University members in dialog

At this year’s Teaching Day on May 10 in Görlitz, members of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences learned about the key requirements and procedural steps involved in system accreditation. With support from the Center for e-Learning, the event was broadcast simultaneously via videoconference to the Zittau campus for the first time this year.

The Vice President for Education and International Affairs, Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Christa Maria Heidger, welcomed the approximately forty participants at both locations, gave a brief introduction to the topic, and finally presented a brochure fresh off the press titled “Ideas for Teaching Practice at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences.”

Dr. Sibylle Jakubowicz from the evalag agency then gave a presentation on the system accreditation process, including its specific requirements as defined in the Accreditation Council ’s rules, as well as its key advantages and disadvantages. Dr. Peggy Sommer from the Quality management Office followed up on the previous speaker’s remarks in her presentation, highlighting the current status and the next steps for Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences on the path toward applying for system accreditation next year.

After a short break, selected topics and tools of Quality management were explored in greater depth at three discussion tables: Table 1 focused on the appreciation of teaching at the university. Among other things, it became clear that there are differences in faculty members’ self-perceptions regarding this issue across the various faculties, and that the value placed on teaching often competes with the value placed on research activities. In addition, participants discussed ways to increase the value placed on teaching, starting with small steps, such as treating one another with respect in everyday teaching and work life.

The second roundtable topic was devoted to teaching evaluation. Key points of discussion included the effort involved and the timing of student surveys regarding classes / courses and modules, the length of the questionnaires, as well as the evaluation of results together with students and possible consequences in the event of persistently substandard teaching.

Participants at Discussion Table 3 discussed the stakeholders and the process of a new procedure for evaluating degree programmes by external subject matter experts—the so-called degree programme review process. This process is to be tested in the coming months as a pilot program. In the long term, it will replace program accreditation for degree programmes. Finally, Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Christa Maria Heidger summarized the afternoon of lively discussion and bid the participants farewell as the early evening set in.

The organizers would like to thank the speakers and guests for their contributions to the discussion, the facilitators at the discussion tables for moderating the sessions and documenting the results, and all the hardworking volunteers and supporters who helped make the day a success.