Agence suisse pour l'accréditation et l'assurance de la qualité

Overview

The Swiss Agency for Accreditation and Quality Assurance (AAQ) is the national body responsible for overseeing the quality of higher education institutions (HEIs) in Switzerland. Operating under the authority of the Swiss Accreditation Council (SAC), the AAQ conducts institutional and programme accreditation procedures, ensuring that HEIs meet national and international quality standards. Its role is central to maintaining and enhancing the quality of teaching and research across Swiss universities and universities of applied sciences.

History and Legal Framework

Established in 2001 as the Swiss Centre of Accreditation and Quality Assurance in Higher Education (OAQ), the agency was renamed the Swiss Agency for Accreditation and Quality Assurance (AAQ) on January 1, 2015, following the enactment of the Federal Act on Funding and Coordination of the Higher Education Sector (HEdA). This legal framework mandates the AAQ to carry out accreditation procedures and quality assurance activities in alignment with the Higher Education Act and the European Standards and Guidelines (ESG) for quality assurance in the European Higher Education Area.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives

Mission: The AAQ aims to safeguard and promote the quality of teaching and research at higher education institutions in Switzerland by conducting accreditation and evaluation procedures based on internationally recognized methods.

Vision: To contribute to the continuous improvement of Swiss higher education by providing independent, expert evaluations that support institutions in enhancing their quality assurance systems.

Objectives:

• Conduct institutional and programme accreditation procedures in compliance with the Higher Education Act.
• Develop and implement quality assurance standards and guidelines.
• Provide evaluations to support the development of higher education institutions.
• Engage in international cooperation to align Swiss quality assurance practices with European and global standards.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

The AAQ operates under the authority of the Swiss Accreditation Council (SAC), which is the joint body of the Confederation and the Cantons for accreditation and quality assurance in the Swiss higher education landscape. The SAC is responsible for accreditation decisions based on the Higher Education Act. The AAQ, as a recognized agency, carries out the procedures for institutional and programme accreditation and quality assurance activities. The agency's organizational regulations govern its structure and operations, ensuring its independence and adherence to legal mandates.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

The AAQ plays a critical role in the Swiss higher education system by:

• Institutional Accreditation: Assessing whether higher education institutions meet the minimum requirements defined in the Higher Education Act.
• Programme Accreditation: Evaluating specific study programmes to ensure they align with national standards and contribute to the overall quality of higher education.
• Quality Audits: Conducting evaluations to review and improve the quality assurance systems within institutions.
• International Recognition: Awarding the EUR-ACE label to accredited engineering programmes, recognizing their compliance with European quality standards.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The AAQ is actively involved in international quality assurance networks, enhancing the global recognition of Swiss higher education. Its memberships include:

• ENQA: Full membership in the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education, demonstrating adherence to European quality assurance standards.
• EQAR: Registration in the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education, signifying compliance with the ESG.
• QAN: Membership in the Quality Audit Network, facilitating collaboration on quality assurance practices.
• Réseau FrAQ-Sup: Co-founding member of this network of French-speaking quality assurance agencies.
• German Accreditation Council: Approval to conduct system and programme accreditation procedures in Germany.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

The AAQ's activities directly influence the quality and international recognition of Swiss higher education institutions. By ensuring that institutions and programmes meet established quality standards, the AAQ contributes to:

• Enhancing Educational Quality: Supporting institutions in developing robust quality assurance systems that lead to improved teaching and learning outcomes.
• International Recognition: Facilitating the global mobility of students and staff through the recognition of accredited qualifications.
• Continuous Improvement: Encouraging institutions to engage in self-reflection and continuous development to meet evolving educational needs.

Summary

The Swiss Agency for Accreditation and Quality Assurance (AAQ) is a cornerstone institution in Switzerland's higher education landscape. Operating under the Swiss Accreditation Council, the AAQ ensures that higher education institutions and programmes meet rigorous quality standards, thereby enhancing the overall quality and international standing of Swiss higher education.

FAQs

1. What is the role of the AAQ?
   The AAQ is responsible for conducting accreditation and quality assurance procedures for higher education institutions and programmes in Switzerland, ensuring they meet national and international standards.
2. How does the AAQ contribute to quality assurance?
   The AAQ develops quality standards, conducts evaluations, and provides guidance to institutions to enhance their quality assurance systems and practices.
3. Is the AAQ recognized internationally?
   Yes, the AAQ is a full member of ENQA, registered in EQAR, and holds approval from the German Accreditation Council, among other international recognitions.
4. What types of accreditation does the AAQ perform?
   The AAQ conducts institutional and programme accreditation, as well as quality audits, to assess and enhance the quality of higher education in Switzerland.
5. What is the EUR-ACE label?
   The EUR-ACE label is awarded by the AAQ to accredited engineering programmes that meet European quality standards, facilitating international recognition and mobility.

Organization Name

Agence suisse pour l'accréditation et l'assurance de la qualité
Swiss Agency for Accreditation and Quality Assurance
Schweizerische Agentur für Akkreditierung und Qualitätssicherung

Acronym

AAQ

Year of Establishment

2001

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

Swiss Accreditation Council

Affiliations or Memberships

European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA)

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Effingerstrasse 58
Bern
3008 Bern Switzerland

Phone

+41 (31) 380 1150

Fax

+41 (31) 380 1155

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

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LinkedIn

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YouTube

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

Schweizerische Agentur für Akkreditierung und Qualitätssicherung's Wikipedia article

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