are key areas related to the IaD School. Initiatives carried out on a national and international scale address pressing issues, such as the role of communication in fragmented societies and the emergence of new languages in social media. These initiatives help to enrich curricula and ‘contaminate’ them with real-life situations. This is proving particularly effective for students, who engage in a more motivating and engaged learning process, with positive results in terms of job placement.
