Author: zomchay

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), through its Distance Education Staff Development Academy, recently organized a workshop to prepare faculty members for accreditation under the Professional Standards Framework 2023 (PSF 2023). This internationally recognized framework is set by Advance HE, a leading organization in the United Kingdom.

The workshop, held from 2-4 July 2025, at STOU Headquarters in Nonthaburi, aimed to continuously enhance the quality, standards, and capabilities of STOU’s personnel in teaching and learning support. This initiative aligns with the university’s vision of becoming a globally recognized leader in distance education.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Arts and Culture Preservation, and International Affairs, presided over the opening ceremony. The training featured two distinguished speakers: Prof. Emeritus Dr. Boontip Siritarungsri, Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) and Chair of the Accreditation Committee for Teaching and Learning Support in Distance Education, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Issra Pramoolsook, SFHEA, an expert from Suranaree University of Technology. Both shared their knowledge and experience with over 60 participating faculty members.

This training session is a key part of STOU’s policy to promote and develop the knowledge and skills of its staff, particularly in teaching and learning support. The university has a strong track record in this area, with 54 faculty members and academic support staff having previously received accreditation under Advance HE’s PSF 2011 framework. This included 19 Senior Fellows, 10 Fellows, and 25 Associate Fellows.

With Advance HE updating its assessment criteria from PSF 2011 to PSF 2023, STOU recognizes the importance of equipping its staff with a thorough understanding and correct practices for the new standards. The goal is to ensure continuous and effective professional development in teaching and learning.

The Distance Education Staff Development Academy initiated this program with the primary objective of increasing the number of accredited personnel. Furthermore, it aims to develop a sufficient pool of high-quality mentors, assessors, and reviewers within the university. These efforts are expected to directly elevate the quality and standards of STOU’s distance learning system, gaining recognition both nationally and internationally in the near future.

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), represented by the Office of Educational Services, has partnered with the Department of Mental Health to organize a workshop focused on basic mental health knowledge for counselors and personnel involved in student educational support services. The training took place at STOU Headquarters in Nonthaburi and was presided over by Asst. Prof. Dr. Kajornsak Sitthi, Director of the Office of Educational Services.

This workshop is a direct result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between STOU and the Department of Mental Health. The MOU’s primary objective is to drive and integrate mental health care and support for both students and staff, ensuring they receive systematic promotion, development, prevention, and resolution of mental health issues.

The training greatly benefited from the support of Mental Health Center 4, Pathum Thani, which provided a team of mental health experts. The team was led by Mr. Worapot Panapawuttikul, an experienced clinical psychologist, who delivered crucial knowledge and practical guidelines. The center also provided partial financial support for the event.

The key objective of the workshop was to equip participants with foundational knowledge of mental health and prepare them to serve as counselors. This includes enabling them to provide initial assistance to students who may be at risk of developing mental health problems. Fifty STOU personnel from both central and regional offices, whose duties involve counseling, attended the training.

This workshop marks a significant step forward in enhancing the quality of life and mental well-being for all involved parties, including both staff and students. It is expected to lead to the establishment of a tangible and sustainable mental health care system in the future.

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), through its Human Resources Division, recently organized the “Fulfilling Happiness in Retirement” activity. This event, held under the Quality of Working Life project, was specifically designed for personnel slated to retire in the 2025 fiscal year. The primary objectives were to express gratitude to these dedicated individuals for their unwavering commitment and service to the university, and to prepare them for a fulfilling and high-quality life after their careers.

The activities took place from 17-20 June 2025 at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, as well as in Rayong and Chanthaburi provinces. Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Member of the University Council and Acting President, presided over the opening ceremony. For the 2025 fiscal year, a total of 79 STOU personnel are retiring. This group comprises 39 government officials, 8 university employees, 27 permanent employees, and 5 temporary monthly employees. All of these individuals have consistently dedicated their energy and efforts to their duties at the university.

The comprehensive program focused on holistic well-being and was designed to cover all dimensions of readiness—physical, mental, and emotional. Key activities included:

• Special Lecture on Nutrition for Health: Mr. Supot Ruenroengklin, Senior Nutritionist from the Bureau of Nutrition, Department of Health, delivered an insightful lecture titled “Food for Happiness: Nutrition for a Vibrant Life After Work.”
  This provided practical guidance on self-care and maintaining health.
• Study Visit on Quality of Life for Seniors: Participants visited and learned from
  the Ban Khai Subdistrict Municipality Elderly Quality of Life and Occupational Promotion Center in Rayong Province. This center serves as a model for promoting
  a good quality of life among the elderly.
• Relaxing Excursion: Recreational tours were arranged in Rayong and Chanthaburi provinces, allowing personnel to unwind and create new experiences before entering their retirement phase.

The event had several important objectives: to encourage future retirees to learn about holistic health care, gain knowledge on planning their post-retirement life based on the Sufficiency Economy philosophy, exchange life experiences, build a network among STOU retirees for mutual support and encouragement, and help them find value in their lives after retirement. Most importantly, it served as an expression of profound gratitude for their dedication and diligent service to the university.

The “Fulfilling Happiness in Retirement” activity underscores STOU’s deep concern for all its personnel and its commitment to supporting them in transitioning to a truly qualitative, happy, and valuable post-retirement life.