Shanghai Open University is not only a school-running entity, but also an integrated platform for adult education and training resources at all levels. Relying on the educational and cultural resources of Shanghai Distance Education Group, such as Shanghai TV University, Shanghai Education TV Station, Shanghai Audio-visual Education Museum, Shanghai TV Secondary School, etc., we will integrate amateur universities, community colleges, RTVU branches and industry staff universities in all districts and counties as regional colleges and industry colleges of "Shanghai Open University".

Shanghai Open University is the first school named "Open University" in China. Its birth will bring revolutionary changes to distance education, adult education and community education in China. (hjch)

On July 3, 2002, KLOC-0, Shanghai Open University held its inaugural meeting and unveiling ceremony in Beijing. Member the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and State Councilor Liu Yandong attended the meeting and delivered a speech. Minister of Education Yuan Guiren presided over the meeting. On April 6th, 20 10, the briefing on lifelong education and the construction of teaching staff in the Outline of Shanghai's Medium-and Long-term Education Reform and Development Plan revealed that Shanghai is preparing to build the first "open university" in China, which will convert credits into graduate degrees by integrating various adult education and training resources and establishing a "credit bank" for citizens. After that, the adult college entrance examination will be cancelled and replaced by a free admission system.

During the trial period of "Shanghai Open University", the original school names of Shanghai TV University and colleges were still retained. Under the guidance and supervision of the "Shanghai Open University" Steering Committee and the collaborative management of the headquarters, the management system and operation mechanism of "two brands and one team" will be implemented.

Shanghai Open University will build a "credit bank" system, each subject has a corresponding credit value, and citizens have their own "personal accounts". By accumulating credits, the college can convert and identify different learning experiences, and the system will give corresponding evaluation after reaching certain results. This evaluation also includes academic qualifications. For example, there are plenty of credits in the "bank", which can be converted into undergraduate or even graduate degrees.

After the system is completed, the threshold of unified entrance examination for adult higher education will be cancelled. "Shanghai Open University" will adopt the adult enrollment system of "lenient entry and strict exit" to assess each student.