Two university representatives from Slovenia and Ukraine report on their experiences with the new phase of the Bologna Hub Peer Support project.

The idea that Europe’s universities will grow closer together and form a European Higher Education Area is not a matter of course. It requires intensive exchange on various levels, not to mention attention to detail. Both aspects are taken care of by the experts of the Bologna Hub Peer Support project coordinated by the National Agency for Erasmus+ Higher Education Cooperation at the DAAD. These international experts support the participating universities with the Bologna Process and advise them, among other things, on issues such as creating the three-cycle degree structure comprising bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, ensuring the cross-border recognition of higher education qualifications and achievements, and implementing quality assurance measures based on common standards and guidelines. Following the first phase of the project from 2020 to 2022, the new phase Bologna Hub Peer Support II (2022–2024) is currently underway. From the numerous applications, 33 universities from 13 countries were selected. Two university representatives report on their experiences so far.

Dr Pangrčič, why is the Alma Mater Europaea – European Center Maribor taking part in the Bologna Hub Peer Support II project?

We are a young European institution that is currently developing into a university. In this process, it is valuable for us to see where we currently stand. As part of the Bologna Hub Peer Support, we particularly benefited from the European perspective of the two experts Dr Irine Darchia and Dr Eglantina Hysa. This also gave us ideas for the further development of our curricula. The experts from the Bologna Hub Peer Support not only focus on the Europe-wide standardisation of study programmes and degrees but also provide important impetus for innovative approaches, for example in the digitalisation of teaching.

How did the experts’ first visit to your institution go?

They both took a lot of time to talk to numerous contacts at our institution. It was a very pleasant atmosphere: we received concrete recommendations, yet at the same time the exchange did not involve any immediate pressure to achieve the best possible results or immediate solutions. Both experts were very helpful. As a result of our personal exchange, they summarised recommendations for action for us in writing. We have already been able to benefit from this in our work over the last few months.

Is there a particular recommendation that you would like to emphasise?

One particularly useful recommendation was to conduct a study on the needs of the labour market. The Alma Mater Europaea – European Center Maribor already offers degree programmes in subjects such as physiotherapy and social gerontology, which address the international shortage of skilled workers. We would like to expand this strength of our degree programmes. The recommendations of the Bologna Hub Peer Support are a valuable help for us, also with regard to the three-tier study structure with bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programmes.

Dr Pavelieva, your university chose a digital counselling assignment as part of the Bologna Hub Peer Support II. How did that work?

Not only was the first counselling session digital, but we were also in close online contact with the experts Professor Irma Grdzelidze and Dr Hanne Smidt Södergård beforehand. Both sides were therefore very well prepared for the two-day online meeting. It was not just about professional preparation: familiarity also developed on a personal level, which naturally benefited the further process. As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, digital dialogue has become almost natural for us, and we didn't want to put the experts at unnecessary risk in view of the Russian attack on Ukraine.

How is the war affecting your current situation?

The Russian airstrikes are of course a constant threat, but we want to remain on our path towards the European Union in the face of this threat. The Bologna Hub Peer Support is a significant element in this: we want to drive forward our internationalisation within the European Higher Education Area. Quality assurance based on European standards is central to us, as is the cross-border recognition of academic achievements and the internationalisation of our teaching, for example with respect to the expansion of English-language courses.

How will the Bologna Hub Peer Support continue to support you?

We are in the process of revising our internationalisation strategy. The Bologna Hub Peer Support is helping us decisively with this. We are expanding academic exchange and increasingly internationalising our research. We are now even taking part in Erasmus+ sport actions. Before the war, we had many international students at our university. We want to build on this - and with the Bologna Hub Peer Support, we feel well equipped to do so.

Johannes Göbel (21 December 2023)