Národní akreditační úřad pro vysoké školství NAÚ

Overview

The National Accreditation Bureau for Higher Education (Národní akreditační úřad pro vysoké školství, NAÚ) is an independent public authority in the Czech Republic responsible for ensuring the quality and accountability of higher education institutions. Established on September 1, 2016, through an amendment to the Higher Education Act (Act No. 111/1998 Coll.), NAÚ succeeded the Accreditation Commission, which had operated since 1990. Headquartered in Prague, NAÚ plays a pivotal role in evaluating and accrediting degree programs, institutional operations and academic procedures within the Czech higher education system.

Historical and Legal Framework

NAÚ was established as part of a broader reform of the Czech higher education system aimed at enhancing quality assurance and institutional autonomy. The reform was initiated by the 2016 amendment to the Higher Education Act, which redefined accreditation processes and shifted decision-making authority from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports to an independent body. This restructuring was intended to align the Czech accreditation system with international standards and best practices, promoting greater transparency and accountability in higher education.

Mission, Vision and Objectives in Higher Education

NAÚ's mission is to safeguard and enhance the quality of higher education in the Czech Republic. Its primary objectives include:

• Evaluating and accrediting degree programs and institutional activities to ensure compliance with national and international standards.
• Conducting systematic external evaluations of educational, scientific, research, development, innovation, artistic and other related activities of higher education institutions.
• Providing methodological support to institutions for internal quality assurance processes.
• Promoting transparency and accountability within the higher education sector.

Through these objectives, NAÚ aims to foster a higher education environment that is innovative, accessible and responsive to the needs of students, employers and society at large.

Governance, Structure and Independence

NAÚ operates as an independent public authority, ensuring objectivity and impartiality in its accreditation activities. The executive body of NAÚ is the Council, which comprises 15 members, including a chairperson, two vice-chairpersons and other members appointed by the Czech government. Members are selected based on proposals from various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, higher education institutions and professional organizations. The Council is responsible for making decisions on accreditation, establishing evaluation procedures and overseeing the overall functioning of NAÚ.

To maintain independence, members of the Council, including the chairperson and vice-chairpersons, are prohibited from holding remunerated or non-remunerated positions at higher education institutions during their term. This structure ensures that NAÚ's decisions are free from external influence and are based solely on the merits of the evaluations conducted.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

NAÚ's core function is to evaluate and accredit higher education institutions and their programs. The accreditation process involves a comprehensive assessment of various criteria, including:

• Teaching and learning outcomes
• Research and development activities
• Student support services
• Institutional governance and management
• Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

Institutions seeking accreditation must submit detailed self-evaluation reports, undergo site visits and engage in consultations with stakeholders such as students, faculty and employers. Based on these evaluations, NAÚ makes decisions regarding the granting or withdrawal of accreditations, ensuring that accredited programs meet established quality standards.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

NAÚ actively participates in international networks and collaborates with accreditation bodies from other countries to align its practices with global standards. This involvement facilitates the exchange of best practices, enhances the credibility of the Czech accreditation system and supports the international mobility of students and academics. Through these collaborations, NAÚ contributes to the development of a cohesive European Higher Education Area and promotes the recognition of Czech qualifications abroad.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

Looking ahead, NAÚ aims to continue enhancing the quality of higher education in the Czech Republic by:

• Adapting accreditation processes to address emerging educational trends and challenges.
• Strengthening the alignment of academic programs with labor market needs.
• Promoting interdisciplinary and collaborative research initiatives.
• Enhancing the transparency and accessibility of accreditation information.
• Supporting the development of a sustainable and inclusive higher education system.

Through these initiatives, NAÚ seeks to ensure that Czech higher education remains competitive and responsive to the evolving demands of society and the global academic community.

Summary

The National Accreditation Bureau for Higher Education is a cornerstone institution in the Czech higher education landscape. Established in 2016, it operates independently to evaluate and accredit higher education institutions and programs. Through its comprehensive assessments and commitment to quality assurance, NAÚ plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the standards of higher education, ensuring that institutions provide quality education and contribute to the advancement of knowledge and society.

FAQs

• What is the role of NAÚ?
  NAÚ evaluates and accredits higher education institutions and programs to ensure quality and compliance with national standards.
• How are members of the NAÚ Council appointed?
  Members are appointed by the Czech government based on proposals from various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, higher education institutions and professional organizations.
• Is NAÚ independent?
  Yes, NAÚ operates independently to maintain objectivity in its evaluations and decisions.
• What does the accreditation process involve?
  The process includes evaluating applications, assessing quality, reviewing compliance, providing feedback and monitoring ongoing adherence to standards.
• How does NAÚ collaborate internationally?
  NAÚ participates in international networks and collaborates with accreditation bodies to exchange best practices and align with global standards.

Organization Name

Národní akreditační úřad pro vysoké školství
National Accreditation Authority for Higher Education

Acronym

NAÚ

Year of Establishment

1/01/1998

Control Type

Public

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

Karmelitská 5
Prague
118 12 Prague Czech Republic

Phone

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

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Národní akreditační úřad pro vysoké školství's Wikipedia article

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