When governments establish single-mode distance teaching institutions, they often provide a specific mandate. In dual-mode institutions the mandate of the new distance learning component is usually integral to the mission of the institution as a whole.

Mandates or mission statements in distance education usually encompass one of the following views:

• Distance education is a means of meeting changing government priorities more rapidly and flexibly than conventional institutions may be able to.
• Distance education is a means of providing increased access to students who are isolated or who missed the chance early in life to secure an education.
• Distance education is a means of filling significant gaps in the provision of education and training.

In both single- and dual-mode institutions it is important that the mandate be well defined and that the context in which it is to be carried out be clearly articulated.

Thus the mandate for a distance education institution needs to state clearly and precisely:

• The institution's place within the existing system
• Its relationship to other institutions that provide the same or similar kinds of programs.

Where mandates and mission statements exist, there are few if any differences between those of industrial and developing country institutions.

More on mandate and mission statements

ZINADOL. 1998. Zimbabwe National Association for Distance and Open Learning (ZINADOL). Fact Sheet no. 1. March.

ZINADOL. 1997. Constitution of the Zimbabwe National Association for Distance and Open Learning