Study Quality and Assurance

Sukurta: 04 April 2019

The study quality assurance system of Vilnius University was developed within the project “Development and Implementation of the Internal Study Quality Management System of Vilnius University” and is implemented in accordance with the study quality assurance provisions of the European Higher Education Area. Study quality assurance is based on fostering a quality culture arising from the values enshrined in the mission of Vilnius University, monitoring and analysis of study data and internal dialogue on continuous quality improvement, which is based on collected data and external study evaluation results.

The model of the study quality management system in Vilnius University reflects:

the core system processes: strategy implementation, development, evaluation and approval of study programmes intended to carry out, evaluation and improvement of on-going study programmes, student admission (to Bachelor and Master studies), study process, residency study management , doctoral study management, student support and services; planning of research activities; implementation of research activities; evaluation/improvement of research activities; planning of university’s external services; delivery of university’s external services; evaluation/improvement of university’s external services;
processes influencing the quality of studies: academic personnel management; material resource management; financial resource management; information resource management, project management. All complimentary processes influencing the quality of studies as well as the research and learning environment form the basis for today’s study quality that satisfies the internal and external needs.

At the University, the Study Programme Committees (hereinafter – SPC) are responsible for the quality assurance and continuous improvement of study programs, which follow the Regulations of the Study Programme Committee in their activities. The committee consists of the academic staff members, who are implementing the program, the representatives from students and social partners communities. The SPC reports to the Faculty Council and reports to it at least once a year on the study programme implementation matters.

Vilnius University applies and improves various internal quality assurance processes and procedures in studies:

University does approval, monitoring and evaluation of study programmes and qualifications procedures (Regulations of the Study Programme Committee);
University submits methodological material;
University applies the system of assessment on students' achievements and results (Learning Achievements Assessment Procedure, Regulations for the Preparation, Defence and Storage of Research Papers of Students Studying at Vilnius University, Criteria for the Issuance of Cum Laude and Magna Cum Laude Diplomas); also, University applies computer examination and plagiarism verification systems;
University has a system, dedicated to the development of pedagogical competence for academic staff;
University ensures study resources and organises academic, cultural, social support for students: Vilnius University Academic Counseling Sector, Vilnius University Library, Vilnius University Health and Sports Center, Vilnius University Centre of Culture, Information Technology Service Center, Vilnius University Students' Representation;
University provides career services for students;
University organises the collection of feedback from the participants of the study process – students, doctoral students, lecturers, employers, social partners – according to the approved procedure and dissemination of information on the best practices of quality improvement (Description of the Procedure for Organising Feedback from Social Stakeholders on Improving Study Quality at Vilnius University);
University has a system of recognition and dissemination of good study quality assurance practice and the publication of the list of the best lecturers of Vilnius University;
Student involvement (organization of student actions against dishonesty and transcription during examinations; training of student tutors and mentors; organization of freshmen's camps and freshmen's integration week; annual preparation of the Student Life Guidebook, etc.).

The System for External Study Quality Assurance

Since 2020 has been launched the Framework on External Evaluation of Study Fields. Higher education institutions may implement study programs only in accredited fields of study. All study programmes of the same study field are evaluated at the same time in all Lithuanian Higher Education Institutions.

External evaluation and accreditation procedures are performed at least once in 7 years. During the external evaluation and accreditation of the field studies, the first cycle, second cycle, integrated, professional-pedagogical studies of the study field are evaluated and accredited separately. External study evaluation helps the University to more effectively assess the quality of studies and the internal study quality assurance processes performed, and helps to improve studies. The results of the external study evaluation allow informing the University community and the public about the quality of studies at Vilnius University.

Vilnius University provides and publishes objective information on:

Collaboration with students

Students, as an important part of the University community, are invited to be active participants in the study process and to contribute to the improvement of the quality of studies!

How to do it?

One way is to express your opinion in two types of surveys, organized twice an academic year: about studies and specific subjects studied. Study quality assessment questionnaires are a tool that becomes a powerful tool in the hands of students to solve the University's long-standing challenges.

Why participate?

A successful partnership requires mutual cooperation – results can only be achieved by working together! Questionnaires are placed in the student information system at the end of each semester.

Student anonymity is guaranteed!