The student voice: a key tool for university quality
Pau Maza Díaz, General Coordinator of the Catalan University Student Council (CEUCAT)
The 'Student Report' represents a significant advance in the participation of the student community. For the first time, we have the opportunity to contribute in a structured and meaningful way to the assessment of our degree programmes and institutions.
The quality of higher education is an essential cornerstone for developing a fair and competitive society. This quality is not just incumbent on university institutions, but also on the university community as a whole. Within this community, students occupy a central position. We are the main users of the system, so our voice must be heard and valued in the quality assurance process.
The Student Report represents a recent initiative that aims to transform student participation in Catalonia. Created by AQU Catalunya, this internationally validated tool provides students with the opportunity to produce an independent document that reflects their views on the quality of the degree programme or the institution.
The Student Report represents a significant advance in the participation of the student community. For the first time, we have the opportunity to contribute in a structured and meaningful way to the assessment of our degree programmes and institutions. Not only does this allow us to express our concerns and make suggestions, but it also lets us do so independently, without the influence of other stakeholders or the prior selection of students by the institutions, which helps to bring to the surface real problems that need to be addressed.
Student involvement in any extracurricular activity requires time and effort. Therefore, this task must be properly recognised
Preparing a report of this magnitude is not a simple task. It calls for training, support and, most importantly, a strong commitment from the students involved. This is why CEUCAT considers it essential to continue promoting specific training for students in the field of quality assurance.
As such, the Training for students to guarantee university quality, which was organised in conjunction with AQU Catalunya, is a clear example of a success that will be repeated, since many interested students were unable to take part due to overwhelming demand. This course also creates a space for debate and exchange of ideas that enriches student participation.
Student involvement in any extracurricular activity requires time and effort. Therefore, this task must be properly recognised. This not only encourages participation, but also validates the work of students who directly contribute to improving university quality.
CEUCAT remains committed to university quality and to students playing an active role in this context. The 12 Catalan universities as a whole, no doubt across all their groups, strive to achieve the highest quality in everything we do, whether it be research, teaching or management. Therefore, CEUCAT continues and will continue to work hard to improve our university system in all possible areas.
Ultimately, university quality is a common goal that requires the joint effort of the entire community. We cannot leave anyone behind; if we all have a clear set of goals and coordinate, we can achieve a more fair, equitable and quality university system.