International evaluations and accreditations have an important development role in the field of quality assurance, as participation in international evaluations and obtaining international accreditations accelerates the development of quality assurance throughout the entire process – from preparation and evaluation visit to the final results of the process. International accreditations increase the visibility of the University of Ljubljana (UL), individual UL members and study programmes in the international space and within individual disciplines.
In areas, where such accreditations do not exist or are not relevant, UL members may choose to confirm compliance with international criteria, where agreed. Where the criteria are not agreed internationally, they may opt for international external evaluation, which is not necessarily linked to a specific area.
International institutional evaluation FINEEC
In January 2024, the UL successfully passed the FINEEC (Finnish Education Evaluation Centre) international institutional audit and received the FINEEC Quality Label valid for six years.
FINEEC audits are based on the so-called enhancement-led approach and stress the importance of providing feedback that aims to improve the quality of education.
Characteristics of the enhancement-led evaluation
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The aim of the audit is to support HEIs' ability to develop their activities.
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Identification of strengths and good practices as well as opportunities for improvement in all areas of activity.
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The evaluation is guided by values which emphasise trust, participation, appreciative attitudes towards the evaluation object, and self-reflection.
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The goal is to find out how HEIs improve and develop their activities, based on the feedback received.
FINEEC evaluation areas
The FINEEC audit covered three main evaluation areas as well as one additional evaluation area that was chosen by the UL.
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HEI creates competence: the area of education
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HEI promotes impact and renewal: societal engagement and impact
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HEI enhances quality and well-being: the quality system, strategic management, and employee well-being
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HEI as a learning organisation: the quality assurance of joint educational offer (additional evaluation area)
The successful international institutional evaluation and the obtained quality certificate confirm the UL's compliance with European standards and guidelines for quality assurance.
They also demonstrate the maturity of the UL's culture of quality and represent an incentive and direction for further development.
