A bimonthly publication of AQU Catalunya

53

March 2011

On the 2 July 2010, the VSMA Framework for the ex-ante assessment, monitoring, modification and accreditation of recognised degree programmes was approved by the AQU Catalunya Board of Management. The Framework links together the four review processes that, from the legal standpoint, are compulsory for recognised degree courses and does so in a logical and conceptually coherent way in order to establish higher levels of efficiency in the management of the different internal and external review and evaluation processes that will need to be implemented.

Implementation of the VSMA Framework requires a unified approach in terms of the methodologies used and the operational development of the four abovementioned processes, and the only way of achieving a coherent overview is through one single commission that is in charge of carrying out the four review processes.

Modifications have therefore been made to the structure of the Quality Assessment Commission (CAQ), the Agency's body responsible for watching over the correct application of the instruments and processes used in the review and quality assurance of university degree courses. The CAQ approves the instruments used for quality assurance and it assures the coherence, relevance and quality of all associated aspects, from methodology design to process implementation and analysis of the end results. In accordance with European standards, it is the Commission's responsibility to ensure impartiality at all times in the issuance of certificates, accreditations and reports, which is one of the practices that safeguard the Agency's independence.

The adaptation of the CAQ to the new scenario for the review of recognised degrees complies with the composition for this body as laid down in the Agency's statutes. The CAQ shall accordingly consist of a maximum of twelve members plus the chairperson. Six of these members shall be from the higher education system in Catalonia, together with six members of recognised international standing. One of the purposes of bringing the CAQ in line with current requirements has been to integrate all of the quality assurance processes and their effective control; five of the

CAQ members therefore chair special review panels and one chairs the CEMAI committee (that assesses individual merits of academic staff), all of whom are involved in higher education in Catalonia. The other six members are European academics of standing, two from Spain and one each from Austria, Finland, France and the UK. The intention is for several professionals and students who form part of the special review panels to be invited to the sessions of the CAQ.

The main changes with regard to the Commission's previous structure are as follows:

• The abolition of the special ATP (that assessed the standards of qualifications and programmes) and ACAU (quality assurance of university faculties and activities) committees, as a result of the new requirements subsequent to the approval of the VSMA Framework.
• The setting up of five special review panels according to areas of knowledge (Arts and Humanities; Sciences; Health Sciences; Social and Legal Sciences; and Engineering and Architecture), which are responsible for carrying out the duties of ex-ante assessment, monitoring, modification and accreditation.
• The designation of the review panel moderators, who are now members of the Quality Assessment Commission. The members of the CAQ thereby participate directly, as review panel moderators, in the processes involving the ex-ante assessment, monitoring, modification and accreditation of recognised degree programmes, and who are therefore not merely informed of the proceedings.
• The special CEMAI committee is to be maintained and will continue with its work of assessing the individual merits and activities of both tenured and non-tenured teaching staff for the allocation of supplementary salary increments. The committee's moderator will continue to form part of the Quality Assessment Commission.

The new Quality Assessment Commission was constituted on the 24 January and, amongst other things, it has already approved the Guide to the drawing up and ex-ante assessment of recognised degree programmes and the composition of the special review panels.