HERAS Plus was happy to support the University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj (UASF) in developing a Roadmap document outlining the potential legal structures for engaging in commercial activities. The document was presented and discussed with UASF leadership and management on 23 March 2023.

The Project offered expert support in conducting a comprehensive analysis of all possible scenarios for developing a viable legal infrastructure for engaging in commercial activities. The findings and recommendations are compiled in the Roadmap document.

The implementation of the recommendations from the Roadmap will pave the way for UASF to cooperate more effectively with the private sector, through bringing the university closer to the needs and demands of the market. This collaboration will also create opportunities for students to gain practical experience and increase their employability upon graduation.

HERAS Plus will continue to work closely with UASF in creating the necessary legal infrastructure for commercial activities, ensuring that the recommendations made in the roadmap are implemented effectively.

On 02 – 03 February 2023, the Project was happy to support the University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj (UASF) in their efforts to improve the overall research governance with a focus on mentoring master dissertations.

The two-day workshop provided guidance and training on modern techniques and best practices related to the process of conducting research, and overall governance of master dissertations. The workshop also discussed the key governance factors that contribute to successful practices in mentoring master dissertations.

The workshop provided the academic staff at UASF with the knowledge and skills needed to ensure that their mentoring practices are governed by best practices. The attendees were introduced not only to the modern research methods, but also to various tools and techniques for mentoring, including mentoring templates, checklists, and feedback forms. They are also participated in interactive discussions and case studies that provided valuable insights into the practical application of governance principles in mentoring master dissertations.

HERAS Plus recognizes the importance of strengthening governance in higher education institutions in Kosovo to ensure the quality of education and research outcomes. By providing workshops such as this one, the Project is contributing to the development of a more effective and accountable higher education sector in Kosovo.

study visit

On 03 to 05 November 2022, the HERAS Plus project supported the University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj (UASF) to conduct a 3-day workshop in the process of preparing for institutional accreditation. The Project provided expert support and facilitated Working Group (WG) sessions in the process of compiling, reviewing, and editing the institutional accreditation application folder. The workshop proved very dynamic and interactive.

The workshop provided an opportunity to conduct a number of tailormade exercises that aimed at improving the overall Quality Assurance mechanisms employed by UASF. During the event the WG engaged in reviewing the draft Self Evaluation Report and reassessed the Quality Assurance instruments. HERAS Plus facilitated the process by offering analysis, expert reviews, and recommendations.

HERAS Plus Project is engaged in enhancing public HEIs leadership capacities, strategic development and competitiveness. The workshop with the UASF institutional accreditation WG was a part of support provided to UASF under earmarked fund for strategic development.

study visit

On 28-29 September 2021, HERAS Plus conducted a two-day training on Project Cycle Management (PCM) for the University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina” (UP). The training was the second event in the series of trainings and coaching sessions that the Project is offering to UP in line with the joint actions agreed in the Memorandum of Understanding between the UP and HERAS Plus Project. The first training took place in June 2021, whereas the time between the first and the second training was used for the coaching sessions.

The training was attended by 20 academic staff that were selected through a transparent process involving an open call and a careful review of applications. The participants are grouped in four teams that are currently working to develop four Project Proposals; one for each team. The workshop focused in addressing comments in terms of finalizing the logical frameworks and stakeholder analysis, as well as working on building the narratives.

The event was witnessed, and endorsed, by HERAS Plus Team Leader, Mr. Aqim Emurli and the Rector of UP Mr. Naser Sahiti. In their official addresses, both Mr. Emurli and Mr. Sahiti, congratulated the participants for their commitment, hard work and progress achieved in this specially-designed training. The final training is scheduled to take place before the end of 2021. Moreover, the Project will continue to provide individual coaching sessions to all the teams.

On 22-23 September 2021, HERAS Plus Project offered a follow-up support to the University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj (UASF) in the process of drafting the strategic plan 2021-2025. The Project facilitated the working group sessions and provided expert input.

This was the second workshop organized by the Project in the context of developing the strategic document. In this endeavor HERAS Plus and the University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj (UASF) deliberated on the strategic orientation and strived to identify viable paths for a further institutional development for UASF.

The strategic document, which is being developed as result of this intervention, aims to provide a framework for further institutional development of University. The work is built on the findings and recommendations of Baseline Assessment conducted earlier this year.

On 09-10 June 2021, the Project HERAS Plus supported the University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj (UASF) to review and revise the internal Regulations. The activity is a part of the process, which aims to harmonize the internal legal framework of the university with the recently adopted Statute.

The two-day workshop took place in the context of supporting the university to implement the Recommendations that emerged from the Baseline Assessment (BA) Report. The BA Report highlights that the new Statute of the university, adopted by the Assembly of Kosovo in December 2020, requires that most of the university regulations must be harmonized and revised.

In the opening of the workshop, Rector Bajraktari praised the Project, and the Project Team, for providing the lead and resources that are vital for UASF in its path towards strategic development. In the other side, Mr. Nehat Dervishi, HERAS Plus Thematic Coordinator for Higher Education, highlighted the excellent partnership and cooperation between the Project and the UASF and noted that further support will be provided in accordance with the Baseline Assessment (BA) Report findings and based the Project earmarked funds for public universities.

The Project Team worked closely with the UASF leadership to address the task of reviewing and revising about 30 Regulations and other internal policy documents. Five working groups (WG) were established in this process, whereas the Rector of UASF, Prof. Dr. Agron Bajraktari, supervised the general proceedings.

On 17 March 2021, HERAS Plus Project facilitated a significant workshop with the University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj (UASF). The workshop, organized in the World Café format, brought together student representatives, University partners from the industry, academic, and management staff of UASF. The aim of the workshop was to collect information and feedback regarding the current interaction among the University and the industry, as well as to generate ideas for systematic improvement in this field.

The group discussions specifically focused on matters related to student internships and potential ways to increase the efficiency and utility of internship programs both for the students and for the industry. The data gathered during the workshop will be analysed in the process of conducting a Baseline Assessment (BA) for UASF, which the Project is currently supporting. In addition, the Project will aim to support institutional development activities that eventually emerge as recommendations in the BA Report.

In this occasion, the Rector of UASF, Mr. Agron Bajraktari, thanked the Austrian donors in general, and the HERAS Plus Project in particular, for working hand-in-hand with the University management in developmental endeavours. Whereas, Mr. Nehat Dervishi, Thematic Coordinator on Higher Education, and Ms. Bardha Qirezi, external consultant, addressed the event on behalf of HERAS Plus Project. They encouraged participants to make use of the opportunity provided by this event and share their most objective and deliberate feedback and thoughts related to the topics of discussions.