Quality assurance is one of the main tools that the University can use to ensure that its work is conducted effectively and efficiently. Quality assessment processes are generally conducted in two stages: the internal; and the external. The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education of Andorra (AQUA) manages external assessment processes, while internal assessment is the responsibility of each individual institution. To promote a culture of quality among all members of the university community, it is highly desirable for internal assessment processes be conducted on a permanent basis. To this end, the University of Andorra Quality Council is the body established to promote such a culture of quality and to conduct internal quality assessment processes at the University of Andorra.

Created in 2007, the Quality Council pursues the main objectives of promoting a culture of quality among all members of the university community; implementing quality procedures, guidelines and standards in all activities; conducting internal assessments of the different departments of the University; regularly assessing the work of both academic and administrative and technical staff; defining and implementing professional pathways at the University of Andorra; and acting as an interlocutor between the University of Andorra and AQUA with a view to ensuring continuous improvement in higher education.

The Quality Council is structured into three councils:

• Strategic Quality Council (CEQ): composed of the members of the Academic Board, its function is to define quality targets, strategies and policies, and the actions required to put them into practice.
• Executive Quality Council (CXQ): composed of the coordinator, Rosa M. Mariño, the department coordinators, a representative from each administrative and technical service, and a student representative (chosen from among the student representatives on the University Council). Its mission is to implement the strategies, policies and actions established by the Strategic Quality Council and to act as a consultative body in all matters relating to quality processes. The Executive Quality Council coordinator is appointed by the Rector.
• Internal Assessment Council (IAC): this body is established for each self-assessment process launched. It consists of the members of the Executive Quality Council plus two additional members: a student representative (chosen by student representatives on the University Council) and a representative of the University staff most closely involved in the area or service assessed (chosen by teaching staff representatives on the University Council). These additional members are selected according to the following criteria:

Assessment of degrees and studies:

• • A student on the degree course or study programme to be assessed
  • A teacher on the degree course or study programme to be assessed

Assessment of teaching staff:

• • One student
  • One member of the teaching staff

Assessment of university management and services:

• • One student
  • One member of the administrative or technical staff in the service assessed

Assessment of research:

• • One doctoral student
  • A member of the teaching staff involved in the research

More information

Guides and procedures (in Catalan)

Assessments and Data Analysis (in Catalan)

Contact

Rosa M. Mariño rmarino@uda.ad
Coordinator of the Executive Quality Council