UNICA Activity Report 3

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1 UNICA Activity Report

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3 Dear Colleagues, A year ago at the 25 th 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 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 : 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 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 Saso UNICA President UNICA Activity Report 3

4 CONTENTS

5 INTRODUCTION Academic year in numbers...6 UNICA meetings JOINED-UP THINKING FOR JOINT SUCCESSES: UNICA MEETINGS & ACTIVITIES Internationalisation & Mobility...11 Education...13 Research & Development...13 Policy & Strategy...14 Mission & Link with Society...14 General Assembly 2015 & UNICA ON THE EUROPEAN & INTERNATIONAL SCENE Participation in other organisations activities...19 Participation in European projects...22 UNICA as Coordinator...23 UNICA as Partner...25 Completed projects...27 GETTING THE MESSAGE THROUGH UNICA websites, newsletter, social media...31 PEOPLE UNICA Board...36 UNICA Secretariat in Brussels...37 Acknowledgements...38 UNICA Member Universities...40 Copyright by the UNICA a.i.s.b.l. All rights reserved. UNICA Activity Report Editors: Prof. Luciano Saso, UNICA President / Kris Dejonckheere, UNICA Secretary General Content: Marta Brelih-Wasowska, Project & Communications Officer / Audre Chudinskaite, Communications Assistant Graphic Design: Audre Chudinskaite, Communications Assitant UNICA Activity Report 5

6 ACADEMIC YEAR IN NUMBERS

7 12 UNICA seminars, meetings and workshops brought together more than 630 participants. The average evaluation of UNICA meetings was 4.48 on a scale from 1 to 5, with the 6 th UNICA PR & Communication Workshop at the University of Iceland being rated highest (5). UNICA June 2016 Newsletter had the highest number of readers. Members in the Spotlight and Upcoming Activities are the most popular columns of our Newsletter. UNICA website attracts on average 16,500 unique visitors per month. UNICA Summer & Winter Schools Portal lists more than 200 programmes from 28 UNICA member universities and their partners. The 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. UNICA Activity Report 7

8 UNICA MEETINGS University of Iceland INTERNATIONALISATION & MOBILITY PR & Communication Workshop 2016 IRO Meeting 2016 EDUCATION EduLAB Meeting 2015 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT EU Research Liaison Officers Meeting 2015 Coimbra Group-UNICA joint PhD training 2016 PhD MASTER CLASS & PRIDE training 2016 POLICY & STRATEGY UNICA General Assembly 2015 Coimbra Group-UNICA-EUROPAEUM Rectors Conference 2016 MISSION & LINK WITH SOCIETY UNICA-SGROUP-Compostela Joint Workshop 2016 UNICA GREEN Workshop 2016 University, Culture and the City Conference 2016 Universidade NOVA de Lisboa

9 Université Libre de Bruxelles Charles University Vrije Universiteit Brussel Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest University of Rome Tor Vergata Centre for Advanced Academic Studies in Dubrovnik University of Zagreb UNICA Activity Report 9

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

11 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 25 th anniversary UNICA General Assembly 2015, Université libre de Bruxelles and Vrije Universiteit Brussel, October UNICA IRO meeting 2016 (Centre for Advanced Academic Studies of the University of Zagreb in Dubrovnik, 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 6 th UNICA PR & Communication Workshop was hosted by University of Iceland, 6-7 June 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 28 th EAIE Conference (Liverpool, 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. UNICA Activity Report 11

12 ERASMUS+ TRAINEESHIP AT THE UNICA SECRETARIAT 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 office@unica-office.eu. 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 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 Audre Chudinskaite, Lithuania, Communications Trainee,

13 EDUCATION The 2 nd 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. RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT The 10 th UNICA EU Research Liaison Officers meeting was hosted by Charles University in Prague, November It brought together more 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 The 1 st 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, October The 7 th 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, August 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) UNICA Activity Report 13

14 POLICY & STRATEGY Coimbra Group-UNICA-EUROPAEUM Rectors Conference Legacy of Charles IV, Education and Academic Freedoms, Innovation and Open Society was held in the framework of the 700 th anniversary of birth of Charles IV, 13 May 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 3 rd Arab-Euro Conference on Higher Education (AECHE 3): Opportunities and Challenges for Arab and European universities in fulfilling their societal mission (University of Barcelona, 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. MISSION & LINK WITH SOCIETY The 6 th 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

15 The 1 st University, Culture and the City Conference was held at Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, May 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. The 6 th 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 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. 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. UNICA Activity Report 15

16 GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2015 & 2016 UNICA GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2015 & 25 th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS Université Libre de Bruxelles & Vrije Universiteit Brussel October 2015 UNICA GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2016 ON THE OCCASION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WARSAW S 200 th FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY University of Warsaw November 2016 GENERAL & STEERING COMMITTEE MEETINGS 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)

17 UNICA ON THE EUROPEAN & INTERNATIONAL SCENE UNICA Activity Report 17

18 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

19 PARTICIPATION IN OTHER ORGANISATIONS ACTIVITIES For the 6 th 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) 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. 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. UNICA Activity Report 19

20 On 21 March 2016, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) together with other LEAD project partners including UNICA, welcomed leaders from European and Chinese Universities to a high-level kick-off conference which was followed by a workshop on university governance and academic leadership in a changing Higher 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) 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. 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). 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 European Women Rectors Association (EWORA) held its inaugural ceremony at the University Foundation in Brussels on 20 June An informal UNICA meeting was held in the framework of the conference, chaired by the UNICA President Prof. Luciano Saso

21 On 29 May 2016, UNICA Project Officer Marta Rachlewicz attended the 25 th 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. The 28 th EAIE Conference took place in Liverpool, September UNICA was represented by Dominique Montagnese, who took part in the panel discussion: Universities, human rights and the refugee crisis: A Bermuda Triangle?. On 7-10 April 2016, UNICA Project & Events Officer Dominique Montagnese 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. UNICA Activity Report 21

22 PARTICIPATION IN EUROPEAN PROJECTS

23 UNICA AS COORDINATOR RUMI: Réseau des universités marocaines pour l enseignement inclusif (Network of Moroccan Universities for Inclusive Education) Under TEMPUS IV - Structural Measures Project period: 01/12/ /11/2016 Relevant UNICA Working Group: UNICA-MED & Equal Opportunities 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 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 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 Website: UNICA Activity Report 23

24 UZDOC: Enhancing Quality of Doctoral Education at Higher Education Institutions in Uzbekistan Under TEMPUS IV Structural Measures Project Period: 01/12/ /11/2016 Relevant 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 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 Website:

25 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 Education Project period: 01/11/ /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 educational innovation and modernisation of Higher Education Website: HousErasmus+: Improving Mobility and Accommodation Under Erasmus+ KA3: Forward-Looking Cooperation Project period: 01/11/ /10/2017 Relevant UNICA Working Group: International Relations Officers Coordinator: 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: UNICA s role: Dissemination SAVES: Students Achieving Valuable Energy Savings Under EC Intelligent Energy Europe programme Project period: 04/ /2017 Relevant UNICA Working Group: UNICA GREEN Coordinator: National Union of Students UK 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: UNICA Activity Report 25

26 MappED!: Inclusive mobility Under Erasmus+ KA2: Strategic Partnerships Project period: 01/11/ /10/2017 Relevant 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: GENOVATE: Transforming Organisational Culture for Gender Equality in Research and Innovation Under FP7: Science in Society Project period: 01/04/2014 Relevant UNICA Working Group: EU Research Liaison Officers & Equal Opportunities Coordinator: University of Bradford UNICA 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: CALOHEE: Measuring and Comparing Achievements of Learning Outcomes in Higher Education in Europe Under Erasmus+ KA3: Forward-Looking Cooperation Project period: 01/11/ /10/2017 Relevant 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:

27 COMPLETED PROJECTS 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/ /09/2016 Relevant UNICA Working Group: Doctoral Education Group Coordinator: 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) 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 Website: Download the e-version of the PRIDE Handbook: Professionals in Doctoral Education UNICA Activity Report 27

28 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 3 Project period: 01/10/ /09/2016 Relevant Working Group: Doctoral Education Group Coordinator: 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: EU-CHINA DOC Conferences and Workshops in Europe and China: Launch Conference, 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, 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, September 2016, Southwest University, China

29 PASCL: Peer Assessment of Student-Centred Learning Under Lifelong Learning: Erasmus Multilateral Projects Project period: 01/10/ /07/2016 Relevant 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 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: UNICA Activity Report 29

30 GETTING THE MESSAGE THROUGH

31 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. UNICA WEBSITE The website 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 Activity Report 31

32 UNICA NEWSLETTER: NEW LOOK 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 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

33 UNICA TWITTER PAGE Created in October 2015, UNICA Twitter Page is used to interact with the UNICA Member Universities, 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. UNICA ONLINE DATABASE The database provides an online access to each UNICA Contact Person and allows to easily modify and add the data on university representatives involved 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. UNICA SUMMER & WINTER SCHOOLS PORTAL Launched in February 2014, the UNICA Summer & Winter Schools Portal lists more than 200 programmes from 28 UNICA Member Universities and their partners. UNICA Activity Report 33

34 Created 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 users is growing and the website reaches 6,000 unique visitors per month. The platform is listed on the website of the European Commission. STAFFMOBILITY.EU PLATFORM UNICA GREEN WEBSITE Last 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

35 PEOPLE UNICA Activity Report 35

36 UNICA BOARD Prof. Luciano SASO President Sapienza University of Rome Prof. Serge JAUMAIN Member of the Steering Committee Université Libre de Bruxelles Prof. Jacques LANARÈS Member of the Steering Committee Université de Lausanne Prof. Franck LEPREVOST Member of the Steering Committee University of Luxembourg Prof. António RENDAS Member of the Steering Committee Universidade NOVA de Lisboa Prof. Tomáš ZIMA Member of the Steering Committee Charles University IRO OBSERVER Guri VESTAD University of Oslo DEPUTY IRO OBSERVER Ursula HANS Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

37 UNICA SECRETARIAT Kris DEJONCKHEERE Secretary General unica-network.eu Marta BRELIH-WASOWSKA Project & Communications Officer unica-network.eu Marta RACHLEWICZ Project & Event Officer unica-network.eu Dominique MONTAGNESE Project & Event Officer unica-network.eu UNICA TRAINEES Audre CHUDINSKAITE Communications Trainee Kertu KUUSKARU Project Trainee UNICA Activity Report 37

38 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

39 All of the initiatives envisaged in the Work Programme 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. UNICA Activity Report 39

40 UNICA MEMBER UNIVERSITIES

41 UNICA brings together 46 Member Universities from 35 European capitals ALBANIA Tirana University Polytechnic University of Tirana AUTRIA Universität Wien BELGIUM Vrije Universiteit Brussel Université Libre de Bruxelles BULGARIA Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski CROATIA University of Zagreb CYPRUS University of Cyprus CZECH REPUBLIC Charles University DENMARK University of Copenhagen ESTONIA Tallinn University Tallinn University of Technology FINLAND University of Helsinki FRANCE Université Sorbonne Nouvelle - Paris 3 Université Pierre et Marie Curie Université Paris-Dauphine FYR OF MACEDONIA Ss. Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje GERMANY Freie Universität Berlin Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin GREECE National and Kapodistrian University of Athens HUNGARY Eötvös Loránd University of Budapest IRELAND University College Dublin ICELAND University of Iceland ITALY Università degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata Università degli Studi di Roma Tre LATVIA University of Latvia LITHUANIA Vilnius University LUXEMBOURG University of Luxembourg THE NETHERLANDS Universiteit van Amsterdam NORWAY University of Oslo POLAND University of Warsaw PORTUGAL Universidade de Lisboa Universidade NOVA de Lisboa ROMANIA University of Bucharest RUSSIA Lomonosov Moscow State University Higher School of Economics Moscow SERBIA University of Belgrade SLOVAKIA Comenius University in Bratislava SLOVENIA University of Ljubljana SPAIN Universidad Complutense de Madrid SWEDEN Stockholm University SWITZERLAND Université de Lausanne TURKEY Middle East Technical University Ankara University UNITED KINGDOM King s College London UNICA Activity Report 41

42 UNICA - Network of Universities from the Capitals of Europe was founded in 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

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44 UNICA Secretariat c/o University Foundation Rue d Egmont 11, 1000 Brussels +32/(0)2/ office@unica-network.eu