Implementing the European Standards and Guidelines First Joint Quality Network Conference on VET and HE, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 3, 8010 Graz, Austria 11/12 May 2006 Implementing the European Standards and Guidelines ESIB – The National Unions of Students in Europe Colin Tück, Bologna Process Committee Austria 2006 * Presidency of the European Union

Outline The students’ view on Quality Assurance Principles for Quality Assurance Expectations and challenges The role of Quality Assurance Networks European Standards & Guidelines and European Qualifications Framework (EQF)

Aims and Purposes Improve quality Transparency of quality Accountability of higher education institutions Demands of stakeholders (Academics, Students, Social Partners) Comparability of qualifications

Principles for QA 3 levels of Quality Assurance: Internal QA by the institution itself External QA by an indepedent agency Review of the QA agency Complementarity of levels Transparency on all levels Involvement of stakeholders on all levels

Expectations European Standards & Guidelines: Improve study programmes and conditions Comparability of QA procedures Safeguarding common principles European Register of QA Agencies: Transparency of quality Assist institutions, students and employers Promote the use of Standards & Guidelines

Student Participation ESIB Bologna With Student Eyes, 2003

Challenges I Participation Scope Students and social partners International experts Scope Curriculum Study conditions, student services Equity of access, progression & completion

Challenges II Independence Transparency Panels Quality Assurance agencies Transparency Internal measures External evaluations or accreditations European Register for QA Agencies

Role of networks Exchange experiences between agencies, stakeholders, institutions Promote co-operation Serve as pilots Be open and balanced

Standards & Guidelines and Qualification Frameworks Two complementary instruments European Standards & Guidelines: Processes of Quality Assurance General criteria European Qualifications Frameworks: Criteria for programme’s outcomes and workload Reference point for Quality Assurance