Role now taken over by www.value-plus.com

The virtual university that we are building within value plus has information courses, ebooks, and more. Not all is within the main site, some is within seperate sites such as www.camera-immages.com which covers everything to do with photography's, digital images and video

The following document is from the June 1996 New Atlantis members handbook, the University of Life has yet to be fully established and we feel needs to be established outside the UK.

 We do not believe it would be safe for UK officers to operate this from the UK.

Historic document

The New Atlantis University Of Life

NAUOL

This New Atlantis University of Life is run as a New Atlantis Trust by Atlantis Virtual World Ltd. It is a virtual University in that it has no buildings or lectures. The title University of Life, reflects its operation which is in lifetime study and achievement, and acknowledging expertise and achievement.

The trust has three divisions, which may in the future be administered separately and under the rules any section can be operated under a franchise. The three divisions are The degree unit, Charter membership unit and the correspondence course exchange. Of these only the correspondence course exchange is open to none members, although the charter membership unit operates with clubs who are affiliated to New Atlantis and administer the charter applications. We will look at each division separately.

Degree Unit.

The university degree programme specialises in one type of degree, that is based on experience and private study as opposed to attendance or conventional time served academic attendance. The degree is achieved by acceptance by other conventionally qualified and experienced people who act as referees that the individual has, not only reached the level of knowledge required but also proven that they can carry out further private study to complete there knowledge when needed.

Historically degrees were obtained by time serving in an institution, then distance learning came about in various forms and the University of Life is the next logical step.

In Britain as in the rest of the world most major development and inventions come from people without formal (university based) qualifications. In fact those countries with the highest percentage of people completing university, generally have the lowest amount of new breakthroughs. Where highly qualified people are involved in breakthroughs it is often in another area to their qualified expertise.

It has to therefore be accepted, that the time served, study of often out of date knowledge is not always the best route to knowledge. However employers, publishers and others need some form of measure of a persons training, and a degree identifies the level of training received, but not the ability to apply it.

If you look back several years you will find people undertook a degree, obtained a job and stayed for life, but today things are much different, people move from one industry to another, new developments are constantly occurring and generally people are becoming more specialist. Back towards the end of the 1800's it was possible for one to know all of human knowledge, while today, it is not possible for a single individual to know a fraction of the total knowledge available. The needs have therefore changed, and many suggest that conventional education has not spotted the need to change. The change we are referring to is not an increase of the syllabus but a change from trying to remember all the knowledge to the art of accessing, understanding and using knowledge when necessary. Once this skill is achieved any person can access any information and use it.

With developments like the Reports Club, and on-line information services, the internet, encyclopaedias and more on CD roms and other ways in which information is becoming more available, the scope for the ordinary person to get information when needed has become far greater, but few have noticed the need to develop skills in getting at the information or applying it.

The degree unit, recognises the ability to accesses understand and use information as an art, and allows for the acknowledgement of this art. However it also ties this to the proven ability of the individual to apply the knowledge obtained in a specific field by awarding a degree in the specific topic of prime interest.

This is not available to non members and by the time the presentation occurs, the student must be at least a citizen, but can start as a pioneer.

BA and BSc.

The New Atlantis University Of Life, sets out to have a formal method, by which  people who have the knowledge acquired by another route, can have this recognised, and to identify and rectify holes in this knowledge.

The operation is fairly simple, a person is interviewed by two referees (conventionally qualified people in a topic, including those already holding a relevant Atlantis degree), these meetings take place separately. In the case of a new branch of knowledge or where no suitable qualified people exist, the university may be prepared to consider other experienced people as suitable referees, but in this case, closer supervision will be applied.

Each referee identifies the areas of knowledge where the person is weak, and needs to do more study. The person then undertakes this research, plus undertakes two pieces of general use research, acceptable by the university (this requirement administered by the Reports Club), producing reports (published by the Reports Club), and is interviewed again 6 months or more later by the two referees.

On the referees agreement that he or she has reached the required level the individual qualifies for an Atlantis Degree. The topic area is specified after the degree in brackets, and can be a greater knowledge to a greater depth than other degree courses. Degrees however are issued for acquired knowledge not practical skills. Skills are covered by the charter schemes mentioned later in this section.

PhD's

PhD's are another form of degrees, but they can only be taken by a person who already holds a degree. The concept is that degrees acknowledge that the person has acquired a level of knowledge and a PhD acknowledges that they have successfully proved they can apply that knowledge.

Acquiring a PhD, is similar to a degree, and again involves two or more referees. They meet with the referees together in this case to set out the terms of reference for a particular study. The study chosen should allow the person to demonstrate their application of knowledge. The necessary work is carried out and a report produced, which is studied by the referees.  The report produced being usually too detailed in nature, to be of general interest is published on the BBS, and any person who challenges the report given time to notify the referees.  A second generally useful report has also to be produced which is published by the reports club. When the referees agree that the knowledge has been successfully applied, they inform the university which issues the PhD.

Degrees are presented at suitable public gatherings associated with any of the New Atlantis clubs. A public register is also maintained of degrees and qualifications granted on the BBS system.

Validity of qualifications.

It is a condition of all those who acquire New Atlantis degrees and PhD's that when quoting their qualification for a job or where a business decision or financial arrangement is involved that they either explain the New Atlantis University of Life, or give the person they are dealing with a copy of a suitable leaflet, covering it. It should be appreciated that, as with anything new, for some time not everyone will recognise the qualification, and it is up to every member of the university to extend the understanding and acceptance of the qualifications produced..

For potential employers.

Potential employers or others should note. This qualification, is issued as defined in the rules of New Atlantis. No degree issued by any university or other body, shows that a person has the ability to apply knowledge, just that one or more examiners believe they have the right level of knowledge to qualify. Practical experience should therefore always be considered, in combination with any qualification. There are already various ways people can obtain degrees, including attending  a university or college, and collecting points on a series of Open University courses. New Atlantis does not claim its method to be better or worse than any other, but like others gives you a measure of the theoretical knowledge, and application skills acquired by a person.

The rules

The student registers with the university, and is given an information pack, and handouts explaining the concepts that they can use to get referees involved.

They pay a enrolment fee of £50, and  an additional subscription £15 per month, (Both can be in either Favours or cash) while they are a member of the university degree unit.

The student must first decide the topic of their speciality, which must be one which can be understood by people in general and wide enough to cover a sizeable area of knowledge, so for example electronics, computing, metallurgy, or Research would be valid topics but paper folding, puppet making or the study of a single insect would not be considered a wide enough topic area.

They then select two people to act as referees who they nominate on special forms. These must be recognised or qualified to a recognised level, and have had practical experience for a minimum of three years in the discipline. If accepted by the university these people will be sent referees packs. The students pack covers this all is far more detail and covers how near to the topic the referees need to be qualified personally.

The student then meet individually, each of there chosen referees, and there knowledge is assessed. The referee has the task of  identifying the areas of knowledge which need further study, or improvement and they must always specify some.

After a period of six months (or more) has elapsed they again meet the referees, and are assessed on the additional information they have acquired. If the referees are happy with the standard they have reached a pass recommendation is sent in.

When two pass recommendations have been received the university can either select an independent referee to check the standard achieved, or enter the student on the roll.

Should a dispute arise between a student and one of there referees, the student may select another, but must still complete the full process with the new referee, which will by necessity take longer.

The student also undertakes two pieces of research, and produces these as reports that are available through  the Reports Club. One of these at least should be on a general interest area, or area as defined within there enrolment pack. These are not books, but short reports that allows the student to support there claim that they can carry out research and learn additional information as required. The projects are not graded or marked by the university.

When the student receives their certificate, the university will send a gift to each of the referees. These gifts are 50 favours if the referee is a citizen, otherwise they will be given a choice of gifts from a special list obtained from the Bargain and Barter Club.. The student will also send each referee a gift.

The degree is a BA (Bachelor of Arts) or MA (Master of Arts) as decided by the referees, and a sheet with it explains how it was obtained and the reports produced which can be obtained by anyone, so as to see the quality of work undertaken.

Degrees are normally very expensive to get if not obtained while one is young and able to qualify for grants. New Atlantis has set the policy of keeping down the cost to students so does not aim to create a profit from this division. The income to the university is £50+(6*£15)=£140 and costs £50+£50+ three packs @ £6+ certificate, postage etc. £10+ Admin. charge £12=£140.

Registration is a simple process, just complete the enrolment form at the end of this section.

Correspondence Course Exchange.

Every year many thousands of people start correspondence courses, some finish them, some get as far as they want and others do not just get around to organising their time sufficiently in order to make use of the course.

Have you considered, what happens to all these courses. Most are filed away in cupboards, or on bookcases, and eventually when they have become dated are thrown out. While a few people may want to keep the material for reference, to many it is just a muddle they could do without.

On the other hand, you and many other people have many times looked at courses, but been put off either by the price, or not understanding what is included. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to see a definition, and then if you wanted it, get it at half price.

This is where the course exchange comes in, we match those who have correspondence courses and no longer need them with those who want them.

How does it work.

The person with a course to sell, lists all the items included, and points out any problems or missing parts. They cannot sell half a course, but there are occasions for example when question sheets were included and have been sent back, or for some other reason some small items have been mislaid. They also give the basic details on the course, how old it is, what it cost, etc.

They then send the information together with the course to the person or organisation who is handling the exchange programme. Initially Knowledge Base Publications Ltd are running the Correspondence Course Exchange for New Atlantis, however check with your area organiser or the registrar who handles your other needs who this currently is as it is the intention to transfer this to a member when a suitable one can be identified.. They check out the material received, and create an overview to explain what it is and more.

This information is added to the New Atlantis Course Exchange database, and sent out to everyone we know are looking for this type of course. It is also put onto an on-line computer system that anyone with a computer and modem can call-up and search themselves, and extracted for anyone who asks for information, on specific topics.

People who are looking for a course,  can therefore enquire directly, or if they have a computer and modem search the database themselves.

Who sets the price?

The person wishing to sell the course sets the price, but we recommend around half the cost price. Obviously when there are several copies of the same course in the listings at the same time the lowest priced one sells first, so as a seller you have to balance up getting slightly more with having to wait longer. You can quote the price as favours and or cash, but it is wise to include a cash price as not all users of the correspondence course exchange are New Atlantis members. Transfers take place immediately a sale has occurred and cheques for cash sales are sent out with statements at the end of each month for course(s) sold within the month.

So what questions do you have, lets consider a few of the most common questions and comments we get.

Fantastic but, what does it cost?

  Absolutely nothing to the buyer.

The seller pays nothing initially, but receives on the sale of the course the price less commission. The cost of postage of the course out to the purchaser is also deducted from the figure Paid.  The commission for non members is 20%, and for New Atlantis members 10%. the commission is in the currency of the sale, and deducted before payment.

What if it does not sell?

The seller can of course bring the price down at any time. They can also have it returned to them, on payment of the return postage, and a fee calculated as equivalent to the commission rate on the highest price it has been offered at in the last 3 months.

Are all types of courses accepted?

Yes, providing that they are complete, or any missing items are documented. If equipment was provided with the course, such as electronic test equipment, or other specialist items, these are sold untested.

As a buyer, are there any disadvantages of getting a second hand course?

Yes, with some courses, as they would have originally had a method of submitting material and marking, or help over the telephone if you get stuck. Obviously this is not available when you buy the course second-hand. You have to decide how much value this has to you.

If I buy a course second-hand, will I in turn be able to sell it again through the course exchange.

Yes, providing that you are selling the original course, not a copy of it. You can become a seller later, probably getting back all that you paid or possibly even more if you are not in a hurry.

I want to write a course, can I sell it through the course exchange?

Yes, the exchange will sell new courses, but it has to be complete, we will not take orders for products yet to be developed.  Alternatively let us see some of your work and an overall contents list for the whole course, and if it is very good we may be prepared to market it as a New Atlantis course. Any course must be your own work, you must not create a course by copying parts of other courses.

So what do I do now?

         If you are a potential buyer you can either;

   If you have a computer and modem call the Atlantis BBS service on 01443  475900 anytime or,

   Write giving as much information as you can about what you are looking for and we will either, send you information straight away, or put your name on the waiting list and contact you as information becomes available.

         We will mail to you details of courses that fit your interest as they come in.

         If you are a seller, send in the course together with the information listed below

Course title, who it was produced by and the original cost, the year it was obtained, any parts which are missing, services provided as part of the course which is not included now on resale, a list of all the items enclosed. Special features of this course. The price you want it sold at.

If you want an acknowledgement that it has been received enclose a postcard made out, addressed back to you and stamped.

The course you are selling must be original, not a photocopied product, which would breach the course authors copyright.

If in doubt call 01443 478754.

The New Atlantis course exchange

is the answer for;

Course Buyers;

     Courses at half price or sometimes less.

     Whole course at one time allowing you to go as fast or as slow as you like.

     Full definition before you buy.

Course Sellers;

     Turn unwanted courses into cash or favours.

     No up front cost to you, so involves no cash outlay before a sale is made.

New Courses also available including;

     Family history

     Many others will be announced

Many more are being considered.

Although we have courses available, we also have lists of people waiting for courses to become available. Therefore let the exchange match up your needs with spare courses available, so that both people benefit.

Charter membership unit

The charter membership unit is all about acknowledging excellence. This could be he excellent ability that an individual has, for example as a poet or a photographer, and acknowledging excellence from businesses or individuals in business, or other areas.

Charters.

          Charter certificates, acknowledging special skill, acknowledged by others with an interest in the topic, so examples might be Chartered poet, Chartered songwriter or Chartered Photographer etc. It is aimed at skills and not areas of knowledge which is dealt with in the degree unit.

          They are run in co-operation with clubs affiliated to New Atlantis  such as the Poetry Club. The club puts forward a proposal, which is considered and modifications suggested. Once an agreed format has been agreed the club operates the charter scheme on behalf of the New Atlantis University of Life.

The basic rules all schemes must stick to are;

1.       That applications must be considered by a panel made up initially of other members , and once there are sufficient chartered members by a panel made up of chartered members.

2.       That the work being considered is considered anonymously. By that we mean that there must be no way that the judges should be able to match the work with the applicant, and neither should the majority of the judges know the individual.

3.       That applications that are not successful should never be disclosed to anyone.

4.       That the cost of gaining a charter should be made in two parts, the first going to the club to cover the costs of operating the charter scheme and the second only payable by those who are successful to cover the cost of the presented items and central admin. The exact costs being agreed with the club.

5.       That the university of life approval all information being sent out and the method used to achieve the approval of members.

6.       That the club operating the scheme must be registered under the Rules of New Atlantis as a trust.

7.       That where there is to be more than one club operating a scheme for a single charter, or charters which by name are so similar that people cannot easily tell the difference that the clubs co-operate and run the scheme together.

8.       That all charters must be obtained via the same rules. There are to be no honouree awards or special cases.

9.       That the copyright and al other rights associated with the charter schemes be the property of the University of life who can suspend, cancel or modify any scheme.

Certificates Of Excellence

The idea behind certificates of excellence is to commend those who reach a very high standard and to encourage others to reach the same high standard. There are a number of different levels of award, and the award consists of a certificate and publicity of the award.

The Certificates Of Excellence shall include

Annual - world by classification

Approved by the Trustees of New Atlantis.

Monthly - By country.

Approved by Count or Earl or above.

No 1. ( by area and type as appropriate)

(later maybe  a standard people can apply for)

Approved by the Local sheriff or viscount (or above)

Commendations For Excellence.

The President may  make a special award which he may also nominate. (styled a commendation for excellence as opposed to a certificate of excellence) if he feels a situation or individual warrants it. These should be quite rare and there is no set pattern to there use.

The method of selection for either shall be based on members of any grade of New Atlantis or New Atlantis Trust making a nomination, with sufficient documentation for the approving body to judge the merits of the case. If the member has a personal involvement they should state it.

Induction process for New Atlantis.

The induction process that all new members go through to become citizens and the tests set by orders of knighthood, are all to be approved by the charter membership unit of the New Atlantis University of life.