EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, May 2003 CONVENTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS GRAZ May 2003

EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, May 2003 Preliminary Conclusions by the General Rapporteur A broad spectrum of inputs A vision for 2010 and beyond Our role in Europe and in the global context A social contract Autonomy -effectiveness - accountability

EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, May 2003 Preliminary conclusions (cont´d) Academic quality and employability of graduates Mobility Social dimensions Gender perspectives Quality assurance and accountability Conclusions: Challenges for the future

EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, May 2003 Vision for 2010 and beyond Our common vision is a Europe of knowledge based on strong research and research-based education in European universities across the continent. Our diversity is a strong asset and a base for a common cultural and civic European identity. Our diversity is also beautifully reflected in the abundance of higher education institutions of different orientations.

EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, May 2003 Vision (cont´d) We want to be active and competitive on a global scale. Our diversity and cultural heritage can be made the social cohesion in the European Higher Education Area, characterised by strong networking across Europe creating excellence in teaching and research. We also make our cultural richness a strong asset in the global arena. We see the European Research Area as a frame for internationally competitive research and attractive for scientists and scholars.

EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, May 2003 Vision (cont´d) We see students as partners in education. They are key members in the academic community. Flexible and individualised learning paths in a system of three cycles in European institutions of higher education are attractive to students across boarders and from other continents.

EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, May 2003 Our role in Europe and in a wider global context We constitute central forces in the development of society, in constant dialogue with the European society, safeguarding and creating the vital knowledge for the social and economic welfare in society, locally, regionally and globally - while maintaining long- term perspectives and academic values

EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, May 2003 Social contract The process ahead of us has to develop within a social contract between governments, higher education institutions and students, all committed to the long- term vision of a Europe of knowledge

EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, May 2003 Autonomy -effectiveness - accountability Education as a public responsibility Building strong institutions Governance and management The institutional perspective

EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, May 2003 Academic quality and employability of graduates Research and scholarship as an integral part of higher education Degree structure and employability of graduates - Curricula must be re-designed to give bachelor and master degrees meaning in their own right - employability in a broad sense, not just responding to short-term labour market concerns

EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, May 2003 Joint programs and degrees Excellent instruments that should be introduced on a broad scale They promote the European dimension by building on the strength of participating institutions They provide a diverse cultural and linguistic experience

EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, May 2003 Joint programs and degrees (cont´d) They promote mobility within Europe They can enhance attractiveness of European higher education considerably

EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, May 2003 Mobility Mobility is a resourceful instrument to promote academic quality, recognition and to promote the employability of the individual. Mobility of staff is essential in the international arena but is still curbed by major obstacles.

EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, May 2003 Social dimensions We expect our governments to - amend legislation on student support such as portable study grants, regulations on health care etc - consider career prospects and the development of career paths for young researchers, and the need of financial support

EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, May 2003 Social dimensions (cont´d) - find measures to encourage young PhDs to continue working in Europe - to facilitate their return from post- doctoral periods abroad

EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, May 2003 Social dimensions (cont´d) We take on ourselves to - continue developing student support structures such as academic and professional counselling - maintain and improve language education - promote the cultural integraion of incoming students

EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, May 2003 The gender perspective In a competitive Europe women and men alike take on responsibilities. Gender aspects and gender equality emerges as an important issue for the future of academic quality. It is also a key question regarding mobility Mobility schemes should encompass dual careers

EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, May 2003 The gender perspective (cont´d) Institutions should consider recruitment policies have to include recruiting couples Human resource policies should address diversity and gender equality

EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, May 2003 Quality assurance and accountability One of the major issues in the Bologna process The responsibility of institutions The provisional committee

EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, May 2003 Conclusion: Challenges for the future We have to allow time for the academic consensus type culture to cope with the tremendous possibilities for fundamental reforms. We recognise the dangers in pushing reforms in a top-down approach We expect governments to - take action to empower institutions by providing stable legal and funding environments

EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, May 2003 Conclusion: Challenges for the future (cont´d) - safe-guard the autonomy of institutions Reform period after 2010 ”Universities are essential elements in upholding sustainable democratic societies across Europe”