Thank you for your visit to our website. I hope you will find the information contained within interesting and productive.

The website describes distance learning external programmes leading to degree and diploma awards made by the Western Orthodox University on the basis of its incorporation in the Commonwealth of Dominica. It also gives details of distance and blended learning programmes offered via affiliated campuses in Africa and Asia that lead to Western Orthodox University awards, and explains the history, research and archival work of the University.

The Western Orthodox University is dedicated to a specific educational methodology – individualized, mentored study in which students have a high degree of autonomy in the design and execution of their programmes. Sometimes characterized as the “Oxbridge tutorial method”, mentor-directed one-to-one or small group tuition is in fact the oldest model of education that has come down to us today, and predates the mass education that is prevalent in modern universities. A great strength of this is that students may start and end a programme at their own pace, and work when it suits them to accommodate professional and/or family commitments.

The University benefits from an established network of affiliated partner campuses, institutions and faculty around the world that are authorized to prepare students for its awards. Although we make use of a number of modern technologies to deliver its programmes, we do not offer online courses. Many students still do some study face to face with their mentors, and some tuition is given in a traditional classroom setting.

Specializing in the education of adults who are already established in their fields rather than in school-leavers, the University has significant expertise in the assessment of prior formal and informal learning for college credit. APL/APEL and related methodologies, which are now widely used and accepted in the university sector, can significantly shorten the time needed to earn a degree.

These programmes are designed for the serious and motivated student. Among our alumni we count some highly distinguished people – members of Royal Houses, government ministers, judges, leaders in business and in the Church to name but a few. The Western Orthodox University is an institution of the Apostolic Episcopal Church, a traditional or “continuing” Anglican denomination that was established in 1925 and formally recognized by the laws of the State of New York, USA, in 1932. With the exception of certain theology programmes, however, the University remains open to students regardless of their personal beliefs. Our sister institution, European-American University, offers mostly secular programmes.

Our institutions are structured as a social enterprise. They have no endowment and their only source of income is student fees and donations from those who support their work. While we must cover costs and operate efficiently, the primary object is not to make a profit, but to carry out an educational mission.

Founded in 1945, the University is accredited by the Pontificia Accademia Tiberina, one of the Pontifical Academies, in Rome, as well as by the Anglican Association of Colleges and Schools.

The Western Orthodox University is justifiably proud of its record in making a positive difference to the lives of our students. We look forward to receiving your enquiries.

The Most Revd. Professor John Kersey, D.D., D.Litt., Ed.D.
Chancellor of the Western Orthodox University and European-American University