Introduction: CEENQA (Central and Eastern European Network of Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization with the purpose of promoting cooperation among member organizations in the development and harmonization of their activities in the field of quality assurance and quality improvement in higher education. This contributes to the development and implementation of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). CEENQA adheres to the core principles of the EHEA, the Bologna Process, and the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG). The organization aims to support its member organizations in achieving their goals within this framework and enhancing their related activities. CEENQA is an affiliate of ENQA, emphasizing the aforementioned points.
Mission: Fostering collaborative partnerships among Quality Assurance (QA) agencies across Central and Eastern Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. Our mission is to create a platform that promotes knowledge exchange, mutual understanding, and innovation in higher education quality assurance practices.
Vision: Quality-driven environment that enables the exchange of examplary practices and engagement in insightful discussions on pertinent topics within higher education by contributing to the advancement of quality education standards within the region and wider.
Values
1. Commitment to Quality Assurance and Enhancement
2. Respectful mutual collaboration
Goals
1. To ensure the governance of the network and the collaborative work among members. (responds to action plan measure 1, other measures can be added)
Ensure the effective governance of CEENQA and promote collaborative efforts among member agencies. This involves creating mechanisms for transparent decision-making, encouraging active participation in working groups, and fostering an awareness of ownership and responsibility among all members. In addition to the specified Action Plan Measure 1, CEENQA will explore additional avenues for joint research initiatives, policy advocacy, and strategic planning to further strengthen the network’s impact on higher education quality assurance.
2. To provide a platform for dialog and exchange of best practices among members, at the same time staying connected with the regional and global trends of quality assurance in higher education. (responds to action plan a measure 2, 3, 4)
Establish CEENQA as the association for knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices in higher education quality assurance. This goal aligns with the commitment to Action Plan Measures 2, 3, and 4. The network will actively facilitate dialogues, workshops, and collaborative initiatives that address emerging trends and challenges in quality assurance. An additional measure involves the creation of a digital repository to catalog and disseminate relevant sources, good practices, and research findings, enhancing the accessibility of shared knowledge among members.
3. To contribute to enhancing quality of human resources in members’ agencies, by facilitating exchange of experience among members. (responds to action plan measure 5, other measures can be added)
Contribute significantly to the professional development and capacity building of quality assurance professionals within member agencies. In line with Action Plan Measure 5, CEENQA aims to go beyond mere knowledge exchange by developing training programmes, mentorship initiatives, and collaborative projects that elevate the skills and expertise of individuals working in higher education quality assurance.
4. To foster cooperation with higher education institutions and with other regional networks of quality assurance, by joint involvement in international projects. (responds to action plan measure 6, other measures can be added)
Strengthen ties with higher education institutions and regional quality assurance networks. While addressing Action Plan Measure 6, CEENQA will actively seek opportunities for collaboration on international projects, joint research endeavors, and the exchange of best practices. This goal aims to position CEENQA as a key player in fostering regional and global cooperation in the advancement of higher education quality standards.
5. To ensure the financial sustainability of the network. (responds to action plan measure 6, other measures can be added)
Ensure the long-term financial sustainability of CEENQA. In addition to fulfilling the requirements of Action Plan Measure 7, the network will explore diverse funding streams, partnerships with organizations sharing similar objectives, and other opportunities. This goal is essential for maintaining the operational effectiveness and growth of CEENQA over the coming years.
Action plan
1. Organization of yearly GA:
a) together with a volunteer member agency;
b) CEENQA pays gala dinner.
The yearly GA remains a cornerstone event for CEENQA, serving as a main point for member agencies to come together, discuss key issues, and collectively shape the future direction of the network. In collaboration with a volunteer member agency, CEENQA will organize the GA, ensuring a balanced representation and active participation. As a gesture of appreciation, the network will sponsor the gala dinner, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
2. Organization of workshop accompanying GA:
a) theme and organizer are chosen by the board;
b) CEENQA pays travel and accommodation expenses for speakers.
A crucial component of the GA, the workshop provides a platform for a deeper dive into specific themes and issues. The board, in consultation with members, will select a relevant theme and organizer, ensuring that the workshop aligns with the network’s strategic priorities. CEENQA will cover travel, accommodation expenses, or other possible financial compensation for distinguished speakers.
3. Publication:
a) yearly proceedings from workshops;
b) CEENQA web page and social media.
The publication of yearly proceedings from workshops serves as a tangible outcome of CEENQA’s commitment to knowledge dissemination. These proceedings will be made accessible through the CEENQA web page, ensuring that the insights and best practices shared during workshops reach a wider audience. This initiative reinforces the network’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and the open sharing of information among members and the broader higher education community.
4. Bi-monthly meetings
CEENQA will continue to organize bi-monthly meetings consisting of short presentations of member agencies, progress reports of member agencies, analysis, and presentations of invited speakers. The aim of the presentations is mutual learning from good practices and acknowledging important trends in higher education.
5. Staff exchange: CEENQA has an allocated budget for the staff exchanges
Recognizing the value of cross-pollination of ideas and experiences, CEENQA has allocated a budget for staff exchanges among member agencies. This initiative aims to facilitate the movement of professionals within the network, fostering a deeper understanding of diverse quality assurance practices and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
6. Managing projects
CEENQA will actively engage in managing projects aligned with its strategic goals. These projects may include research initiatives, collaborative ventures with external partners, and innovative endeavors aimed at addressing emerging challenges in higher education quality assurance.
7. Any other actions and initiatives decided by the board or GA
In addition to the outlined action plan measures, CEENQA remains agile and responsive to the evolving needs of its members. The board and GA reserve the flexibility to undertake any other projects deemed essential for advancing the mission and vision of the network. This ensures that CEENQA remains proactive in addressing new challenges and opportunities that may arise during the 2024-2030 period.