HEIs in Austria

Transcription

1 QUALITY ASSURANCE OF HEIss IN AUSTRIA&CUAS MIMI University of Montpellier 11th April 2016 Marianne Frick Quality Management Andreas Pester Study Dean

2 HEIs in Austria HEIs in Austria are: Universities Universities of Applied Sciences Private Universities University College of Teacher Education Other Institutions of Post-Secondary Education The Austrian universities can basically be broken down into three types of post-secondary educational institutions: The Austrian universities, universities of applied sciences and private universities. Currently, there are 22 Austrian universities, 21 universities of applied sciences and 12 private universities (February 2014).

3 External Quality Assurance Agency In 2012, the Agency for Quality Assurance and Accreditation Austria (AQ Austria) was established as an agency for quality assurance for Austrian higher education institutions on the basis of the Act on Quality Assurance in Higher Education (HS-QSG). According to AQ Austria's legal remit, AQ Austria is responsible for the entire higher education sector on the tertiary level in Austria (with the exception of University Colleges of Teacher Education).

4 External Quality Assurance Procedures Accreditation Private universities and Universities of Applied Sciences (FH) require accreditation as a prerequisite for state recognition. In accrediting a HEI, AQ Austria certifies that they have met the prerequisites for accreditation. Institutional and programme accreditation Audit By conducting an audit, AQ Austria certifies that the higher education institution s internal quality management system (QMS) is effective and properly organisedand supports further improvement of that system.

5 Institutional accreditation The initial accreditation procedure includes the institution itself as well as the degree programmes submitted at that time. The accreditation notification confirms the legal status of an FH for a six-year period. The FH must apply for extension of institutional accreditation (reaccreditation) and prove that the institution meets the prerequisites and that they will continue to be met for the six years to come. Extension includes all accredited degree programmesat the time of application. After an FH has extended its accreditation once, they no longer require institutional accreditation. Following a continuous accreditation period of twelve years, an FH must undergo periodic audits according to HS-QSG.

6 Programme accreditation According to HS-QSG, an FH institution planning to offer new FH degree programmesrequires accreditation. Programme accreditations are also required for Private Universities. In general, programmeaccreditations are granted for an unlimited period. Continuing education courses do not require accreditation. The procedure is the same as the institutional accreditation procedure. The criteria are different.

7 The Accreditation Process

8 Audit As a result of the Act on Quality Assurance in Higher Education (HS-QSG) as amended, audits have become an established feature of external quality assurance in Austria. An audit examines the organisationand implementation of a HEI's internal quality management system(qms). FHs and universities are required to establish their own QMS in order to assure quality and the attainment of their performance objectives. Certification by audit confirms that a HEI has successfully established its QMS in compliance with the legal requirements.

9 Audit criteria The following assessment areas shall, as a minimum, apply: Quality strategy and its integration into the management tools of the higher education institution; quality-assurance structures and procedures in the areas of degree programmesand teaching, research or advancement and appreciation of the arts or applied research and development, organisationand administration and staff; integration of internationalisationand societal objectives into the quality management system; information systems and involvement of stakeholder groups; quality-assurance structures and procedures for certificate programmes for further education.

10 Context of quality European Standards Requirements of the External Quality Assurance The University: Constitution and Strategy Internal Quality Management System

11 The design of the QMS at CUAS Based on the strategy and the quality objectives CUAS organizes the structure and processes. The processes are carried out on all levels A set of evaluation tools gives information about the achievement of the objectives After analyzing the results the management adapts structure, guidelines and processes

12 European Standards as requirements HEP: CUAS comply with European Standards ESG ECTS EQF Some of the requirements are standards on the European level ESG, ECTS-Standards and the EQF influence the internal quality management system for Studying and Teaching CUAS is aiming to comply with the European Standards

13 QMS CUAS Internationalization Strategic development plan of CUAS underlines the importance of internationalization for the strategic positioning of the HE and declares the following objectives until 2022 Qualitative and quantitative improvement of students and teachers mobility More international components in the study programms Intensification of networking with strategic partners Optimizing services for internationalization and awarenessraising for international agenda

14 Based on Erasmus Charter for Higher Education CUAS declared to develop her international activities until Declaration about the European Policy in Education Strategic Development Plan of CUAS (HEP 2022) Internationalization is one of the 8 main focus

15 Mobility Increasing number of incoming and outgoing student mobility Hold the level of about 20% teaching mobility IRO Tracking and evaluation of all mobility events Quantitative figures and trends once per semester for the whole university basis for next year (semester): management board, semester planning and budget discussions

16 Internationalization of teaching Study programs in English (mostly master level) Modules in English (for exchange students) Intercultural education on different levels Increasing the number of Double degree programmes Internationalization as an mandatory aspect for the evaluation of running and development of new study programs

17 Networks, partnerships, research Support existing network of partnerships on the level of the university and departments Active member of international university networks (EAIE, EUROASIA PACIFIC UNINET, NAFSA, EUA) Concentration on strategic partners

18 IRO Acts for the whole university Clear defined roles and tasks Under the supervision of the management board In every department one international coordinator, who act together with the program directors and supports the IRO IRO + International coordinators + rector = international committee coordinates all international activities of the university Documentation of all information and documents related to internationalization on the intranet and home page in German and English