On 19 January 2021, HERAS Plus Project organized and delivered mock-simulation interviews with the University “Kadri Zeka” in Gjilan (UKZ) representatives and the University stakeholders, which will be part of the experts review through the institutional accreditation process. A total of seven sessions were organized representing all the target groups that will interact with the accreditation expert team, including the senior management of the University, the quality assurance staff, the deans (heads of Programs), the teaching staff, students, alumni (graduates) and the industry/employers.

The exercise proved very useful for the university, as it served as a tool for identifying challenges and proposing actions for improvements.

This support is a part of the ongoing the activities with the UKZ Gjilan, which aim at strengthening the capacity of the University in meeting the standards and guidelines for quality assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESGs).

On 12 January 2021, the Project Team met with the senior management of University of Mitrovica “Isa Boletini” (UMIB). Ms. Merita Shala, Vice Rector for Teaching, Student Affairs and Quality Assurance, and Mr. Behxhet Shala, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation and Research received the Project Team at the UMIB Campus.

On behalf of ‘HERAS Plus’, Mr. Nehat Dervishi, Thematic Coordinator for Higher Education, and Ms. Fitore Fazliu, Thematic Coordinator for Research and Innovation, briefed the Vice-Rectors on the opportunities offered by HERAS+ Project, and engaged in exploring the best feasible options to deliver institutional development support for UMIB.

The Vice-rectors presented the team with the current processes and plans for advancing the scope and quality of educational offerings as well as quality assurance within UMIB. In addition, the Vice-rectors, identified specific areas and activities for potential support, mainly of strategic and institutional development nature. Both parties agreed to continue cooperation by engaging in further follow-up meetings and concrete actions for the agreed support activities. .