On 4^th November 2020, the HERAS Plus and Kosovo Accreditation Agency (KAA) formalized a new cooperation within the HERAS Plus project by signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), through which the KAA will benefit institutional and technical support in strengthening the capacities to develop and regulate higher education and fulfill the required criteria to return of Kosovo Accreditation Agency in the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA).

Kosovo Accreditation Agency Director, Mr. Naim Gashi, stated that by implementing this memorandum, the KAA will almost round up the criteria fulfillment for the return of the Agency in ENQA. Mr. Gashi stated that the Memorandum targets the main needs of the Kosovo Accreditation Agency towards developing and ensuring quality in higher education (as one of the main national priorities of Kosovo) that enable the preconditions to connect higher education with the job market.

The Project Team Leader of HERAS+, Mr. Aqim Emurli stated that this is a great opportunity for both parties involved in this cooperation (KAA and HERAS Plus Project) since the Memorandum contains specifications of all activities to be addressed during the project implementation (2020-2023) with the principal aim of returning KAA in The European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA).

Through this MoU, the Kosovo Accreditation Agency will benefit support with international legal expertise towards completion of the legislation and other juridical acts; will map a guideline and manual for International experts training – who are part of the accreditation process in Kosovo; will offer support in standards review, especially the standard related to the number of students that can be accommodated in a study program; support will be offered also in developing the Strategic Plan of the Agency; developing of guidelines and processes for external quality assurance for Institutions and applied sciences programs; there will be study visits for experience exchanges between Kosovo and Austria, etc.

On 20 October 2020, ‘HERAS Plus’ Project Team met with the Senior Management of the University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina” (UPHP). The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the Project, and the Project Team, to the newly appointed senior management of the University (UPHP). Moreover, the meeting served as a platform for initiating cooperation and working relationship between the Project Team and the new management of UPHP.

The Rector of UPHP, Mr. Naser Sahiti, welcomed the Project Team and expressed his interest to cooperate with the Project. The new management of the University, noted the Rector, is committed to improving the quality of services offered by UPHP, including the Programs and Research & Innovation. Next, the management is devoted to advancing the quality of institutional management and to maintaining and developing the working relationship with all international donors and Projects including ‘HERAS Plus’. The Rector, further, noted the positive impressions he has about the previous HERAS project, and expressed his, and his team’s interest to know more about the current Project, namely the ‘HERAS Plus’.

Mr. Aqim Emurli, ‘HERAS Plus’ Team Leader, offered a brief presentation of the Project. The Team Leader highlighted that ‘HERAS Plus’ is a continuation of the previous project funded by ADA, and implemented by the three-party Consortium: WUS Austria (Lead), ZSI and OeAD. He further noted that the Project will engage with all public universities, primarily with UPHP as the largest public HEI, in development of capacities for conducting their own baseline assessments, providing support to internationalization and mobility, fostering Human Rights based Approach (HRBA) and Social Dimension, providing an opportunity to benefit from grants and programmatic partnership as foreseen in the approved Project Document.

On the other side, the Rector emphasized that the actual action plan of the new University management of UPHP is strictly based on UPHP Strategic Plan. In this context, the UPHP management will engage in identifying the potential areas of cooperation between the Project and the UPHP. Among other areas, the Rector suggested, could be a potential cooperation on the topic of improving the credibility of performance appraisals process for the Academic Staff, and integrity and reliability of the Students’ Evaluations instrument (for academic staff), which is being implemented at UPHP. In this matter, the management of UPHP would highly appreciate if ‘HERAS Plus’ could step-in to provide some support based on the Austrian experience and utilizing the Austrian expertise.

Another area of potential cooperation, mentioned during the meeting, was to explore the possibility of benefiting from the Project’s support in the area of Research and Innovation. The research activity, undergoing at UPHP, is mainly streamlined towards contributing to academic staff advancement. The new management of UPHP is interested to enrich this experience by investing in research activity that is steered towards developmental projects.

In general, the meeting showed that the senior management of UPHP sees the potential advantage from engaging together with the ‘HERAS Plus’ Project in utilizing the Project expertise and other support and development activities. The Project Team and the University management agreed to remain in close contacts during the coming period to coordinate the launch of the joint activities.

On 14 October 2020: ‘HERAS Plus’ project team had an introductory meeting with the leadership of the University of Mitrovica “Isa Boletini” (UMIB). The Rector of UMIB, Mr. Alush Musaj, welcomed the Project Team and expressed his enthusiasm to cooperate with the Project. UMIB is a quickly developing University, which has recently moved to a brand-new University Campus with a modern infrastructure. The University leadership is seriously engaged in improving the quality of educational services, including the quality of programs offered, the quality of institutional management and the quality of research & innovation conducted within UMIB institution.

In his welcome remark, the Rector, in addition to providing an overview of the tangible progress made by UMIB, also addressed the challenges that University has faced during the last academic year, when the University was not accredited by KAA (i.e. the University was considered as not meeting the standards for institutional accreditation). The Rector, despite having some reservations with the current legal framework, and the actual practice of conducting institutional accreditation on the public HEIs, noted that UMIB has successfully overcome the challenge and even came out of it in a much better shape. Concerning this matter, the Rector encouraged the Project to work with Central institutions in redefining the policy regarding the institutional accreditation for public HEIs. UMIB representatives confirmed that they see an interest in cooperating with ‘HERAS Plus’ Project and welcomed that idea that this cooperation starts with conducting a Baseline Assessment. They further suggested that ‘HERAS Plus’ Team conducts an info session with all the academic staff of UMIB with the aim of further explaining the research grants, programmatic partnership and scholarships that are available (upon qualification) as part of the Project. Moreover, the UMIB representatives briefed the Project Team about the Committee that is appointed to oversee the implementation of the strategic plan and the idea that the University shall soon engage in the process of drafting a separate strategic plan for scientific research.

In the other side, Mr. Aqim Emurli, ‘HERAS Plus’ Team Leader, commended the Rector for his successful management of the issue faced by UMIB regarding institutional accreditation. The Team Leader, next offered a brief presentation of the Project by highlighting the fact that ‘HERAS Plus’ is a continuation of the previous project funded by ADA, and implemented by the three-party Consortium: WUS Austria (Lead), ZSI and OeAD. The Project will engage with all public universities, including UMIB, in development of capacities for conducting their own baseline assessments, providing support to internationalization and mobility, fostering Human Rights based Approach (HRBA) and Social Dimension, providing an opportunity to benefit from grants and programmatic partnership as foreseen in the approved Project Document.

HERAS+ Team was happy to hear that UMIB is monitoring the implementation of the strategic plan and that the University is planning to draft an additional strategy on Scientific Research.  In this regard, the Project Team suggested that this strategic plan may be inserted as a separate heading into the main Strategic Plan of UMIB, if this will be the recommendation of the Committee that is overseeing the implementation of the strategic plan. ‘HERSA Plus’ pledged support to the drafting of the Strategic Plan heading on scientific research, if requested by UMIB, and offered to cooperate with UMIB in organizing an info session that may be open to everyone interested (academic staff or students), in which the Project Team can present and discuss the opportunities offered by the Project. .

On 14 October 2020: The aim of the meeting was to introduce the new Project/staff as well as discussing different ways of during the project implementation.

The project Team Leader, Mr. Aqim Emurli informed the Rector and his staff that ‘HERAS Plus’ is a continuation of the previous project funded by ADA and stated that the project will engage with all public universities, including UHZ in Peja, in development of capacities for conducting their own baseline assessments, providing support to internationalization and mobility, fostering Human Rights based Approach (HRBA) and Social Dimension, providing an opportunity to benefit from grants and programmatic partnership as foreseen in the approved Project Document.

In in the other side, Mr. Fadil Millaku, the Rector of UHZ in Peja, while providing an overview of the progress made by the UHZ in Peja, stressed the challenges they have faced with the institutional accreditation, and the importance that the UHZ in Peja has assigned to drafting a reliable Strategic Plan for the period 2020-2024. The Rector noted that the University has designated a special Committee to overview the implementation of the Strategic Plan. The Committee reports on the strategic plan implementation on quarterly bases using the tools and indicators foreseen in the strategic plan. This enables the University management to monitor the progress, as well as identify and remedy the shortcomings as they happen. Further, The Rector, highlighted the UHZ promotes the Research & Innovation work through: (1) promoting typical academic research and attendance and organization of scientific conferences, (2) promoting and supporting the small-scale developmental research & innovation projects conducted by small teams composed by at least one academic staff and a few students, (3) promoting and supporting the small-scale applied science projects conducted by small teams composed by at least one academic staff and a few students.

In general, the meeting showed that the leadership of UHZ in Peja appreciates the Project’s determination to work with Reginal Universities and see the potential advantages from engaging together with the ‘HERAS Plus’ Project in utilizing the Project expertise and other support and development activities. The project and the University senior management agreed to remain in close contacts during the overall implementation of the project. .

On 08 October 2020, HERAS Plus project team had a great and constructive introductory meeting with the representatives of the University “Fehmi Agani” in Gjakova (UGJFA).

The Rector Artan Nimani, and the Vice-Rector Vjollca Dibra, welcomed the project team and expressed their readiness and willingness to cooperate in the course of project implementation. Mr. Nimani noted the vision of UGJFA for development and revision of the strategy and in order to achieve this the support of the project is much needed and appreciated. He also mentioned other areas where the project and the UGJFA can closely cooperate.

HERAS Plus Team Leader, Mr. Aqim Emurli and his team, presented the project activities and objectives, with special focus of the key areas for supporting UGJFA.  Mr. Emurli noted that the project will support the revision of the strategic document, support with the development of new programmes on applied science and other similar fields. Both sides agreed to meet on a regular basis with an aim to enhance mutual and fruitful cooperation.

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On 01 October 2020, ‘HERAS Plus’ project team had a constructive introductory meeting with the representatives of the University “Kadri Zeka” in Gjilan (UKZ).

‘HERAS Plus’ Team Leader, Mr. Aqim Emurli, gave a presentation on the project objectives, expected results and project activities. Moreover, he introduced the project team and presented the project focus areas. Mr. Emurli noted that the project aims at supporting the development of UKZ in Gjilan by working on building capacities of the University to strategically plan and implement activities, organize, manage and conduct quality assurance, engage in research projects and other related topics.

The Rector Bajram Kosumi, and the Vice-Rector Dukagjin Leka, welcomed the project team and expressed readiness to cooperate in the course of project implementation. Mr. Kosumi, noted that UKZ Gjilan leadership is committed and ambitious to improve, both the strategic planning and institutional operational processes with the aim of advancing the quality of service and aligning with the best practices and institutions in the EHEA. In this regard, UKZ Gjilan would be happy to utilize the ‘HERAS Plus’ expertise and support.

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On 29 September 2020, HERAS+ Project in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) organized a workshop on drafting and revising the Law on Higher Education. The workshop was attended by members of the working group on drafting the amendments to the Law on Higher Education. The working group is established by MES in July 2020 and HERAS+ project is an official member of the working group.

The Minister of MES, Mr. Ramë Likaj joined the event and engaged in the group discussions. The working group engaged in article-by-article review of the Draft Law and also discussed the main issues that are to be addressed and regulated in the amended Law on Higher Education.

The workshop was chaired by Ms. Drita Kadriu, Director of HE Department in MES, and co-chaired by Mr. Aqim Emurli, HERAS+ Team Leader. In his address to the working group Mr. Emurli, stressed the need to undertake all efforts in coming up with legislative measures to ensure quality, transparency and development of higher education sector in the Republic of Kosovo in accordance with the best European standards. The objective of the Draft Law on Higher Education, according to the MES decision, is to better define the principles, main objectives and organization of higher education sector, as well as revise the rules for the establishment, operation, financing, accreditation and licensing of higher education institutions in Kosovo.

HERAS + Team will continue to support the working group by providing additional expertise until the law is adopted by the government, respectively by the Assembly of Kosovo.

The event was organized in compliance with protective measures against COVID-19.

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On June 26, 2020, Mr. Adi Kovacevic, Executive Director of WUS Austria and of the HERAS+ team, met Mr. Rame Likaj, Minister of Education and Science (MES).

During the meeting, Mr. Kovacevic introduced the new project  HERAS+ and the project team. HERAS+ is funded by ADA and implemented by a consortium led by WUS Austria. Mr. Aqim Emurli, team leader, gave a detailed presentation on project objectives, expected results, and activities of the project.

In return, Minister Likaj welcomed the introductory notes of the project and ensured full support of the ministry throughout the implementation of the project. The higher education reforms will be among the priorities of the new Minister hence the support of HERAS+ will be highly welcomed in this direction. An intensive cooperation between the project staff and the Ministry was therefore agreed upon.

On 11 August 2020, the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) has established a working group (WG) which will be in charge of the policies and the regulatory framework in the field of applied science. This development came as a result of advocacy and request from the HERAS+ towards the MES Minister and his cabinet. Through the WG, the HERAS+ will also provide support to the development and implementation of recommendations outlined, therein related to the development of these regulatory frameworks. The joint work will be based on an ongoing dialogue between the project team and MES together with other key stakeholders and it is expected that it will result with a potential new law, and or new administrative instruction and or new regulation in the field of applied science. Noteworthy, the WG was initially established during the previous phase of the project (HERAS) and now updated with new decision of MES. .

On 5 August 2020, the HERAS+ team leader, Mr. Aqim Emurli and the office manager Ms. Donjeta Ibra met with the representatives of the Strategic Planning Office (SPO) that is located within the Government of Kosovo, namely, Mr. Vedat Sagonjeva, Director and Mr. Adnan Ahmeti Senior Strategic Planning Officer. During the meeting, the interlocutors discuss about the support that project HERAS+ could provide for the development of the Smart Specialization Strategy for Kosovo (S3) and the modalities how this support could be effectuated. It was agreed that according to international practice and experiences, HERAS+ will support the linkage of S3 towards higher education, science and research in close coordination with Ministry of Education and Science in order to maintain connectivity between the policy fields and development of the synergies on the ground. .