Conférence suisse des hautes écoles

Overview

The Swiss University Conference (Schweizerische Hochschulkonferenz, SHK; Conférence suisse des hautes écoles, CSHE) is the supreme body responsible for coordinating higher education policy in Switzerland. Established in 1995, it serves as the central platform for collaboration among the Confederation, cantons, and higher education institutions, ensuring the strategic development and alignment of the Swiss higher education system .

History and Legal Framework

The SHK was founded in 1995 to address the need for a unified approach to higher education policy in Switzerland. It operates under the legal framework established by the Federal Act on the Promotion and Coordination of Higher Education (Loi sur l’encouragement et la coordination des hautes écoles, LEHE), which came into effect on January 1, 2015. This act outlines the roles and responsibilities of the SHK in coordinating the activities of the Confederation and cantons in the higher education sector .

Mission, Vision, and Objectives

Mission: The SHK's mission is to coordinate and promote the development of the Swiss higher education system, ensuring its quality, accessibility, and alignment with national and international standards.

Vision: To establish Switzerland as a leading hub for higher education, fostering innovation, research, and societal development through a collaborative and inclusive approach.

Objectives:

• Enhance the quality and international competitiveness of Swiss higher education institutions.
• Facilitate cooperation between the Confederation, cantons, and higher education institutions.
• Develop and implement policies that support the sustainable growth of the higher education sector.
• Ensure the alignment of Swiss higher education with European and global standards.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

The SHK is composed of representatives from the Confederation and the cantons, including the nine ministers of public education from cantons with universities, two representatives from cantons without universities, the Secretary of State for Education and Research, and the President of the ETH Board. This composition ensures a balanced representation of all stakeholders in the Swiss higher education system .

Operating as a non-profit entity, the SHK maintains its independence through its legal status and governance structure, which allows it to function as a neutral body coordinating higher education policy across Switzerland.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

The SHK plays a pivotal role in setting the standards and procedures for accreditation and quality assurance in Swiss higher education. It has defined the ordinance that outlines all requirements for accreditation, including procedural rules and quality standards. These procedures are based on common criteria and conducted in conformity with international standards .

Accreditation is necessary for institutions to receive federal or inter-cantonal funding, and voluntary accreditation of programmes is also possible. The SHK's involvement ensures that the accreditation process is transparent, consistent, and aligned with national and international expectations.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The SHK actively engages in international cooperation to align Swiss higher education with global standards and practices. Its memberships and collaborations include:

• European Higher Education Area (EHEA): Participation in the Bologna Process to harmonize higher education systems across Europe.
• European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA): Membership to promote quality assurance practices in line with European standards.
• Swiss Rectors' Conference (swissuniversities): Collaboration to represent the interests of Swiss higher education institutions at the national and international levels.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

Looking ahead, the SHK aims to further enhance the quality and international competitiveness of Swiss higher education. Key initiatives include:

• Implementing policies that support the sustainable development of higher education institutions.
• Fostering innovation and research through collaborative efforts with national and international partners.
• Ensuring the alignment of Swiss higher education with evolving global standards and expectations.

Summary

The Swiss University Conference (SHK) serves as the cornerstone of higher education policy coordination in Switzerland. Through its governance structure, accreditation and quality assurance roles, and international collaborations, the SHK ensures that Swiss higher education institutions maintain high standards of quality and remain competitive on the global stage.

FAQs

1. What is the role of the SHK?
   The SHK coordinates higher education policy in Switzerland, ensuring the alignment of the Confederation, cantons, and higher education institutions with national and international standards.
2. How does the SHK influence accreditation?
   The SHK defines the requirements and procedures for accreditation, ensuring that institutions meet quality standards necessary for federal or inter-cantonal funding.
3. Who are the members of the SHK?
   The SHK comprises representatives from the Confederation, cantons, and higher education institutions, including ministers of public education and the Secretary of State for Education and Research.
4. What is the SHK's approach to international cooperation?
   The SHK engages in international collaborations to align Swiss higher education with global standards, participating in initiatives like the Bologna Process and ENQA.
5. What are the SHK's future priorities?
   The SHK focuses on enhancing the quality, accessibility, and international competitiveness of Swiss higher education through sustainable policies and collaborative efforts.

Organization Name

Conférence suisse des hautes écoles
Swiss University Conference
Schweizerische Hochschulkonferenz

Acronym

SHK/CSHE

Year of Establishment

1995

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Einsteinstrasse 2
Bern
3003 Bern Switzerland

Phone

+41 (58) 462 8811

Fax

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

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X (Twitter)

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LinkedIn

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YouTube

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

Schweizerische Hochschulkonferenz's Wikipedia article

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