Distance Learning

A series of distance learning modules on emergency preparedness and response have been developed by the Emergency Preparedness and Response Section of UNHCR in collaboration with InterWorks and the University of Wisconsin-Disaster Management Center. UNHCR is giving the opportunity to offer the same distance learning modules to its targeted beneficiaries among NGO staff and government officials worldwide. These distance learning courses have been designed to assist UNHCR staff and others in developing their skills and knowledge base in several functional areas. The courses offered reflect UNHCR Career Management System competencies for emergency preparedness and response. The courses are available completely free of charge by down loading from this website. There is no need to register beforehand. The following are courses currently available:

• EP01 Contingency Planning (click here for more details and to download)
• EP02 Planning an Emergency Response (click here for more details and to download)
• EP03 Managing an Emergency Response (click here for more details and to download)
• EP04 Managing External Relations (click here for more details and to download)
• EP06 Providing Emergency Support and Advice (click here for more details and to download)
• EP07 Coordination (click here for more details and to download)
• Designing Participatory Workshops (click here for more details and to download)
  

Who can apply for the distance learning courses?

Distance learning with the UNHCR is designed to target persons employed by an organisation involved in humanitarian work. If you fulfil these conditions, you may apply for one of the six available examinations. Once you have downloaded the module(s) of your choice and studied them, you may apply to take the examination.

How does distance learning work?

The student downloads the material of interest and studies it. If students want to apply for final examination, they can enrol directly with the University of Wisconsin (email to: dmc@engr.wisc.edu) for the examination papers to be sent to a proctor nominated by the student. The student and proctor mutually agree a time and venue for the examination. The completed paper is sent back to the university for marking.

The enrolment cost for all examination is USD225.

How are the distance learning courses organized?

The distance learning courses are organized into chapters, each reflecting a different aspect of the competency concerned. Each course is self-paced and designed to be suitable for periodic study based on your schedules and habits. There are pre-tests (with answers) and chapter quizzes to help you self-assess your course progress. Chapter quizzes and exercises will give you instant feedback to test your understanding of the materials as well as to analyse some issues relevant to your own situation.

How will my course completion be acknowledged?

Upon successful completion of the exam, the University of Wisconsin will record your Continuing Education Units (CEUs) on a University transcript and send you a Certificate of Completion for each course. Completion of each course earns 2.0 CEUs towards the UW-DMC Diploma in Disaster Management.

What are CEUs?

The CEU is an internationally accepted unit for continuing education and professional development. It is based on criteria and guidelines established by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).

What is the UW-DMC?

For many years, the University of Wisconsin - Disaster Management Center (UW-DMC) has provided professional development in international disaster/emergency management through traditional training and distance learning. Since 1988, some 7,500 individuals from more than 100 countries have enrolled in the UW-DMC curriculum of self-study courses. The UW-DMC has collaborated with UNHCR since 1985 in refugee emergency management training.

What is the Diploma in Disaster Management?

This is a personal study programme which can combine UW - DMC self-study courses with courses from anywhere in the world. The Diploma requires 60 CEUs, combining 25 CEUs from UW-DMC self-study courses, 25 CEUs from professional electives (disaster/emergency and general) from any recognized organization and 10 CEUs from a Professional Study Project. There are no residency requirements. From more than fifty countries, there are currently 155 professionals enrolled in the Diploma Program.

The UW-DMC was formed as a collaboration between InterWorks and the University of Wisconsin - Engineering Professional Development, and is based in Madison, Wisconsin, USA.