UNIVERSITAS MERCATORUM

Transcription

1 UNIVERSITAS MERCATORUM The Open University of the Italian Chambers of Commerce CONNECTED TO JOB

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3 Our beloved Italy is going through tough times. Inadequate policy, rage, disappointment and lack of confidence are undermining social cohesion and the main quality of a wonderful Country s people, that is the enthusiasm and the ability to overcome the hardest times too. We cannot allow the self-pity to gain the upper hand. Nowadays we can act with decision, to let fear become a fading memory. After all, initiative, fantasy, ability to make fine things are widespread in Italy. In addition, the atavistic talent of being able to sail in rough and unknown seas, being firmly at the helm, is congenial to our mind. Universitas Mercatorum flag is all along the rational optimism. We offer two degree courses in Economics, focused on business management, and first-level degree programmes are followed by a second-level degree programme. Especially, after a long and difficult path, we point to Tourism Management i.e. Italy s wealth. In order to fight off the fierce international competition in this sector, it is necessary to acquire great skills. Such a requirement is currently present only in eight out of twenty regions that is, a percentage lower than 6% of those working in the tourist sector has gained academic qualifications. Therefore, we are willing to offer a big chance to young people. We are doing our best, always smiling to our students. Our mission is to support who is well aware that knowledge leads to success, being him/her either already employed or far from traditional university facilities. In hard times, in order to recover it is necessary to replace the concept of impossible with that of difficult, but such challenge has to be faced aiming at victory. Our aim is not limited to issue qualifications. We are more ambitious. Our ruling passion is to sprout wings for a stable present and a higher future flight. The Rector Prof. Giorgio Marbach

4 THE UNIVERSITY JOINED TO ENTERPRISES Universitas Mercatorum, the online University of the System of the Chambers of Commerce, is a University aiming at helping achieve professional success that is it an open university helping connect to job market. The mission of the online University Universitas Mercatorum Universitas Mercatorum is a non-state online University set up by the System of the Chambers of Commerce, aiming at educating, through information technology and communication, young people - or less young ones - wishing to obtain an academic qualification, although engaged with job, family or living far from universities. Universitas Mercatorum fosters the right to study and culture thanks to the model of Open University, which guarantees time and space flexibility in providing education. Highly-skilled teachers, tutors giving professional assistance as well as innovative technologies at students disposal guarantee that the education is based on both the prestige of a state University and the organizational flexibility and care to users featuring a private University. Universitas Mercatorum is authorized to operate by the Ministerial Decree 10 May 2006, issued in the Official Journal no. 134 on June, 2006, Ordinary Supplement no A better education for growing better University represents the engine of progress: it plays a crucial role in a each Country's job offer and economic growth. Nevertheless, in Italy the number of graduates does not fit to our Country s requests yet. The online University of the Chambers of Commerce gives a concrete answer to such development demand, thus contributing to create a vicious cycle between a more flexible teaching offer, skills and development. Among Universitas Mercatorum s institutional goals, there are the promotion of and encouragement to research on the culture of business, the support to the development of technologies applied to teaching and learning processes, within a framework of freedom of research and teaching.

5 Universitas Mercatorum. Open University of the Chambers of Commerce

6 THE UNIVERSITY JOINED TO ENTERPRISES The promoters of the University Universitas Mercatorum rests on the skills and the joint commitment by several subjects of the network of the Chambers of Commerce - operating in the field of training and orientation as well as in innovation for a long time. The 53 partners are the following: Unioncamere Dintec Ifoa Isnart Mondimpresa Retecamere 6 Regional Unions of Chambers of Commerce: Unioncamere Basilicata, Unioncamere Calabria, Unioncamere Friuli Venezia Giulia, Unioncamere Lombardy, Unioncamere Piedmont, Unioncamere Tuscany 41 Chambers of Commerce: Ascoli Piceno, Avellino, Bari, Bologna, Brescia, Brindisi, Cagliari, Campobasso, Catanzaro, Cuneo, Fermo, Florence, Foggia, Frosinone, Genoa, Grosseto, Imperia, La Spezia, Latina, Livorno, Massa Carrara, Padua, Palermo, Parma, Pisa, Prato, Ragusa, Reggio Emilia, Rome, Salerno, Sassari, Siena, Siracusa, Taranto, Treviso, Trieste, Udine, Venice, Verona, Vicenza, Viterbo

7 Universitas Mercatorum. Open University of the Chambers of Commerce The ancient roots of Universitas Mercatorum The name Universitas Mercatorum recalls the origins, the nature and the distinctive feature of the Chambers of Commerce. In fact, Universitates Mercatorum were associations invested with the role of market control, in defence of all merchant sectors interests. Therefore, the University of the Chambers of Commerce wants to keep, also in its name, its feature as a University stemming from businesses and addressed to businesses (in all economic sectors) with the purpose of enhancing their human capital and fostering their growth. Therefore, it is an ancient history projected to the future. Up to date, the university has set up an educational and professional community of almost 700 people being students, teachers or tutors.

8 UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE In accordance with the art.7 of the Statute, the Governing bodies of the Online Universities are the following: - the Board of Directors - the University Senate - the Chairman of the Board of Directors - the Faculties - the Executive Committee, if appointed - the Evaluation Unit - the Rector - the Board of Auditors Board of Directors Chairman Pierfrancesco PACINI President CCIAA* PISA Members Franco Amadeo - President CCIAA* Imperia Franco Bettoni - President CCIAA* Brescia Enrico Bini - President CCIAA* Reggio Emilia Giorgio Marbach - Rector Universitas Mercatorum Norberto Ricci - President CCIAA* Massa Carrara Tarcisio Ruschetti - President CCIAA* Verbano Cusio Ossola Giuseppe Tripoli - Head of Dept. SMEs and Internationalization, Ministry of Economic Development Andrea Zanlari - President of the Consortium Co. Universitas Mercatorum and President CCIAA* Parma * Italian Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Crafts and Agriculture Rector Prof. Giorgio Marbach Board of Auditors President Ivo Monfeli Members Franco Rosati Assunta Cioffi Evaluation Unit President Alessandro Melchionna Members Marina D Orsogna Alessandro Montrone Tiziana Pompei Alfredo Rizzi Giuseppe Tardivo

9 Universitas Mercatorum. Open University of the Chambers of Commerce Faculty of Economics Dean Giorgio Meo - Full Professor of Business Law Tenured teachers Full Professors Giorgio Meo - BUSINESS LAW Riccardo Tiscini - BUSINESS ECONOMICS Marco Marazza - LABOUR LAW Paolo Revigliono - BUSINESS LAW Associate Professors Maria Antonella Ferri - ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Giulio Piccirilli - ECONOMICS Giacomo D Attorre - BUSINESS LAW Researchers Maria Simona Andreano - STATISTICS Michele Lepore - LABOUR LAW Researchers in accordance with the art. 24, paragraph 3, letter b, of the Law 240/2010 Lucia Aiello - BUSINESS ORGANIZATION Angelo Giraldi - ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Barbara Sveva Magnanelli - BUSINESS ECONOMICS Laura Martiniello - SBUSINESS FINANCE Roberta Melis - MATHEMATICS FOR ECONOMICS, FINANCIAL AND ACTUARIAL SCIENCES Francesco Maria Olivieri - POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY Raffaella Rametta - PRIVATE LAW Elisa Raoli - BUSINESS ECONOMICS Agnese Sacchi - ECONOMICS Federico Tamagni - ECONOMIC POLICY Contract teachers The teaching staff is completed by 20 contract teachers with an academic and professional background. Director General Patrizia Tanzilli

10 A COURSE CATALOGUE KEPT UP WITH TIMES The reasons why Universitas Mercatorum can guarantee an education caring to students needs are a strong interest for Business Management and Law as well as for Tourism, distinguished professors and state-of-theart study methodologies. Study and research: always related to enterprises Analysis, management, entrepreneurship: these are the main research activities of Universitas Mercatorum, linked to the issues of business systems and to areas of interest for the System of the Chambers of Commerce. Within the teaching/learning planning, there is currently a focus on the following topics: family running of businesses and balance sheet transparency; medium and big enterprises statutory compliance with innovation in company law; new trends in labour market; evaluation systems of businesses and public bodies performances. Master programmes, vocational training programmes and lifelong training Universitas Mercatorum does not offer only degree courses, but also Master programmes, lifelong training and seminars. Master programmes Since the academic year , the university has organized Master programmes on issues of great interest for those wishing to interact with businesses as well as those wanting to keep up with times in a context of fast technological changes and greater request of specialization. For more information, please see the section Master Universitari on the website Courses on conciliation The Ministry of Justice has confirmed, under the decree of January 26, 2011, the ability of Universitas Mercatorum to give training courses of civil and business mediation. With 30 trainers, selected among professionals and experts in mediation and ADR, the university offers basic courses (54 hours) and refresher courses (1 hours) throughout the national territory. It releases a legally recognized qualification, according to the Ministerial Decree no. 10 issued on October 1, Universitas Mercatorum organizes also selection procedures for mediators to put in the lists of conciliation bodies. Training courses for financial operators Since October 20, the university has organized courses aiming at focusing on the reform of financial brokers (Legislative Decree no. 141 issued on August 13, 2010, implementing act of the Directive 200/4/EC). These courses are addressed both to those operating in financial sector, financial brokers and credit mediators, wishing to grow their knowledge, and to CONFIDI S administrators and staff. For an update on activities already carried out and in progress, please see on the website

11 Universitas Mercatorum. Open University of the Chambers of Commerce The course catalogue of Universitas Mercatorum The course catalogue of the University of the Chambers of Commerce offers three degree courses: FIRST-CYCLE DEGREE PROGRAMMES BUSINESS MANAGEMENT CLASS L-1 Degree Class in Economics and Business Management SECOND-CYCLE DEGREE PROGRAMMES MANAGEMENT CLASS LM-77 Second-Level Degree Class in Economics and TOURISM STUDIES L-15 Degree Class in Tourism Studies Business Sciences At the end of each first-cycle degree programme, it is possible to complete university studies by enrolling in the second-level degree programme in Management. The faculty members of Universitas Mercatorum.

12 1 ST CYCLE DEGREE PROGRAMME IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Degree class: L- 1 Degree Class in Economics and Business Management CFU: 10 Admission Requirements General admission requirement to the 1st Cycle Degree Programme in Business Management is the Italian school leaving qualification; foreign comparable qualifications may be accepted as well. Programme Profile The degree course in Business Management is part of the degree class in Economics and Business Management (L-1). It aims at giving the theoretical, methodological and professional knowledge dealing with businesses, particularly those of Public Administration and operating in manufacturing, high-tech and trade sectors. For this purpose, it requires adequate knowledge of the following learning areas: business, economics, law, mathematics and statistics, differing the former, that represent the core subjects, for functional areas and business sectors. Study plan FIRST YEAR SECOND YEAR THIRD YEAR TEACHING/LEARNING ACTIVITIES ECONOMICS BUSINESS ECONOMICS ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT STATISTICS PRIVATE LAW ECONOMICS II MATHEMATICS BUSINESS PLANNING AND CONTROL ENGLISH LANGUAGE BUSINESS LAW BUSINESS STRATEGIES AND MARKETING STATISTICS ADMINISTRATIVE LAW BUSINESS FINANCE LABOUR LAW AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ECONOMY LAW IT SKILLS ELECTIVE TEACHING/LEARNING ACTIVITIES SECOND LANGUAGE INTERNSHIP FINAL EXAMINATION CFU Career opportunities The degree course in Business Management prepares to be employed in a wide range of sectors within business management. In particular, the main career opportunities are in the following areas: - manufacturing, service businesses as well as public administration; - organization and automation of production; - logistics, project management and management control; - analysis of industrial sectors; - investment evaluation; - industrial marketing.

13 1 ST CYCLE DEGREE PROGRAMME IN TOURISM STUDIES Degree class: L- 15 Degree Class in Tourism Studies CFU: 10 Admission Requirements General admission requirement to the 1st Cycle Degree Programme in Business Management is the Italian school leaving qualification; foreign comparable qualifications may be accepted as well. Programme Profile Graduates in Tourism Studies develops a professional profile perfectly mixing humanistic and business skills; they are able to approach current tourist issues both from a managerial and a cultural point of view. Such professional profile is composed of two cultural macro-components interacting each other. The first component is linked to managerial skills (economic and financial management, marketing, human resources management, organization, management control, etc.) necessary to carry out such role and to have more chances of employability. This first aspect is completed by competences and knowledge connecting tourism to other socio-territorial and cultural components (history of architecture, art history, performing disciplines, etc.). Study plan FIRST YEAR SECOND YEAR THIRD YEAR TEACHING/LEARNING ACTIVITIES ECONOMICS DESTINATION MANAGEMENT ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY BUSINESS ECONOMICS BUSINESS LAW LABOUR LAW ORGANIZATION OF TOURIST BUSINESSES NAVIGATION LAW PRIVATE LAW ECONOMIC STATISTICS BUSINESS PLANNING AND CONTROL OF TOURIST BUSINESSES MODERN ART HISTORY SOCIOLOGY CINEMA, PHOTOGRAPHY AND TELEVISION BRAND MANAGEMENT OF TOURIST DESTINATIONS IT SKILLS SPANISH LANGUAGE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ELECTIVE TEACHING/LEARNING ACTIVITIES INTERNSHIP FINAL EXAMINATION CFU Career opportunities The degree course in Tourism Studies prepares to be employed in a wide range of sectors within tourism, specifically in the area of cultural tourism, that is a fundamental resource of the territory, but not limited to it, hosting this course. Graduated in Tourism Studies will be able to access to employment in accommodating facilities, service providers, travel agencies, tour operators, events agencies, parks, agritourism enterprises.

14 2 ND CYCLE DEGREE PROGRAMME IN MANAGEMENT Degree class: LM- 77 Degree Class in Economics and Business Sciences CFU: 0 Admission Requirements To be admitted to the Second-Cycle Degree Programme in Management, the 1st cycle degree in L-1, L-33, L-15, L-16 or a foreign equivalent degree are required. In order to verify the competences in this field of study, students have to pass an admission test aimed at showing individual adequate knowledge of economics, business management and organization, as well as of innovation processes, quantitative techniques and instruments of analysis, legal issues, according to the terms laid down in the Teaching Regulation. Furthermore, in order to verify the curricular requirements established by the Regulation of the Degree Course, the student will have to prove to be fluent both in spoken and written English. Programme Profile The 2nd Cycle Degree Programme in Management enable its graduates to acquire advanced knowledge in the field of business management and governance, thanks to an excellent both theoretical and practical background and an interdisciplinary development of competences in business, economic, quantitative and legal subjects. These interrelated skills allow students to operate in business contexts using the main instruments applicable to management and business functions, as well as interpreting in a right way the effects of economy on business systems. Study plan FIRST YEAR SECOND YEAR TEACHING/LEARNING ACTIVITIES ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES STATISTICS ADVANCED BUSINESS LAW ECONOMIC POLICY AUDITING ENGLISH LANGUAGE HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT TAX LAW BANKRUPTCY LAW ELECTIVE TEACHING/LEARNING ACTIVITIES FINAL EXAMINATION INTERNSHIP CFU Career opportunities Graduates in such degree programme will be employed in enterprises, banks, financial brokerage agencies, public administration and non profit bodies where will be asked to carry out general management, project management, finance, marketing, administration and control as well as internationalization activities. At the same time, they have all the skills necessary to become freelance professionals in the field of business consultancy.

15 Universitas Mercatorum. Open University of the Chambers of Commerce Guidance and placement services Universitas Mercatorum guarantees a close connection to job market and business system, by offering a guidance service to students wishing to register at our university, carried out by the Teaching Administration Office and teachers, as well as by tutors helping students in their first steps in the academic world, during their studies, and up to the graduation. The Guidance Service: provides services on activating internships and project works in private and public enterprises, specifically referring to each degree programme; gives information on job market, on how to write clearly a curriculum vitae; it provides services of job interview roleplay and individual guidance sessions; guides students to choose the internships most suitable to their aims and attitudes, providing useful advice on internship offers. International experiences The University guarantees international mobility with European and extra-european universities. Within the framework of the international university cooperation provided by the Community programme LLP, a series of bilateral agreements with other universities of European countries is going to be signed, to implement teaching activities focused on student mobility. A Memorandum of Understanding with Eurochambres that is, the body representing the European Chambers of Commerce is already in progress; according to this, specific activities to favour students international mobility are provided. Finally, Universitas Mercatorum is a partner of UNIMED, the Union of Mediterranean Universities, aiming at promoting university research and education to contribute to the integration process among Mediterranean Countries. Opening ceremony of the academic year

16 THE ONLINE VIRTUAL UNIVERSITY WITH ACTUAL TEACHERS AND TUTORS The student is never alone. The continuous connection with teachers and tutors guarantees immediate assistance to all students. Universitas Mercatorum wants that each of its students achieves the best results. Student services Universitas Mercatorum is committed to make students extra-teaching path easier, so that they can focus time and energies only on studies. The obstacles often hampering university access are overcome, all to the good of teaching activities. The university provides a range of online services to benefit the students enrolled: from the issuance of certificates of frequency to the registration to exams, from technical assistance to access to the platform to customized guidance counseling. Moreover, during exam sessions, held in the prestigious premises in Rome, via Appia Pignatelli, every student is given a series of dedicated services of hosting and assistance including: agreement with accommodating facilities close to the University premises; shuttle service; access to the Wi-Fi network in the areas of the University; cultural and socializing events among students and teachers of the University. Face to face with the tutor Another strong point of Universitas Mercatorum is the tutoring service made available to each student. In fact, the tutor is an important point of reference for students, as it supports them with continuity both on content and methodological aspects, as well as in the resolution of any technological difficulties. The student can count on three different tutors: In-progress Tutor: he/she helps students to build and customize their curriculum, accompanying them from registration to the degree examination. Subject Tutor: he/she refers to professors for issues related to the content of the various subjects and ways of learning. His/her main tasks are: assisting the student during learning and in view of examinations; distributing and correcting in itinere tests; constantly monitoring learning progress. Technological Tutor: he/she solves problems related to the use of the software platform and guarantees a constant online technical support.

17 Universitas Mercatorum. Open University of the Chambers of Commerce Teaching model The University of the System of the Chambers of Commerce has chosen the Blackboard platform, the most widespread Learning Management System in the world within university context. It is characterized as a flexible and interactive environment, which, integrated to the system of virtual classroom (Wimba Classroom), allows to manage synchronous live sessions between teacher and students. Blackboard is certified ADL-SCORM 1.2, IMS Content Packaging and IMS metadata and is compatible with all major international elearning standards. The tools available to the student for studying teaching materials and following the online lessons are: E-learning platform (Blackboard) Class or Virtual Classroom (Collaborator) The teaching model of reference that is blended - provides alternating sessions, i.e. face-to-face, self-training assisted by tutors and online interactions. Tests and exams Evaluation and in itinere tests. The learning process is monitored in progress and evaluated ex post, which means that, before the exams, there are in itinere learning tests and exercises during online lectures. The system of distance education allows to tutors and teachers to rebuild and track, in a parallel way, the work of each student. Exam sessions and examination centres. As provided by law, exams take place on-site in the headquarters of the University in Rome and in Milan and Imperia (the latter in the experimental stage). Therefore, for each course, the student has: a concise guide to the teaching/learning activities (workbook) that, integrated by the educational diary, defines when and how training; access to online teaching/learning activities through the Blackboard platform, which gives: the texts of the lectures; slides and audio or video comments of the teacher; the educational materials provided by the teacher, even in multimedia form; exercises and self-assessment tests.

18 THE ONLINE VIRTUAL UNIVERSITY WITH ACTUAL TEACHERS AND TUTORS The first step: registering Registration to the First-Cycle Degree Programme in Business Management can be made at any time of the year, upon presentation of the high school leaving qualification. Enrolment in the 1st year. Just log on to the platform through the Registration and Enrolment section of the website and follow the instructions. Recognition of Credits (CFU). Universitas Mercatorum responds very quickly, free of charge and prior to enrolment, to requests for evaluating CFU. Applications, completed by documentation proving the earning of credits, must be submitted, as specified in the site, to: Universitas Mercatorum, Via Appia Pignatelli 62, Rome ITALY. A relevant Committee will evaluate the requests for the recognition of Credits, in accordance with the provisions of the law. Tuition Fees. The registration fee for each year of the course is two thousand Euros and includes all the services of the University. Scholarships and fee reductions. Yearly, the university and the System of the Chambers of Commerce provide scholarships to cover part of the cost of registration. There are also financial fee reductions for various occupational categories. Course planning Organization. The academic year is divided into semesters: in each three months are dedicated to teaching and three months to examinations. Consistently with the way of delivering e-learning courses, however, access to asynchronous courses is guaranteed with no time limits to students who have access to the platform. Access. The courses can be accessed only through the e-learning platform using the password and user id issued to the student upon enrolment.

19 Universitas Mercatorum. Open University of the Chambers of Commerce An entrance gate to the Chamber System Universitas Mercatorum s students have dedicated privileges outside of the educational activity too. They have free access to information resources generated by the System of the Chambers of Commerce and can therefore: receive information regarding conferences and seminars dealing with their subjects of study; access to libraries of the Chambers of Commerce members of the Consortium establishing the University; receive publications issued within the System; be updated on the initiatives related to the economic culture in the context of the Italian Chambers of Commerce; be informed and take part in the activities of Universitas Mercatorum; have access to the initiatives of the Chambers Of Commerce participating in the Consortium.

20 THE EXPERIENCE OF WHO STUDIED AND GRADUATED WITH US Students and graduates tell their experience enthusiastically. Matthias Zwerger, 2 Office worker I live in Bolzano and work in a company of services to haulers. I have to make my compliments to the staff of the University Mercatorum: they give the best possible support and provide very real teaching. My slogan? Every computer connected to the Internet, is my university. Round the clock. Salvatore Agate, 34 Trade Director Selmar Technologies My job has always led me to teamworking in order to meet and overcome everyday challenges. The Universitas Mercatorum welcomed me with the same spirit, giving me a chance that I saw away: I'm not referring to graduation, but to the opportunity to acquire new knowledge and skills to apply in my daily work. Initially, I could only imagine the sacrifices I would have been submitted in this adventure because it is true, it is not easy to combine work, family and study. In fact, more than half of the work, I have to admit that probably I have underestimated those sacrifices. But I'm glad I made this choice because every little achievement gives me new enthusiasm, as well as the distance education system and the extraordinary support of the staff, especially tutors, that in this university works with enthusiasm and passion for an ambitious project. Vincenzo Prata, 44 Alenia Aermacchi, Intergrated Centre Steel Structures, Responsible Nola factory Honestly, when I enrolled I thought it was simple, unfortunately I was wrong. Commitment, perseverance and determination are necessary, you need to be motivated to achieve the goal. Long evenings, as many long weekends spent studying... of course while on holiday too: the e-university is always with you, but the satisfaction of discussing the thesis while your children and your wife are there to enjoy the moment with you, rewards you...try this... you can do it. Milva Gregorini, 42 Responsible General Administration Office and Presidency of the Chamber of Commerce of Brescia Everything has its time in life: how many people have told me that studying is something for the young! It is not easy, hard work and determination are necessary, but whatever has value, has to be pursued with constancy, and the satisfaction of a well-done exam amply repays of every sacrifice. I found in Universitas Mercatorum a method that leads to maintain a steady pace, even beyond my initial expectations. I was so happy that I get involved in this project also other friends together the way it s all downhill.

21 Universitas Mercatorum. Open University of the Chambers of Commerce Donato Mignogna and Giovanna D Agata University of businesses Office of the Chamber of Commerce of Campobasso Enthusiasm, passion, willpower... this is what is necessary to begin the adventure of an online degree course. Support, assistance and awareness that you can do it, you can combine work with study and with family, you just believe it and register... that's what we try to spread to those who come to our office. We ourselves are the example of who succeeded in graduating, now that we are on the side of the students to help them realize a dream: graduating! So...what are you waiting for? Fly high you too with Universitas Mercatorum! Graduating ceremony for delivering the first graduation diplomas

22 Maria Antonella Ferri THE TESTIMONY OF WHO IS AT THE SERVICE OF STUDENTS EVERY DAY Associate Professor of Economics and Business Management, Universitas Mercatorum I started my studies more than 20 years ago, I was a PhD student, teaching assistant, researcher, adjunct professor, and tenured professor in prestigious Italian universities. In recent years, being at the service of the students is what has motivated the research and teaching in any university course I kept, both postgraduate and specialist. Universitas Mercatorum, to which I joined a year ago, gave me and is giving me further stimuli that, beyond the seriousness and rigor of the structure, and despite the virtual context that characterizes it, are the result of the contact with students, their determination and will in tackling exams, but especially their desire for knowledge. Monica Didò Responsible Communication and external relations, Universitas Mercatorum Working in Universitas Mercatorum I really understood the value of Online Universities for those who wish to graduate - in order to grow culturally and professionally - having shortage of time, job engagement, and, in particular for women, family commitments. E-learning, as long as quality, is a democratic opportunity accessible anywhere in the world, able of guaranteeing that all can exercise their right to study! It is an important commitment, but how much satisfaction you see in the eyes of the students on the fateful graduation day! Claudio Carlucci Responsible University Administration Office, Universitas Mercatorum The target of students with whom I come into contact on a daily basis is motivated by both professional and personal reasons in achieving graduation. These differences reflect the age of the Mercatorum students, from new graduates to business managers, all united together in achieving the goal of a lifetime... graduation! Every day for me is a stimulating challenge to relate with students so different from each other, by age and geographical origin. Nicoletta Di Pasqua Responsible Guidance Tutor, Universitas Mercatorum Accompanying the students, assisting them in all phases of the course from scheduling a study plan that fosters professional and personal development, to coaching, to better addressing the individual subjects and examinations is the core of my business in Universitas Mercatorum. An activity that, starting from listening to the needs of students, directs and facilitates their academic path. A great responsibility more than repaid by students professional and personal satisfaction when successfully pass an exam or finish cleverly their course of studies, as well as by the knowledge that the relationships established does not end when graduated. Fabrizio Ruscelli Responsible Web and E-learning technologies In these years we have shared the satisfaction of seeing our students achieve graduation. Far beyond our strictly technical task of support, we have had the pleasure to establish a true direct relationship with many of them, which has helped to overcome obstacles and fears towards new technologies. In this way, students have felt increasingly autonomous and comfortable in proceeding with the online study to reach such an important and difficult goal.

23 Graphic design and layout: Errepi Photos: Marcello Scopelliti Imago Economica Print: DOMOGRAF - Tipografia Editrice Pictures in this brochure illustrate wide shots and details of University premises

24 Universitas Mercatorum contacts Via Appia Pignatelli, 62 - Rome Italy Tel.: / Fax: segreteria@unimercatorum.it