On July 17, the official kick-off meeting of the " Support for the enhancement-oriented implementation of the quality assurance key commitment (SIQA) project took place. With support from the ERASMUS+ funding, the project aims to strengthen one of the main commitments of Bologna, the development of a pan-European quality assurance culture.
SIQA is geared towards:
- the development of a quality assurance culture based on relevant, stimulating and continuous enhancement in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA);
- the consistent and practical application of ESG to ensure credibility;
- the introduction of a European Approach for Quality Assurance of Joint Programmes (EHEA);
- the promotion of cross-border cooperation and mutual trust between regulatory bodies;
- the development of innovative methods and exchange of practice to strengthen national systems.
During the meeting, Varduhi Gyulazyan, head of ANQA’s Institutional and Programme Accreditation Division, introduced the fourth work package, which aims to support partner countries in the development and implementation of quality assurance processes aligned with ESG.
The following processes are planned:
- conducting self-evaluation, collecting data, encouraging analysis and preparing targeted reform plans.
- designing and piloting support activities, including recommendations, guidelines, and collaborative mechanisms.
- establishing peer exchange platforms that will help uncover common challenges and jointly develop solutions.
The project involves ENQA, EQAR, ARACIS, Hcéres and CTI agencies. The project will include analyses, mutual visits, development of guidelines, formulation of policy proposals, etc.