University autonomy and governance Baku Bologna Seminar - Current issues in the Bologna process Bastian Baumann, Baku, 26 May 2008.

University autonomy and governance

Baku Bologna Seminar

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Current issues in the Bologna process

Bastian Baumann, Baku, 26 May 2008

Magna Charta Universitatum

• Signed by 388 rectors in Bologna on 18 September 1988

• Now 600 signatories

• Worldwide geographical coverage– Currently 77 countries

Content

• Fundamental values and principles of the university– Institutional autonomy– Academic freedom

• Based on common heritage of the university

Magna Charta Observatory

• Founded in 2001 by University of Bologna and European Rectors Conference (now EUA)

• Based at the University of Bologna

• No membership

Mission

• Gather information, express opinions and prepare documents relating to the respect for, protection and promotion of, the fundamental university values and rights laid out in the Magna Charta Universitatum

Activities

• Monitoring function

• Convenor

• Advisor

• Think tank

• Worldwide scope of activities

The Context

• Bologna Declaration reference to Magna Charta Universitatum in the preamble

• Subsequent communiqués

Why autonomy?

• HE as a service for the state? Not only!

• Cradle of knowledge and knowledge production

• Societal development

• Critical thinking

• Mid-term perspective rather than short-term

Bologna Declaration

„Universities' independence and autonomy ensure that higher education and research systems continuously adapt to changing needs, society's demands and advances in scientific knowledge“

General issues of autonomy

• Operational autonomy • Financial management• Governance• Study programmes• Areas of specialisation (Teaching and research)• Staff development• Etc.

What is autonomy not?

• Budget cuts

• Less inclusive / democratic models of governance

Requirements

• Operation free from political and economic interests

• Responsibility

• Accountability

• Academic freedom

Public Responsibility

• Directed at the state• But also university responsibility

– Serve to and advance society

• Only truly autonomous institutions can fulfil their public responsibility to the largest extend possible

• Also social responsibility

Autonomy and the Bologna Action Lines I

• System of 2/3 cycles– 3+2 / 4+1 / 3.5+1.5 = 300 ECTS– Which programmes

• Easily readable, comparable and compatible degrees– Learning Outcomes (Qualifications

Frameworks)– Diploma Supplement

Autonomy and the Bologna Action Lines II

• Quality Assurance– Internal QA

• European Standards and Guidelines

– External QA• (Additional) accreditations and evaluations

– How to use outcomes of quality assurance activities

– Berlin Communiqué

Autonomy and the Bologna Action Lines III

• Mobility– Strategy– Partner institutions– Staff and student mobility– Recognition procedures

• European Dimension– Learning Outcomes– Joint Degrees / Double Degrees– Study programmes

Autonomy and the Bologna Action Lines IV

• ECTS– Curricula structure / emphasis– Credit allocation– Workload measuring– Learning Outcomes

• Lifelong Learning– How– What– Recognition of prior learning

Autonomy and the Bologna Action Lines V

• Promoting attractiveness– As far as applicable – Erasmus Mundus– How to promote / undertake PR – Brand Bologna?

• Student Participation– Ensure at all levels / in all activities– How is up to the institution if not enshrined in law– Informal mechanisms– Use autonomy in such a way that students support it

Autonomy and the Bologna Action Lines VI

• Research– Which areas– Which type– How to link with teaching– How to involve students

Governance

• Diverse structures– Best model to accomplish mission

• Involvement– Academic staff– Non-academic staff– Students– Other stakeholders

• Accountability vs. state influence

Main Principles

• Efficient• Effective• Democratic / Inclusive

– Good balance between top-down and bottom-up• Dialogue

• Leadership responsibility– Interaction with faculties– Interaction with different groups– Delegation of power

Conclusions I

• Bologna: – Flexibility and tailor-made solutions– Not complete harmonisation

• Universities require autonomy also for implementation (Bergen Communiqué)

Conclusions II

• Implementation within the framework, but according to own mission and strategy

• Culture of autonomy and inclusive governance

• Autonomy basis for European Higher Education Area and fulfilment of the purposes of education (London Communiqué)

Contact

www.magna-charta.org

[email protected]

Via Zamboni 25

40126 Bologna

Italy