The Bologna Process Bergen, 19-20 May Report from working group 4 INSTITUTIONAL AUTONOMY AND GOVERNANCE Rapporteur Christina Ullenius
How should public responsibility and institutional autonomy be balanced in the Bologna Process for optimal co-operation and division of labour between public authorities and autonomous institutions? Are there elements of institutional autonomy that are essential to the Bologna Process?
Does increasing institutional autonomy imply a stronger and more centralized institutional leadership? (Such as the appointment of a University President by the Executive Board instead of the Academic Senate electing a Rector?).
Does increasing institutional autonomy imply a stronger influence from external decision-makers (ministry of education) on the composition of the institutional leadership? Finally Should this theme be brought forward for further discussion in the Bologna process after Bergen?
Autonomy - accountability Autonomy defined within a legal framework Higher education institutions accountable to society at large Governments accountable to HEI for providing the necessary means to achieve Bologna objectives
The necessary means to obtain Bologna objectives A legal framework and financial means Trends IV identifies national level regulation that interferes with or restricts implementation of change Creative HEIs in a decentralised system contribute best to Bologna objectives; mobility, compatibility, comparability. How do we prove that we do the job better if we have autonomy on some issues?
The necessary means to obtain Bologna objectives – to be granted to HEI A legal framework; formal autonomy Academic autonomy; curricula, programs Financial autonomy; to prioritise Admission of students Recruitment, selection and management of staff Internal structure, governing bodies, etc
The necessary means to obtain Bologna objectives - governments A legal framework; State regulated degree structure Standardised credit system, e.g. ECTS Student support
Guiding principles Governance should be developed in balance with cultural framework Grant student participation Transparent decision-making structures Interaction with stake-holders Improved managerial skills in HEI leadership Avoid overregulation
Conclusions: There are issues to be brought forward in the Bologna process Best practice in governance? Change is necessary Remove legal obstacles to change and creativity Focus on QA, outcomes Trust in institutions to take charge of implementation of the Bologna process