Parallel session 3 Quality Assurance and Recognition in a Global Perspective Chair :Andrejs Rauhvargers Speakers: Marie Jose Lemaitre del Campo Nikki Heerens Rapporteur: Carolyn Campbell The Bologna Process Bergen, May 2005

2 Quality Assurance and Recognition in a Global Perspective: five key words Trust Transparency Information Dialogue Partnership

3 Quality Assurance and Recognition in a Global Perspective Trust The rapid pace of change in higher education in the EHEA and the lack of familiarity with and knowledge about the ‘new’ degrees both within and outside Europe has led to a lack of trust in standards and an impact on recognition Confidence building in European quality and standards is required Transparency Through the development and use of common reference points - the European Standards and Guidelines for QA, the overarching framework of qualifications in the EHEA Through continuing to work towards a common language for QA identifying context-free, shared values and principles.

4 Quality Assurance and Recognition in a Global Perspective Information On the implementation of Bologna reforms at all levels: availability and accessibility – issues to pursue On the recognition of the new qualifications, for academic and professional purposes: successes and problems. Who will tackle this and how? Part of the national action plans? Dialogue Ideas and information on quality and qualifications should be shared rather than promoted as a ‘European’ solutions Acknowledge that many elements of the higher education reforms in the EHEA have drawn on experiences and parallels elsewhere.

5 Quality Assurance and Recognition in a Global Perspective Partnership Rather than supranational legislation: a success factor for the EHEA, for MERCOSUR Multilayered – not simply country to country but engaging the widest range of stakeholders in higher education Promoting shared ownership of and responsibility for Quality and Standards.

6 Quality Assurance and Recognition in a Global Perspective: some next steps Endorse the OECD/UNESCO draft Guidelines for Quality Provision in Cross border Education Establish contacts with other countries with similar architecture of qualifications to the EHEA –To share information on the implementation of higher education reforms in the EHEA –To explore recognition issues in respect of first and second cycle qualifications Promote and support global networking and partnerships in quality assurance and recognition