On 13 January 2022, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Manit Jumpa, Acting President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University joined a virtual MOU signing ceremony to launch the cross-registration program with other 24 partner universities across the country in the meeting of the Council of the Graduate Studies Administrators of Public and Autonomous Universities (CGAU). Prof. Sirirurg Songsivilai, M.D., Ph.D., Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) presided over the virtual ceremony, while Prof. Patcharee Lertrit, M.D., Ph.D., Chairperson of the CGAU and Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies, Mahidol University, joined as a witness and co-signed the MOU.

Prof. Dr. Sirirurg stated: “MHESI has 3 main missions: to build people, to create a body of knowledge, and to achieve innovation. Within two years after the establishment of MHESI, we have developed new mechanisms that help to solve as many problems as possible for universities, such as grouping universities for the excellence of each, unlocking the maximum period of study to promote lifelong learning, and developing the teacher’s career path by adding five channels for achieving academic positions, etc.

Prof. Dr. Sirirurg added: “The MOU signing today marked an important step in the Thai higher education system. With approval from 25 institutions, we have accomplished one difficult task. This is considered as a concrete implementation of the TRF’s policy on the credit bank system and the sharing of resources. This will be of great benefit to students who deserve the best, offering them the opportunity to explore subjects of their interest and gain a wide range of experiences from universities with different merits and excellence. The university also benefits from integrating information and knowledge links between universities. It is a synergistic force for efficient use of resources together and contributes to the country’s development.”

Prof. Patcharee said: “The MOU signing between the 25 institutions is intended to enhance educational collaboration on a graduate level, allowing students to cross-register in graduate programs offered by the partner universities. The acquired credits will be recognized at the student’s home university and can be collected in the credit bank system under the rules and regulations of each university. This is believed to take the academic and social experience of the students to a new level.”

The 25 partner universities include Kasetsart University, Khon Kaen University, Chulalongkorn University, Chiang Mai University, Thaksin University, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Thammasat University, Naresuan University, Burapha University, The University of Phayao, Mahidol University, Mahasarakham University, Maejo University, Mae Fah Luang University, Ramkhamhaeng University, Silpakorn University, Srinakharinwirot University, Prince of Songkla University, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Suranaree University of Technology, National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), Ubon Ratchathani University and Walailak University.

Students and those interested can visit CGAU Website for more information.

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) launched the application “STOU SISA” on 3 August 2021, to provide convenient and quick student services, available for IOS and Android.

SISA stands for Student Info Service Application. STOU SISA app provides student services including viewing school records, academic results, and enrollment with mobile payment. It also caters information about teaching and learning, examination venues and examination results.

Associate Professor Dr. Pranee Sungkatavat, Distinguished Member of the University Council, STOU Acting President said: “STOU has been continuously implementing the university reform plan. We focus on the development of distance education technology, the modern teaching and learning management, to be ready to provide quality services in this fast-changing society.”

“Now that the STOU SISA app is launched, all the students will get access to a faster and more convenient services. The Application connects all students’ information regarding their studies and examinations. The system will facilitate all our 88,000 students both in the country and abroad, providing access to important student services 24/7.”

Associate Professor Dr. Theppasak Boonyarataphan, Acting Vice-President for Strategy, Planning, Digital Technology and Innovation, added: “The main challenge of developing the STOU SISA app is that students must receive the correct information. The app should cut down the process and time in contacting the university. They should be able to check the information conveniently and quickly by themselves through the application.”

“STOU SISA contains the student’s personal information, event calendar, enrollment information, educational record, examination schedule, examination result, materials delivery status, course assignment, tutorial, training and professional experience programs schedule, and general university news. Most importantly, students can pay for the registration fee via the STOU SISA app, which is a new dimension for the student services of STOU. STOU SISA is now available for download both for iOS and Android.”

Associate Professor Dr. Pranee Sungkatavat added: “The application will continue to develop to increase its efficiency. More information in various fields will be utilized to provide a wider range of student services. Hopefully, we’ll bring in AI technology soon.”

“STOU has delivered quality education for over 40 years. Our next goal is to become a full-fledged digital university while maintaining the quality as a leader in distance education.”