1. EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, 29-31 May 2003 Theme III Consolidating a Quality Culture in Europe’s Universities

2. EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, 29-31 May 2003 Preconditions for quality: Autonomy creates and requires responsibility. Universities are responsible for developing a quality culture. Cooperation is necessary: EUA programmes and projects are helpful

3. EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, 29-31 May 2003 Internal quality culture embraces… A place of vibrant intellectual and educational attainment – with a strong reputation A way of working where everyone strives to improve, develop and extend the intellectual and educational life of the university An institution that knows and challenges itself and is open and responsive to change Developed and supported by effective leadership, management and governance

4. EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, 29-31 May 2003 Key principles: university community and the staff ’s identification with the institution; participation of students in the university community; internal communication, discussions and devolved responsibility and staff development programmes in “quality culture in universities” agreeing an overarching framework for quality review processes and standards which will review periodically all programmes and activities;

5. EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, 29-31 May 2003 Key principles: defining key institutional data – historical, comparative, national and international – and systematically collecting and analysing them; involving the appropriate external and internal stakeholders; stressing the self-evaluation stage as a collective exercise for the unit under review to ensure the implementation of appropriate change ensuring a follow-up of the internal reviews: e.g., implementation of the appropriate recommendations and feed back loops into strategic management.

6. EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, 29-31 May 2003 European dimension in QA: 3 principles for future discussions 1.mutual trust among the main stakeholders 2.respect for diversity of national contexts, subject areas and other factors 3.transparency: clear architecture and clear procedures

7. EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, 29-31 May 2003 Common characteristics for QA procedures: They must promote cultural, academic and organisational quality They must respect institutional autonomy They must develop internal quality culture They must be cost effective They must include an evaluation of the QA agencies The must minimise bureaucracy and avoid over regulation

8. EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, 29-31 May 2003 Higher Education Quality Committee Starting points for the work of the provisional Committee: Independence Responsibility of HEIs for quality Public responsiveness