Towards a European “Label”?

Discussion Group D

5th EUA Conference: Working Together - Joint Degrees 24-25 October 2003, Babes-Bolyai University

Context for discussion

Content of Bologna Process Focus on national reform “European dimension” forgotten BP Structural issues only? Or also European identity?

5th EUA Conference: Working Together - Joint Degrees 24-25 October 2003, Babes-Bolyai University

Position of EUA

To promote “European Dimension” Graz Convention: members encouraged EUA

to pursue discussion of European label Cluj conference opportunity Look for elements in Joint Programmes

which may help to define European dimension

5th EUA Conference: Working Together - Joint Degrees 24-25 October 2003, Babes-Bolyai University

European Higher Education - Identity

Graz outcomes: European values in terms of:- Equity and access (social dimension);- Linking teaching and research;- European conception of quality;- Cultural and linguistic diversity

5th EUA Conference: Working Together - Joint Degrees 24-25 October 2003, Babes-Bolyai University

Purpose(s) of European label

Label to recognise and reward these values?

Or: To protect student interests? To clarify what a European degree is & is not To enhance attractiveness of EHEA A combination of all of the above?

5th EUA Conference: Working Together - Joint Degrees 24-25 October 2003, Babes-Bolyai University

Lessons from Joint Programmes

Elements of working together in Europe all present in joint programmes

Evidence of unique qualities of European higher education:

- experience of different academic, social, linguistic environments with common European heritage

5th EUA Conference: Working Together - Joint Degrees 24-25 October 2003, Babes-Bolyai University

Recommendation to ourselves

To European university community:- Mission/project of university to develop

thinking and construction of European identity

- If universities don’t do this, who will? - Let us not lack ambition…- Europe should have started with culture

(Monnet), and we’re late..

5th EUA Conference: Working Together - Joint Degrees 24-25 October 2003, Babes-Bolyai University

Opinions on European label

General support for some kind of label Variety of conceptions For institutions? For joint programmes? Who awards? Danger of being reductive rather than

supportive

5th EUA Conference: Working Together - Joint Degrees 24-25 October 2003, Babes-Bolyai University

Arguments for an EUA label for institutions

encouragement of the European Dimension is most needed at institutional level

To act as a catalyst for interaction across borders Reference point of good practice Would need “indicators” eg presence of joint programmes,

increasing mobility, collaborative research, “Europeanising” curriculum, use of ECTS & DS etc

Need for evaluation before label… Use experience of joint masters project to develop and test

indicators/elements If not EUA, then who?

5th EUA Conference: Working Together - Joint Degrees 24-25 October 2003, Babes-Bolyai University

Arguments for an EUA label for Joint Programmes

Developing consensus that Europe needs a mechanism to assess and recognise the added value of joint programmes

EUA representative association of Europe’s universities

Experience from Joint Masters project If not EUA, then who?

5th EUA Conference: Working Together - Joint Degrees 24-25 October 2003, Babes-Bolyai University

European University handbook

A concrete proposal to EUA: Develop a handbook for institutions with: Clear statements on principles Expectations of the European university Highlight what needs to be developed Provide contextualised examples of good

practice

5th EUA Conference: Working Together - Joint Degrees 24-25 October 2003, Babes-Bolyai University

Conclusion

For EUA, the question of a European label poses major challenges

Question of how to respond is still open, and All actions would have serious implications But to do nothing in the current European

environment would also be a major policy decision with implications…