STAFF MOBILITY & EXCHANGE Thematic Group within the Compostela Group of Universities

Introduction The aim of this proposed network is to promote the exchange of Administrative Staff between University members within the Compostela Group. Nowadays, there are many different national and international programmes and projects available for students and teachers but there is a clear lack of initiatives destined to the staff who works at Universities.

Working proposal Three main lines are foreseen: Working visits of administrative staff among member universities. Exchange of residence halls (or similar) during the summer period for administrative staff. Short language courses for administrative staff.

Participation In principle, all member universities of the Compostela Group interested in participating in these activities could benefit from these exchanges. Through a Memorandum of Understanding for example. The term “exchange” does not mean that the exchange must take place on a mutual basis institution-institution, but within the Compostela Group.

Working visits of administrative staff The general aim of these working visits of short duration is to enhance the participant’s knowledge of the host institution. Such a visit will allow the participant to discover the functioning of a similar service and improve his or her skills. Background information: the Santander Group and UNICA network

Exchange of Residence Halls during the summer The Spanish model. In Spain there is a network of Universities that share their Residence Halls during the summer period. A certain number of administrative staff from each university can benefit from these stays. They have free accommodation for a week (including family) and reduced prices for meals.

Short language courses In the frame of the Compostela Group all member universities have agreed to offer a 20% discount to other Compostela Group members in their offer of summer courses.

Elements of discussion Financial support: Compostela Group, institution’s funds, possibility of demanding European funding for individual grants. Number of proposed visits from each institution. Estimated period and duration for each visit (maximum of 2 weeks, in exceptional cases up to 4 weeks). Eligibility of staff within each institution. Minimum requirements for participants (language issue). Application procedure (invitation letter, working plan) and selection criteria.

Working plan Survey among the administrative staff in each institution interested in participating in these exchanges to discover needs or wishes and the number of future participants. Creation of a monitoring central group for each activity. Creation of a web page (within the Compostela Group) where all the information on “Staff Mobility Exchange” will be included. Beginning of activities: if possible, academic period