European Quality AssuranceRegister for Higher Education

Use of the ESG by EQAR – Expectations ofthe EQAR Register Committee

ENQA Reviewers' SeminarVienna, 15/10/2015

Colin Tück

Reviews for EQARregistration

ENQA; 30

German Accreditation Council; 8

Others; 2

Relevant documents forreviewers

Policy on Use and Interpretation of the ESGfor the European Register of Quality Assurance Agencies Read in conjunction with the (full) ESG Ex ante transparency Replaces “Practices and Interpretations” New element: “Reports should at least demonstrate”

Other documents Procedures for Applications Guide for Applicants Appeals Procedure Specific policies (e.g. mergers)

Changes in EQAR'sapplication process

New Old

Application Before review After review

Check of eligibility First step of process Prior check optional

External review Follows eligibility check Before application

Flags No longer used In approval decision

Publication policy: Full documentation Decision only

Requirements for reviews

Independent coordinator Panels have to include at least

One academic staff One student One international member

Interview with all stakeholders Language / access to evidence

Coverage of reviews

All external QA activities within the scope of the ESG Obligatory and voluntary Within the EHEA and outside the EHEA Clarified in letters to agencies

International/cross-border activities Clear procedures and criteria

Activities “discovered” during review Analyse if potentially relevant

Consultative activities Clear separation needed Different nature must be clear

Review report

Clarity Link between evidence and conclusions Avoid vague statements Dissenting opinion if major disagreement

2.1 – 2.7: subheadings for different activities Conclusion could differ between activities

Standard 2.1 Link between agency's standards and ESG 1.1 – 1.10 In all types of reviews

Decision-making

Conclusions for each standard Overall judgement

Review panel

Substantially compliant

Not substantially compliant

either ...

… or

Register Committee decision

Full compliance

Substantial compliance

Partial compliance

Non-compliance

Compliance (full or substantial)

Partial compliance

Non-compliance

All standards

One or more

One or more → holistic judgement

Clarification requests to panel chair if needed If conclusion differs from panel, explained in public decision

Publication