1 EAN CONFERENCE June 30 – July 2, 2008, Berlin

2 „Challenges for Europe: European Higher Education in a Global Setting“ Barbara Weitgruber Austrian Federal Ministry of Science and Research Chair of the Bologna Working Group „EHEA in a Global Setting“

3 Context: The Bologna Process Overarching aim: A European Higher Education Area (EHEA); internationally competitive and attractive How? By facilitating greater comparability and compatibility between the diverse HE systems and institutions across Europe and by enhancing their quality In close cooperation of governments, HEI, students and other stakeholders

4 Members in the Bologna Process 46 countries European Commission 8 consultative members: EUA (European University Association), EURASHE (The European Association of Institutions in HE), ESU (European Students´ Union), Council of Europe, UNESCO-CEPES (The European Center for Higher Education), ENQA (European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education), BUSINESSEUROPE; Education International – Pan-European Structure

5 Sweeping Reforms in HE Easily readable and comparable degrees: a qualifications framework of three cycles Three cycles: Bachelor - Master – PhD (each cycle relevant to labour market → employability) Joint degrees (European dimension) National qualifications framework: describe what learners should know, understand and be able to do National framework European framework

6 Sweeping Reforms in HE Recognition of Qualifications: Lisbon Recognition Convention; National Information Centres Transparency tools: ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) and Diploma Supplement European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education & European standards and guidelines for Quality Assurance in HE Lifelong Learning: inherent in all aspects (flexible learning paths, recognition of prior learning...)

7 Sweeping Reforms in HE Mobility of students and staff: core objective; part of HE culture; many obstacles remain Global Context: -> Growing interest world-wide -> Strategy adopted by ministers -> Policy Areas: improving information on, and promoting the attractiveness & competitiveness of the EHEA; strengthening cooperation based on partnership; intensifying policy dialogue and improving recognition of qualifications

8 The Social Dimension “ We strive for the societal goal that the student body entering, participating in and completing HE should reflect the diversity of our populations. We therefore pledge to take action to widen participation at all levels on the basis of equal opportunities.” (London, 2007) “ We strive for the societal goal that the student body entering, participating in and completing HE should reflect the diversity of our populations. We therefore pledge to take action to widen participation at all levels on the basis of equal opportunities.” (London, 2007) No narrow definition of social cohesion! No narrow definition of social cohesion! Important: to improve availability of data on the social dimension across all the countries participating in the Bologna Process Important: to improve availability of data on the social dimension across all the countries participating in the Bologna Process

9 The Social Dimension 2009: Report on national strategies and policies for the social dimension, including national action plans Measures -> to promote equal opportunities (access, participation and completion) -> to widen access to/participation in HE for underrepresented groups -> to enhance the study experience -> to increase formal and actual student influence on and participation in HE governance

10 European Higher Education Academic Values: institutional autonomy, academic freedom, democratic principles and equal opportunities HEI: enrich and transmit traditions and cultural heritage to succeeding generations HEI: important role in European integration & in building a knowledge society EHEA: based on cooperation and solidarity European contribution to the global public good European answers to global challenges

11 European Higher Education Area “Building on our rich and diverse European cultural heritage, we are developing an EHEA based on institutional autonomy, academic freedom, equal opportunities and democratic principles that will facilitate mobility, increase employability and strengthen Europe’s attractiveness and competitiveness." Ministers responsible for Higher Education in the countries participating in the Bologna Process, London Communiqué, May 2007

12 For Further Information: European Bologna Website: Thank you for your attention!