Srinakharinwirot University (SWU) is committed to promoting equitable and inclusive access to lifelong learning opportunities. The university has established a formal regulation governing lifelong learning education and maintains complementary institutional policies concerning non-discrimination, gender equality, and access to education for persons with disabilities. Together, these measures provide a framework for expanding educational opportunities and addressing barriers to participation.
A. Core Lifelong Learning Access Policy
1. Promoting Equal Access through the Srinakharinwirot University Regulation on Lifelong Learning Education (2023)
Srinakharinwirot University established the Regulation on Lifelong Learning Education, B.E. 2566 (2023), approved following the University Council meeting on 18 July 2023 and formally announced on 31 August 2023. The regulation establishes an institutional framework for lifelong learning through individual courses, course packages, and training programmes, accommodating learners who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills either with or without academic credit accumulation.
Clause 7 expressly provides that learners may enrol in lifelong learning courses and training programmes without restrictions based on educational qualifications, gender, age, nationality, occupation, or other conditions. This provision establishes a formal basis for widening educational participation beyond conventional university degree requirements.
The regulation further supports flexible learning pathways. Under Clause 8, learners who complete the prescribed learning requirements and assessments may receive official transcripts, certificates, or diplomas. Clause 9 permits eligible learning outcomes to be accumulated through the University's Credit Bank System and considered for credit transfer under relevant regulations.
As an institutionally approved regulation, it provides direct evidence of SWU's commitment to accessible lifelong learning.
B. Supporting Institutional Equality and Inclusion Policies
2. Promoting Gender Equality and Preventing Gender-Based Discrimination
On 24 June 2022, the Student Affairs Division of Srinakharinwirot University published its Declaration of Intent to Promote Gender Equality and Eliminate Unfair Gender Discrimination. The declaration articulates the university's commitment to equality, dignity, respect for individual rights, and the elimination of discrimination based on gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
The declaration establishes principles for equitable participation in student activities, gender-sensitive administrative practices, and the prevention of discriminatory treatment, harassment, and exclusion. It also addresses recruitment and eligibility requirements, discouraging unnecessary gender-based restrictions unless justified by the particular nature of an activity or safety considerations.
This declaration provides supplementary evidence of SWU's institutional commitment to gender equality and inclusive participation. Its principles are consistent with the inclusive approach of the University's Lifelong Learning Education Regulation.
3. Supporting Educational Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities
Srinakharinwirot University has established the Regulation on the Provision of Education for Persons with Disabilities and Support for Students with Disabilities, B.E. 2561 (2018), providing an institutional framework for supporting the educational rights of persons with disabilities.
The regulation addresses accessible learning environments, academic support, educational resources, and appropriate assistance for students with disabilities. In particular, Clause 10 requires the university to improve its physical environment, buildings, and learning resources to facilitate access, while providing suitable instructional materials and adapting educational arrangements where appropriate. Clause 11 also requires relevant university units to provide services responsive to different types of disabilities.
The university's Disability Support Services Center further coordinates assistance and access to learning resources for students with disabilities.
These provisions demonstrate SWU's wider institutional commitment to reducing disability-related barriers in higher education.
4. Upholding Institutional Equality and Non-Discrimination Principles
Srinakharinwirot University maintains its Policy on Equality, Equity and Fairness in Human Resource Management, announced on 13 December 2024. The policy articulates the university's commitment to human rights, equal treatment, and respect for individual diversity within the employment and working environment.
The policy explicitly prohibits direct or indirect discrimination on grounds including race, nationality, age, colour, religion or belief, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, and socioeconomic background. It establishes principles of fairness in recruitment, professional development, employment-related training, career progression, and other personnel matters.
It provides further evidence of SWU's institutional commitment to non-discrimination.