1. The European University Associations Institutional Evaluation Programme Nina Arnhold European University Association Birmingham, 09 December 2005

2. …2… I. EUA and the Institutional Evaluation Programme (IEP) EUA - over 750 universities & 34 Rectors Conferences in 45 countries, incl. other HEIs as associated members Objective: strengthen institutions in a European context IEP: 150 institutional audits in 36 countries in 11 years Equips institutions to deal with challenges by enhancing their capacity to adapt to a changing context

3. …3… II.Institutional Evaluation Programme Focus: Institutional structure and organisation Affords a global view of the institution Examines its major characteristics Determines if it carries out its mission i.e. examines if the institution provides a stimulating, effective and efficient environment for learning, research and service to society

4. …4… II. Institutional Evaluation Programme Philosophy: Based on fitness for purpose but also examines fitness of purpose (does the institution have a realistic strategic plan given its resources, etc?) Emphasise the self-evaluation phase (as an opportunity for improving quality culture) No single definition of excellence

5. …5… II. Institutional Evaluation Programme Evaluation Guidelines (1) Key questions: What does the institution do? (Mission) How does it do it? (Activities) How does it know it works? (Quality culture) What does it do to change? (Strategic capacity for change)

6. …6… II. Institutional Evaluation Programme Guidelines (2) Teams: European peer review by senior HE leaders: A stable pool that has accumulated a wealth of international experience Annual training focusing on emerging HE trends In some countries – international teams Involvement of experienced peers from different types of HEIs

7. …7… II. Institutional Evaluation Programme Guidelines (3) - Procedures: Two visits: 1st visit: to understand national and institutional constraints and opportunities 2nd visit: to understand strengths and weaknesses and make recommendations Team meets all categories of institutional staff, students, plus external stakeholders

8. …8… III. EUA activities at sector level Already worked in Catalonia, Ireland, and former Yugoslavia (Bosnia Herzegovina, Serbia) Now engaged in Slovakia and soon in Portugal Results in a national report that identifies common issues & common recommendations across the sector Major aim is to highlight what should change at the system level in order to allow institutions to be innovative and adaptable.

9. …9… IV. Lessons learned A single set of narrowly defined standards for HE is not desirable since it clashes with the need to have an innovative and diverse HE sector But it is important that each institution is clear about its own standards And that each institution is (externally) evaluated in the context of its standards

10. …10… IV. Lessons learned from EUAs QA activities: Autonomy and accountability A strong institution is a guarantee of academic freedom for academic staff Strong institutional autonomy is linked to the effective development of an internal quality culture A strong institutional core, appropriate devolution of responsibilities to faculties, a well thought-out communication strategy and community building are the pre-conditions for an effective institution