The rectors of the Universities of Bergen, Granada, Graz, Leipzig, Lyon, Padua and Vilnius met yesterday in the second Rectors’ Council meeting, to analyse the goals achieved during the first year of the Alliance, the challenges faced, how the COVID-19 pandemic may have affected the work plan of the Alliance and other issues.
One of the most relevant highlights of this meeting was the reaffirmation of the rectors’ commitment to seamless mobility among the seven universities and to the development in the short term of all kinds of joint programmes, including both the three planned pilot joint Master’s programmes as well as short modules, online and blended learning opportunities.
To support this important commitment, a pathfinder group composed of experts in international mobility at each university was set up in September. This group is also helping in the implementation of the Open Mobility Agreement signed in 2019 and already in place for this academic year, that allows the free student mobility between universities without the need for specific faculty-level agreements.
Students are key players
The rectors of the seven Arqus universities, further expressed their pride at the level of student participation and engagement within the Alliance and, as a way to foster their involvement even further, agreed to set up consultation opportunities for the Rectors with student representatives on Alliance issues concerning them.
Annual conference postponed to fall 2021
Due to the current situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rectors’ Council decided to postpone the Annual conference planned for 3rd-5th May 2021 in Vilnius to the autumn of 2021. The community building and networking opportunities offered by this event are essential for the optimal progress of the Alliance and this may not be possible yet in May, when pandemic restrictions may be still in place in many countries.
Internal organizational issues
The Rectors’ Council approved the drawing up of a single foundational statutory document covering all basic aspects of the workings of the Alliance. Furthermore, a Vice Rectors’ Council is to be set up to complement existing governance structures.
Thanking the Arqus team
The rectors also thanked the more than 550 active participants in the Arqus Alliance for their excellent work during this year despite the difficulties arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
