QI News: March 2024
Introduction
In this edition of Quality International Newsletter (QI News), we continue to celebrate the global advancement of quality assurance (QA) in higher education. Our CIQG member spotlight shines brightly on two remarkable organizations committed to the QA charge within their respective nations (Mexico and the United States), and beyond. This issue also showcases the work of the Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ARACIS). Their rigorous evaluation of the UNITA universities alliance reflects a strong dedication to raising higher education standards, fostering collaboration and excellence in both education and research. Lastly, we feature a recent visit by Moldovan higher education officials to CHEA in Washington, D.C. The visit underscores our continued support of the U. S. Department of Education’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), and its commitment to international dialogue in safeguarding educational quality.
Collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence are driving forces in the continuous enhancement of higher education quality on a global scale. Together, we forge ahead, inspired by the progress made and the promise of even greater achievements on the horizon. It is our hope that you enjoy this issue and consider how you might contribute in the future to QI News. ENJOY!
CIQG Member Spotlight
CIQG Member since: 2015
CIQG Member since: 2013
View the video, "Unlocking Excellence in Higher Education: Quality Matters and Quality Delivery" prepared by Quality Matters for the 2024 CHEA/CIQG Annual Conference.
External Quality Assurance of European Universities Alliances - an external evaluation conducted by ARACIS (Romania)
Earlier in 2023, the Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance of Higher Education (ARACIS) has conducted an external evaluation of the UNITA universities alliance, following the European Framework for the Comprehensive Quality Assurance of European Universities, which was developed within the EUNiQ project funded by the Erasmus+ program.
The European Universities initiative of the European Commission is aimed to support the creation of transnational alliances of higher education institutions, together with partners from academia, national and regional authorities, civil society, as well as the economic environment. As of now, there are 50 active European University alliances, funded through the Erasmus+ programme of the European Commission, while also able to apply for local, national and international funding. While following the main scopes of the Bologna Process, the European Universities alliances aim at strengthening cooperation between higher education institutions and the society, thus enhancing opportunities for students and staff, especially with the establishment of several initiatives such as micro-credentials, joint programmes and the creation of inter-university campuses. READ MORE
Irina Duma, PhD student, Cluj-Napoca Technical University, member to ARACIS National Register of Experts – Students
Daniela Cristina Ghitulica, General Director, ARACIS
Romita Iucu, Professor and President of the Board of Trustees, University of Bucharest, member to ARACIS National Register of Experts
CHEA Hosts International Visitor Leadership Delegation from Moldova
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) hosted higher education officials from Moldova at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., in February. The Moldovan officials visited the United States as part of the Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), organized by the Mississippi Consortium for International Development. The IVLP is designed to offer an overview of higher education in the U.S., delve into the needs and responsibilities inherent in higher education, observe the administration of higher education institutions, engage with university associations and networks, hold discussions on common concerns, and gain insight into technology and best practices addressing academic integrity. Accordingly, meeting topics centered on CHEA’s premier role in ensuring quality and accountability in the American higher education system.
Members of the Moldovan group included:
- Ms. Alexandra Barbaneagra, Rector of Ion Creanga State Pedagogical University
- Mr. Sergiu Cornea, Rector of Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu State University of Cahul
- Mr. Serghei Palihovici, Director of the Institute of Public Administration at Moldova State University
- Ms. Valentina Pritcan, Vice-Rector for Research and International Relations at Alecu Russo State University of Balti
- Ms. Elena Prus, Vice-Rector for Scientific Research and Doctoral Studies for International Relations at Free International University of Moldova
- Ms. Galina Rusu, State Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova
- Mr. Igor Sarov, Rector of Moldova State University
- Mr. Alexandru Stratan, Rector of the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova
The Moldovan participants were accompanied by Mr. Bruno Blumenfeld, a simultaneous interpreter; Mr. Virgil Cioflec, an administrative interpreter; and Ms. Julie Donat, a simultaneous interpreter.
CHEA representatives at the meeting were: Cynthia Jackson Hammond, President; Michelle Claville, Vice President for Research and Policy Analysis, and Liaison to CIQG; and Loretta Waldron, Vice President for Recognition Services.
If your organization plans to be in Washington, DC, and would like to meet with CHEA, please contact Michelle Claville at [email protected].
Announcements
Save the date for the 2025 CHEA/CIQG Annual Conference scheduled for January 27 – 30, in Washington, D.C. More information coming soon.
Webinar: Microcredentials: Protecting Consumers Through Quality Assurance
April 17, 2024: 8:00-9:00 am ET.
Submissions
Remember that you are invited to submit articles or op-eds that focus on current topics relevant to quality assurance and international higher education. After reviewing the Quality International Newsletter Guidelines (https://www.chea.org/quality-international-newsletter-guidelines ), please submit your articles, op-eds, announcements by May 27, 2024, for consideration of inclusion in the June 2024 issue of QI News.
The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect those of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation,
its International Quality Group, its Board, or its members.
Become a CIQG member, today!