unica activity report 2015-2016 · 2017. 5. 11. · unica activity report 13 the 7th unica phd...

UNICA Activity Report2015-2016

UNICA Activity Report 3

UNICA events and offering more visibility to Host Universities with the introduction of the “Calls for Host Universities”. We have also confined our attention to the organisation of UNICA working groups in order to offer them more ownership and greater recognition of their activities. We established a new working group on University, Culture and the City during the kick-off conference hosted by Universidade NOVA de Lisboa and began collaboration with EWORA Women Rectors Association. Last but not least, we increased the number of meetings dedicated to UNICA Rectors and Presidents with an aim to strengthen the links and build a stronger relationship with academic leaders of UNICA Member Universities.

All this would not be possible without the improved communication that we achieved in the previous year. With the introduction of a new monthly newsletter in February 2016, we enhanced contacts between the Steering Committee, the Secretariat and Member Universities. In order to bring our Member Universities closer and draw attention to their news and achievements, we created a dedicated column named “Members in the Spotlight”, which is now one of the most read columns of the newsletter.

In what we do, we recognise with appreciation that our successes are founded on the invaluable contributions from our Members. In this context, I would like to thank all Rectors and Presidents of UNICA Member Universities who finished their mandates in the academic year 2015-2016: I sincerely appreciate your cooperation and involvement in the Network’s activities. I also would like to welcome all new Rectors and Presidents on board, who, I sincerely hope, will continue the engagement of their Universities in UNICA.

The following report provides an overview of our activities carried out in the past academic year as well as projects and initiatives that have been set in motion and will continue in the academic year 2016-2017. I invite you to read it and hope you will find it both informative and gratifying, as the accomplishments presented in the report give great credit to all of you.

Prof. Luciano SasoUNICA President

Dear Colleagues,

A year ago at the 25th anniversary General Assembly in Brussels we set very ambitious goals for our Network. It is extremely satisfying to see how the plan has been followed with great dedication from our Members and the Secretariat.

In order to increase the quality of UNICA activities, efforts have been focused on improving the planning of

4 2015-2016

CONTENTS


INTRODUCTIONAcademic year 2015-2016 in numbers.........................................................................................6UNICA meetings 2015-2016...............................................................................................................8

JOINED-UP THINKING FOR JOINT SUCCESSES: UNICA MEETINGS & ACTIVITIESInternationalisation & Mobility.....................................................................................................11Education...............................................................................................................................................13Research & Development.................................................................................................................13Policy & Strategy..................................................................................................................................14Mission & Link with Society.............................................................................................................14General Assembly 2015 & 2016......................................................................................................16

UNICA ON THE EUROPEAN & INTERNATIONAL SCENEParticipation in other organisations’ activities.....................................................................19Participation in European projects............................................................................................22 UNICA as Coordinator.................................................................................................................23 UNICA as Partner..........................................................................................................................25 Completed projects......................................................................................................................27

GETTING THE MESSAGE THROUGHUNICA websites, newsletter, social media..............................................................................31

PEOPLEUNICA Board.........................................................................................................................................36UNICA Secretariat in Brussels.......................................................................................................37

Acknowledgements............................................................................................................................38UNICA Member Universities...........................................................................................................40

Copyright © by the UNICA a.i.s.b.l. All rights reserved.UNICA Activity Report 2015-2016

Editors: Prof. Luciano Saso, UNICA President / Kris Dejonckheere, UNICA Secretary GeneralContent: Marta Brelih-Wasowska, Project & Communications Officer / Audre Chudinskaite, Communications AssistantGraphic Design: Audre Chudinskaite, Communications Assitant

ACADEMIC YEAR2015-2016 IN NUMBERS

6 2015-2016

The average evaluation of UNICA meetings was 4.48 on a scale from 1 to 5, with the 6th UNICA PR & Communication Workshop at the University of Iceland being rated highest (5).

UNICA Summer & Winter Schools Portal lists more than 200 programmes from 28 UNICA member universities and their partners.

The www.staffmobility.eu platform offers more than 150 training opportunities for university administrative and technical staff and has nearly 600 unique visitors per month. The platform is linked to the official website of European Commission.

12 UNICA seminars, meetings and workshops brought together more than 630 participants.

“Members in the Spotlight” and “Upcoming Activities” are the most popular columns of our Newsletter.


UNICA June 2016 Newsletter had the highest number of readers.

UNICA website attracts on average 16,500 unique visitors per month.

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INTERNATIONALISATION & MOBILITY

EDUCATION

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

POLICY & STRATEGY

MISSION & LINK WITH SOCIETY

IRO Meeting 2016

PR & Communication Workshop 2016

EduLAB Meeting 2015

EU Research Liaison Officers Meeting 2015

UNICA General Assembly 2015

Coimbra Group-UNICA joint PhD training 2016

PhD MASTER CLASS & PRIDE training 2016

UNICA-SGROUP-Compostela Joint Workshop 2016

UNICA GREEN Workshop 2016

University, Culture and the City Conference 2016

Coimbra Group-UNICA-EUROPAEUM Rectors Conference 2016

Universidade NOVA de Lisboa

Universityof Iceland

UNICA MEETINGS2015-2016


University of Rome

“Tor Vergata”

Eötvös Loránd University in

Budapest

Centre for Advanced Academic Studies in Dubrovnik University of Zagreb

Charles University

Vrije Universiteit

Brussel

Université Libre de

Bruxelles

JOINED-UP THINKING FOR JOINT SUCCESSES: UNICA MEETINGS & ACTIVITIES

10 2015-2016


In the past academic year, UNICA organised a range of events within the UNICA clusters of activities. UNICA highly appreciates the initiatives and suggestions of the Members, which help the Network identify the topical issues of common importance for the Member Universities and tailor the events’ programmes according to the specific interests and concerns of their university communities.

INTERNATIONALISATION & MOBILITY

UNICA CP/IRO meeting 2015 took place in the framework of the 25th anniversary UNICA General Assembly 2015, Université libre de Bruxelles and Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 15-17 October 2015.

UNICA IRO meeting 2016 (Centre for Advanced Academic Studies of the University of Zagrebin Dubrovnik, 26-27 April 2016) brought together 52 participants from 31 Universities of the Network. The meeting discussed efficiency in internationalisation, how to tackle the administrative complexities of mobility of (non)European students in Erasmus+, as well as how to get the most of Erasmus+ KA2 projects.

The 6th UNICA PR & Communication Workshop was hosted by University of Iceland, 6-7 June 2016. The workshop engaged 38 participants from 16 Member Universities in discussions on shaping university PR & Communication strategy, the challenges of implementing design and corporate identity at university and the involvement of students in university PR & Communication.

The 28th EAIE Conference (Liverpool, 14-16 September 2016) gathered more than 5,200 participants from over 80 countries. UNICA members contributed actively to the Conference’s programme. As in previous years, the UNICA informal meeting gave representatives of UNICA Member Universities a chance to network and catch up on UNICA’s latest activities.

Between 2008 and 2016, 24 students from 11 Member Universities undertook traineeships at the UNICA Secretariat in Brussels.

Students from the UNICA Member Universities are encouraged to apply for a traineeship at the UNICA Secretariat in the framework of the Erasmus+Placement programme: It is a great opportunity to work in a small but multinational office, learn about recent developments in the EHEA & ERA, and gain hands-on experience in varied activities and projects of the Network. For more information, please contact [email protected].

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ERASMUS+ TRAINEESHIPAT THE UNICA SECRETARIAT

“Thanks to UNICA traineeship I feel more confident in the work I do and I truly believe that this hands-on experience will help me to

find a permanent position”

“I was given a chance to apply my theoretical knowledge in practice and learn about

different European projects which, I believe, leads to better career prospects”

Kertu Kuuskaru, Estonia, Project Trainee, 2016

Audre Chudinskaite, Lithuania, Communications Trainee, 2016


The 7th UNICA PhD MASTER CLASS & PRIDE training course: Professionalisation in Practice: Practicing Professionalism in doctoral education was hosted by the Centre for Advanced Academic Studies University of Zagreb in Dubrovnik, 28-31 August 2016. The training focused on the roles, responsibilities, and development of professional skills and competences of administrators working in doctoral education. (More about PRIDE project on page 27)

RESEARCH &DEVELOPMENT

The 10th UNICA EU Research Liaison Officers meeting was hosted by Charles University in Prague, 19-20 November 2015. It brought togethermore than 30 participants from 15 UNICA Member Universities and discussed the first lessons learned of the Horizon 2020, MSC COFUND initiative and the impact in Horizon 2020.

The 1st Coimbra Group-UNICA joint PhD training workshop for doctoral candidates “Navigating your career” took place at the Centre for Advanced Academic Studies (CAAS) of the University of Zagreb in Dubrovnik, 18-21 October 2015.

EDUCATION

The 2nd EduLAB meeting was hosted by Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest on 3-4 December 2015 and gathered 38 participants from 12 Member Universities. The programme featured 3 sessions: Bologna Process after Yerevan, New ways of teaching and learning and Higher Education in digital area.

14 2015-2016

MISSION & LINK WITH SOCIETY

The 6th UNICA-SGROUP-Compostela Group joint Workshop: “Rethinking competence development for students’ employability: practical solutions for Europe” took place on 14 April 2016 and was hosted by Vrije Universiteit Brussel. The Workshop showcased examples of state-of-the-art services and tools supporting students’ employabilities and looked at how to find the right balance between academic content and the evolving needs of the job market.

POLICY & STRATEGY

Coimbra Group-UNICA-EUROPAEUM Rectors Conference “Legacy of Charles IV, Education and Academic Freedoms, Innovation andOpen Society” was held in the framework of the 700th anniversary of birth of Charles IV, 13 May 2016. The meeting was hosted by Charles University and gathered 20 Rectors and Vice-Rectors from UNICA Member Universities.

An informal UNICA-MED meeting on the occasion of the 3rd Arab-Euro Conference on Higher Education (AECHE 3): “Opportunities and Challenges for Arab and European universities in fulfilling their societal mission” (University of Barcelona, 25-27 May 2016) was held on 25 May 2016 and was chaired by the UNICA President Prof. Luciano Saso, who is also Chair of the UNICA-MED Working Group.

An informal Rectors meeting was organised in the framework of the EUA Annual Conference 2016: “Bricks and clicks for Europe: Building a successful digital campus”. The Conference was hosted by the National University of Ireland (7-8 April 2016), Galway, Ireland.


The 6th UNICA GREEN Workshop: “Towards Carbon-Neutral Universities” was hosted by the University of Rome “Tor Vergata” in cooperation with Sapienza University of Rome and Roma Tre University, 2-4 May 2016. It brought together 55 participants from UNICA Member Universities and guests from other institutions. The meeting was dedicated to the implementation of carbon footprint accountability at universities and the role of students in promoting sustainability and green behaviours.

The 1st “University, Culture and the City” Conference was held at Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 16-17 May 2016. The Conference collected practices and experiences in embedding Culture inside Universities. It also showcased examples of successful cooperation between Universities and Cultural Institutions. The Conference was attended by the Mayor of Lisbon Fernando Medina and the Councillor for Culture Karine Lalieux from the City Council of Brussels. The UNICA Lisbon Declaration signed after the Conference sets the role and goals for the new UNICA working group on University, Culture and the City.

On 2 April 2016, The Student Conference “The Golden Wall” gathered 30 European students to discuss the refugee crisis and intercultural tolerance. The event took place in Subotica, a town at the border between Serbia and Hungary and was organised by BOZAR, ESN Serbia, UNICA and IAU. A documentary recorded during the conference was shown at the “Next Generation, please” Exhibition held at the BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts in Brussels.

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GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2015 & 2016

UNICA GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2015

UNICA GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2016

Université Libre de Bruxelles & Vrije Universiteit Brussel

15-17 October 2015

University of Warsaw 17-18 November 2016

& 25th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

ON THE OCCASION OF THE UNIVERSITY OFWARSAW’S 200th FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY

GENERAL & STEERING COMMITTEE MEETINGS 2016

16 February 2016, Brussels (UNICA Secretariat)12 May 2016, Prague (UNICA-Coimbra Group-EUROPAEUM Rectors Conference, Charles University)13 September 2016, Brussels (Université Libre de Bruxelles)16 & 19 November, Warsaw (UNICA General Assembly 2016, University of Warsaw)

UNICA ON THE EUROPEAN & INTERNATIONAL SCENE


18 2015-2016

Our core task as a Network is to make sure that the views and recommendations voiced by our Member Universities are given due attention and properly addressed in the process of developing policies and programmes for European higher education and research. To this end, UNICA participates actively in the stakeholders’ forum of the European Commission and maintains regular dialogue with the European Commissioner for Education and Culture as well as with the Directorates General for Education and Culture and for Research and Innovation.

Acknowledging the importance of communication and the mutual exchange of knowledge and experience with other key higher education stakeholders at the European and international level, UNICA places great importance in the cooperation with other networks and HE organisations such as European University Association (EUA), EUA Council for Doctoral Education, International Association of Universities (IAU), SGroup European Universities’ Network, Coimbra Group of Universities and Compostela Group of Universities.


PARTICIPATION IN OTHER ORGANISATIONS’ ACTIVITIES

In 2015, UNICA joined the Diplomatic, Economic and Academic (DEA) Missions organised by

CIDIC - International Diplomatic and Consular Circle. The initiative aims to stimulate and

promote European economy by offering a platform for the representatives of the political,

diplomatic, academic and business worlds. So far, UNICA representatives took part in the DEA

Missions to Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Slovakia, which were supported by the UNICA

Member Universities from these countries.

For the 6th time, 3 networks - UNICA, SGroup European Universities’ Network and Compostela Group of Universities joined forces and organised a workshop “Rethinking competence development for students’ employability: practical solutions for Europe”. (More information on page 14)

On 11 February 2016, UNICA, together with the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Kingdom of Belgium, held a joint event in Brussels on Higher Education and Cultural cooperation with Uzbekistan.

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On 21 March 2016, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) together with other LEAD project partners includingUNICA, welcomed leaders from European and ChineseUniversities to a high-level kick-off conference which was followed by a workshop on university governance and academic leadership in a changingHigher Education context. The LEAD project aims to provide training for academic leaders and help them make informed decisions about the governance of their institutions. (More information on page 25)

The European Women Rectors Association (EWORA) held its inaugural ceremony at the University Foundation in Brussels on

20 June 2016. An informal UNICA meeting was held in the framework of

the conference, chaired by the UNICA President Prof. Luciano Saso.

On the occassion of the 3rd Arab-Euro Conference on Higher Education (25-27 May 2016), members of UNICA-MED held their informal meeting. (More information on page 14).

An informal UNICA Rectors Meeting was held on 6 April 2016 in Galway in the framework of the EUA Annual Conference “Bricks and clicks for Europe: building a successful digital campus”.

During a ceremony held in the framework of the University’s Dies Academicus on 3 June 2016, UNICA Secretary General Mrs Kris Dejonckheere received the Prize of the University of Lausanne for her ongoing commitment to strengthening the links and cooperation between member universities of the UNICA Network.


The 28th EAIE Conference took place in Liverpool, 14-16 September 2016. UNICA was represented by Dominique Montagnese, who took part in the panel discussion: “Universities, human rights and the refugee crisis: A Bermuda Triangle?”.

On 29 May 2016, UNICA Project Officer Marta Rachlewicz attended the 25th anniversary conference of European Access Network (EAN) where she presented the outcomes of the project RUMI - Network of Moroccan Universities for Inclusive Education. (More information on page 23).

On 24 June 2016, UNICA Project Officer Marta Rachlewicz gave a speech at the Conference “The

Social Dimension of Erasmus+: Integration through Volunteering”

organised by Erasmus Student Network (ESN). She presented RUMI (p. 23) and SAVES (p. 25)

projects.

On 7-10 April 2016, UNICA Project & Events Officer Dominique Montag-nese and Communications Trainee Audre Chudinskaite attended the Annual General Meeting of ESN, where they presented UNICA and the cooperation between UNICA and Erasmus Student Network.

22 2015-2016

PARTICIPATION IN EUROPEAN PROJECTS

RUMI: Réseau des universités marocaines pour l’enseignement inclusif (Network of Moroccan Universities for Inclusive Education)

Under TEMPUS IV - Structural MeasuresProject period: 01/12/2013 – 30/11/2016Relevant UNICA Working Group: UNICA-MED & Equal Opportunities

UNICA AS COORDINATOR

Aim: Establishing a network of Moroccan universities to promote procedures and good practices in the field of inclusive education and equal opportunities in Morocco

Partners: 9 Moroccan universities, Roma Tre University, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Both UNICA members), Erasmus Access Network, Compostela Group, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Université Paul Valéry - Montpellier 3, Ministry of HE (Morocco), Observatoire National du Developpement Humain – ONDH, Moroccan Association of Law Students


Project Activities and Outcomes• Nation-wide survey on inclusion• Best practice exchange• Awareness-raising campaign• Four trainings in Europe• Establishment of centres for students with special needs• Publication of the “Networking for Access” handbook• Foundation of the RUMI Network

Target groups: • Students with disabilities and special needs• Students representing foreign nationality or a different cultural background• Students suffering from socio-economic vulnerability• Students facing difficulties on a basis of gender equality

Website: www.rumi-project.org

UZDOC: Enhancing Quality of Doctoral Education at Higher Education Institutions in Uzbekistan

Under TEMPUS IV – Structural MeasuresProject Period: 01/12/2013 – 30/11/2016Relevant UNICA Working Group: Doctoral Education Group

Aim: Enhancing the quality of doctoral education in Higher Education Institutions in Uzbekistan, in line with the principles of the European Higher Education Area

Partners: University of Zagreb, Sapienza University of Rome, Comenius University in Bratislava (all three UNICA members), University of Granada, Athens University of Economics and Business, Tashkent Financial Institute, State Institute of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan, Samarkand Institute of Economics and Service, Berdakh Qaraqalpaq State University, Karshi State University, Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan

24 2015-2016

Website: www.uzdoc.eu

Project phases:• Analysing the legal and regulatory framework of doctoral education in Uzbekistan and comparing it with the EHEA framework• Acquainting Uzbek HEIs with the organisation of doctoral education in the EHEA during four study visits• Developing guidelines and recommendations for further development of doctoral education in Uzbekistan

Outcomes:• Report on the legal framework of doctoral education in Uzbekistan• Guidelines for the development of doctoral programmes• Recommendations for national quality assurance standards in doctoral education in Uzbekistan• Establishment of offices for doctoral education at each Uzbek partner university

UNICA AS PARTNER

LEAD: Governance and Academic Leadership of Chinese and European Universities in the Context of Innovation and Internationalisation

Under Erasmus+ KA2: Capacity Building in Higher EducationProject period: 01/11/2015 – 31/10/2017

Coordinator: Vrije Universiteit Brussel (UNICA member)UNICA’s role: Developing training modules for university leadership and Dissemination

Aim: Improving the competences of academic leadership in governance for edu-cational innovation and modernisation of Higher Education

Website: www.lead-project.org

HousErasmus+: Improving Mobility and Accommodation

Under Erasmus+ KA3: Forward-Looking CooperationProject period: 01/11/2015 – 31/10/2017Relevant UNICA Working Group: International Relations OfficersCoordinator: Erasmus Student Network

UNICA’s role: Organisation of study visits and a regional conference, supporting dissemination of online campaigns

Aim: Identifying the challenges international students and trainees face when looking for accommodation abroad and making concrete recommendations on how to improve the situation for all mobility students and trainees in Europe

Website: www.houserasmus.eu

SAVES: Students Achieving Valuable Energy Savings

Under EC Intelligent Energy Europe programmeProject period: 04/2014 – 03/2017Relevant UNICA Working Group: UNICA GREENCoordinator: National Union of Students UK

UNICA’s role: Dissemination

Aim: Promoting energy-saving behaviour among students living in dormitories through a competition challenging students to make the highest energy savings by simple everyday actions

Website: www.saves.nus.org.ukUNICA Activity Report 25

CALOHEE: Measuring and Comparing Achievements of Learning Outcomes in Higher Education in Europe

Under Erasmus+ KA3: Forward-Looking CooperationProject period: 01/11/2015 – 31/10/2017Relevant UNICA Working Groups: EduLAB

Coordinator: University of Groningen UNICA’s role: Member of Advisory Board and Partner in Dissemination

Aim: Developing infrastructure that will make it possible to test Bachelor and Master students’ performance Europe-wide across a range of fields, in a way that satisfies the needs of various stakeholders in the European HE Community

Website: www.calohee.eu

MappED!: Inclusive mobility

Under Erasmus+ KA2: Strategic PartnershipsProject period: 01/11/2015 – 31/10/2017Relevant UNICA Working Group: Equal Opportunities, International Relations Officers

Coordinator: Erasmus Student Network UNICA’s role: Dissemination

Aim: Creating an interactive and mobile-ready map of accessible universities around Europe and encouraging students with disabilities to experience an exchange period abroad

Website: www.mapped.esn.org

GENOVATE: Transforming Organisational Culture for Gender Equality in Research and Innovation

Under FP7: Science in SocietyProject period: 01/04/2014Relevant UNICA Working Group: EU Research Liaison Officers & Equal Opportunities

Coordinator: University of BradfordUNICA’s role: Dissemination; Member of International Advisory Board

Aim: Ensuring equal opportunities for women and men at universities by encouraging a more gender-aware management in research and scientific bodies of Higher Education Institutions

Website: www.genovate.eu

26 2015-2016


PRIDE: Professionals in Doctoral Education: Supporting Skills development to better contribute to a European knowledge society

Under Lifelong Learning: Erasmus Multilateral Projects Project period: 01/10/2013 – 30/09/2016

Relevant UNICA Working Group: Doctoral Education GroupCoordinator: University of Vienna (UNICA member)UNICA’s role: Dissemination, responsible for the organisation of the training course and Final Conference

Aim: Supporting skills development of administrative staff in doctoral education in order to provide better support to PhD supervisors, PhD candidates and external stakeholders

Partners: UNICA, University of Zagreb, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Comenius University in Bratislava, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Tallinn University (all 6 UNICA members), Mediterranean Universities Union (UNIMED), Fundación Universidad Empresa de la Región de Murcia (FUERM)

COMPLETED PROJECTS

Website: www.pride-project.eu

Project Activities and Outcomes:• Thorough analysis of needs and gaps with respect to professionals skills and competences of administrators working in doctoral education (based on PRIDE Survey conducted in universities across Europe)• Organisation of PRIDE training: “Professionalisation in Practice: Practicing Professionalism in Doctoral Education”, which took place in the framework of the UNICA PhD MASTER CLASS (more information on page 15)• PRIDE Final Conference, hosted by Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (Humboldt Graduate School), 8-9 September 2016• Publication of the Handbook: Professionals in Doctoral Education, providing hands-on information on the roles and activities of professionals working in doctoral education: administrators, HR managers, and academic leaders

Download the e-version of the PRIDE Handbook: Professionals in Doctoral Education

http://phaidra.univie.ac.at/o:454303

28 2015-2016

EU-CHINA DOC: Enhancing the Visibility of European Higher Education and Strengthening the Dialogue and Cooperation with Chinese Stakeholders in the Field of Doctoral Education

Under Erasmus Mundus Action 3Project period: 01/10/2013 – 30/09/2016

Relevant Working Group: Doctoral Education GroupCoordinator: Vrije Universiteit Brussel (UNICA member)UNICA’s role: Dissemination and Exploitation

Aim: Increasing awareness and knowledge about European Higher Education among Chinese HE actors and strengthening dialogue and cooperation between European and Chinese stakeholders in the field of doctoral education, training and research

Partners: UNICA, University of Vienna, Stockholm University (both UNICA members), University of Tampere, Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce (BCECC), China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE), Beijing Normal University (BNU), Peking University (PKU), Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), Southwest University China (SWU)

Website: www.euchinadoc.com

EU-CHINA DOC Conferences and Workshops in Europe and China:

• Launch Conference, 25-26 November 2013, Peking University, China• Workshop: European doctoral education and training, governance, structure,

funding schemes and societal significance, 8-9 May 2014, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium

• Workshop: Doctoral education: measures for quality assurance, 14-16 November 2014, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China

• Workshop: Doctoral training and high quality of doctoral supervision, criteria of good promotership, 4-5 May 2015, University of Vienna, Austria

• Doctoral education, Multi-disciplinary and cross-border cooperation, risk-taking attitudes and employability, 2-3 May 2016, Stockholm University, Sweden

• Closing Conference, 22-23 September 2016, Southwest University, China

PASCL: Peer Assessment of Student-Centred Learning

Under Lifelong Learning: Erasmus Multilateral ProjectsProject period: 01/10/2013 – 01/07/2016Relevant Working Group: EduLAB

Coordinator: European Students’ Union (ESU)UNICA’s role: Piloting the Peer Assessment and Exploitation

Aim: Developing a Peer Assessment Framework (PASCL Guidelines) for “student centeredness” of Higher Education Institutions and establishing a European recognition award for institutions that have successfully incorporated the elements of student-centred learning in their teaching and learning strategy

Partners: UNICA, National Unions of Students in Europe (ESIB), Finnish Institute for Educational Research – University of Jyväskylä (JYU), Central European University (CEU), Melius s.r.l., Knowledge Innovation Centre (KIC)


Project Activities and Outcomes:• Creation of a PASCL Pool of Experts on Student-Centred Learning (SCL)• Research Study “Overview on Student Centred Learning in Higher Education in Europe”

Download the e-versions of PASCL publications

http://pascl.eu/publications/

• Development of Criteria and Guidelines for SCL Peer Assessment• Pilot site visits: 7 Universities were peer-assessed on their Student-Centredness and obtained a set of bespoke recommendations for further development of SCL

Website: www.pascl.eu

30 2015-2016

GETTING THE MESSAGE THROUGH

UNICA WEBSITE

With growing diversity of events and undertaken projects, there is a need to increase the visibility of activities of the Network. We communicate the outcomes of UNICA activities via our websites, targeted mailings, social media, and a number of publications disseminated throughout UNICA community as well as to external stakeholders: representatives of the European Commission, European Parlament, Ministries of Higher Education, student associations and peer university networks.

The website www.unica-network.eu is the main communication channel of the Network. It contains the information about the organisation itself, upcoming and past activities, UNICA Working Groups, and news from the Network and partners.

The number of visitors per month on the UNICA website grew steadily over the last years, from 6,000 visitors in the academic year 2011/2012 to 16,500 in 2015/2016. In early September 2015, the website gained a new look and functionalities, including renewed user-friendly navigation, quick search engine for events, and responsive mobile/table adaptable pages.


UNICA NEWSLETTER: NEW LOOK

UNICA FACEBOOK PAGE

Since 2006, UNICA sends newsletters to the UNICA Member Universities and partners. For 10 years, UNICA newsletter “e-commUNICAtion” was sent out 4 times per year. In March 2016, in order to strengthen the communication between UNICA Board, Secretariat and UNICA Members, the “e-commUNICAtion” gain a new look and became a monthly issued “UNICA News”.

The current layout is cleaner and more intuitive and includes new sections such as “Members in the Spotlight”, “News from Partners” and “News from the Secretariat”. To make sure our events do not go unnoticed, we created “Upcoming Activities” section with calendar of approaching meetings.

UNICA News has nearly 300 recipients and is read by 43,7% of people on average. The most successful - UNICA News June 2016 issue - was read by 50,4% of people.

UNICA Facebook page serves as an additional tool for reporting on UNICA news and activities. Created in May 2013, it now counts more than 800 followers.

32 2015-2016

UNICA TWITTER PAGE

UNICA ONLINE DATABASE

UNICA SUMMER & WINTER SCHOOLS PORTAL

Created in October 2015, UNICA Twitter Page is used to interact with the UNICA Member Universi-ties, student organisations and university networks, and to share the highlights of UNICA events. After a year of existence, it has 179 followers, including European Commission’s Erasmus+ Twitter page and many Universities and University Networks.

The database provides an online access to each UNICA Contact Person and allows to easily modify and add the data on university representatives in-volved in UNICA activities and on the University itself. Both the database and the online registration component provide a quick data overview for the UNICA Secretariat.

Launched in February 2014, the UNICA Summer & Winter Schools Portal lists more than 200 programmes from 28 UNICA Member Universities and their partners.


STAFFMOBILITY.EU PLATFORMCreated in the framework of the UNICA-led IMOTION project funded through the Lifelong Learning Programme, the platform currently lists more than 150 training schemes for university administrative and technical staff. The number of platform usersis growing and the website reaches 6,000 unique visitors per month. The platform is listed on the web-site of the European Commission.

UNICA GREEN WEBSITELast year, to highlight its affiliation with the UNICA Network, UGAF was renamed UNICA GREEN. Following this change, UNICA GREEN gained a new logo and the ugaf.eu website - a new site name green.unica-network.eu.

The UNICA GREEN website attracts more than 2,200 unique visitors per month. Apart from information about UNICA GREEN initiative itself, the website contains news on new initiatives in environmental sustainability, a “green” media library, a database with best practices, and a Campus Green Corners section which offers a virtual tour around green spaces in the campuses of UNICA Members Universities.

34 2015-2016

PEOPLE


UNICA BOARD

Prof. Serge JAUMAINMember of the Steering Committee

Université Libre de [email protected]

Prof. Jacques LANARÈSMember of the Steering Committee

Université de [email protected]

Prof. Franck LEPREVOSTMember of the Steering Committee

University of [email protected]

Prof. António RENDASMember of the Steering Committee

Universidade NOVA de [email protected]

Prof. Tomáš ZIMAMember of the Steering Committee

Charles University [email protected]

Prof. Luciano SASOPresident

Sapienza University of Rome

[email protected]

DEPUTY IRO OBSERVERUrsula HANS

Humboldt-Universität zu [email protected]

IRO OBSERVER Guri VESTAD

University of [email protected]

36 2015-2016

Kris DEJONCKHEERE Secretary General

[email protected]

Marta RACHLEWICZ Project & Event Officer

[email protected]

Audre CHUDINSKAITECommunications Trainee

[email protected]

Kertu KUUSKARUProject Trainee

[email protected]

Dominique MONTAGNESEProject & Event Officer

[email protected]

Marta BRELIH-WASOWSKA Project & Communications Officer

[email protected]

UNICA SECRETARIAT

UNICA TRAINEES 2015-2016


38 2015-2016

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

All of the initiatives envisaged in the Work Programme 2015-2016 were undertaken. Some of them are still in the process of development and will be continued in the current academic year, either through new project proposals or within dedicated UNICA working groups.

We recognise with deep appreciation that the fulfilment of our goals largely depends on the amount of input and commitment UNICA Member Universities are willing to give. This is why, it is not convention to thank our Host Universities: We extend our sincere thanks for your hospitality, continuous engagement and efforts.

UNICA warmly thanks all the Rectors/ Presidents, Vice-Rectors/Vice-Presidents, Members of the UNICA Steering Committee, International Relations Officers, Contact Persons, members of the UNICA Working Groups, Students, UNICA Trainees, and other members of the UNICA community for your ongoing active support.


40 2015-2016

UNICA MEMBERUNIVERSITIES


ALBANIATirana UniversityPolytechnic University of Tirana

AUTRIAUniversität Wien

BELGIUMVrije Universiteit BrusselUniversité Libre de Bruxelles

BULGARIASofia University St. Kliment Ohridski

CROATIAUniversity of Zagreb

CYPRUSUniversity of Cyprus

CZECH REPUBLICCharles University

DENMARKUniversity of Copenhagen

ESTONIATallinn UniversityTallinn University of Technology

FINLANDUniversity of Helsinki

FRANCEUniversité Sorbonne Nouvelle - Paris 3Université Pierre et Marie CurieUniversité Paris-Dauphine

FYR OF MACEDONIASs. Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje

GERMANYFreie Universität BerlinHumboldt-Universität zu Berlin

GREECENational and Kapodistrian University of Athens

HUNGARYEötvös Loránd University of Budapest

IRELANDUniversity College Dublin

ICELANDUniversity of Iceland

ITALYUniversità degli Studi di Roma La SapienzaUniversità degli Studi diRoma Tor VergataUniversità degli Studi diRoma Tre

LATVIAUniversity of Latvia

LITHUANIAVilnius University

LUXEMBOURGUniversity of Luxembourg

THE NETHERLANDSUniversiteit van Amsterdam

NORWAYUniversity of Oslo

POLANDUniversity of Warsaw

PORTUGALUniversidade de LisboaUniversidade NOVA de Lisboa

ROMANIAUniversity of Bucharest

RUSSIALomonosov Moscow State UniversityHigher School of Economics Moscow

SERBIAUniversity of Belgrade

SLOVAKIAComenius University in Bratislava

SLOVENIAUniversity of Ljubljana

SPAINUniversidad Complutense de Madrid

SWEDENStockholm University

SWITZERLANDUniversité de Lausanne

TURKEYMiddle East Technical UniversityAnkara University

UNITED KINGDOMKing’s College London

UNICA brings together 46 Member Universities from 35 European capitals

42 2015-2016

UNICA - Network of Universities from the Capitals of Europe was founded in 1990. It currently brings together 46 universities

from 35 capital cities of Europe, combining over 150,000 university

staff and 1.800,000 students. UNICA provides a forum for its

Members to reflect on the latest developments and demands of

strategic change in university research, education and administration.

To achieve its aims, UNICA carries out member-driven activities,

the content, format, and frequency of which depend substantially

on UNICA Member Universities’ engagement and interest. UNICA

is also active in the field of European projects, both as coordinator

and partner.

UNICA Secretariatc/o University Foundation

Rue d’Egmont 11,1000 Brussels

+32/(0)2/[email protected]

unica activity report 2015-2016 · 2017. 5. 11. · unica activity report 13 the 7th unica phd...

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