Shaping criteria associated to the European Degree label: Insights from ED-AFFICHE Stakeholders’ Meetings
In a week-long series of engagements from February 3 to 9, 2024, the ED-AFFICHE team embarked on a mission to gather diverse perspectives and recommendations on the criteria associated with the European Degree label.
Students’ insights
Students, being at the core of the educational system, provided invaluable insights into the essence of the European Degree label. Their feedback emphasized the paramount importance of accessibility and inclusivity. Students stressed the necessity for mobility opportunities to be universally accessible, particularly for those facing socio-economic barriers. While acknowledging the enriching experiences facilitated by physical mobility in joint programmes, students advocated for financial support to ensure equal access for all.
They highlighted the significance of international exposure through language acquisition and the need for collaborative efforts between universities and employers to shape programme objectives while safeguarding academic freedom. The students also emphasized the importance of visible EU endorsement of the degree, particularly important for non-European students.
Employers’ preferences
Employers echoed the call for transparency and clear communication regarding the European Degree label. They emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary approaches, multilingualism, and sustainability knowledge in defining future competencies. Physical mobility was identified as crucial in the recruitment process, symbolizing diversity awareness and willingness to adapt. While acknowledging the value of virtual mobility as a complement, employers stressed that it cannot replace the richness brought by physical mobility.
Quality assurance and accreditation agencies’ needs
Quality assurance and accreditation agencies also participated in the discussions, emphasizing the importance of clarity in consortium agreements to facilitate their work. They advocated for greater autonomy for higher education institutions in preparing these agreements.
The importance of European values in shaping the European Degree label was emphasized. Participants advocated for the reflection of existing EU charters and declarations to underscore the Europeanness of labeled programmes. The European approach to assessing quality was also debated, with stakeholders highlighting its significance in motivating legislators to adopt it.
The ED-AFFICHE stakeholders’ meetings provided a platform for diverse voices to contribute to the development of criteria for the European Degree label.
Thank you for being part of the initiative!
What's coming up next?
The ED-AFFICHE team is currently working on the final recommendations for policymakers and HEIs regarding the future of the European Degree label! These recommendations will be unveiled for the first time on March 5, 2024! Curious to learn more?
Secure your spot by registering for the online event here: https://www.charm-eu.eu/unlocking-transformative-potential-european-degree-label-ed-affiche-final-dissemination-event