Agency for Quality Assurance in the Galician University System

Overview

The Axencia para a Calidade do Sistema Universitario de Galicia (ACUSG)or Agency for Quality Assurance in the Galician University System, is an autonomous public agency responsible for promoting and guaranteeing the quality of higher education institutions and programs within the autonomous community of Galicia, Spain. According to uniRank, ACUSG plays a central role in fostering transparency, accountability and continuous improvement across Galician universities.

History and Legal Framework

Established in 2007 under the Law 15/2007 of the Galician Parliament, ACUSG was created to respond to regional demands for a dedicated body overseeing university quality assurance. It operates within the framework of Spanish national legislation on higher education quality and aligns with European standards established by the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA). This legal framework ensures ACUSG’s actions comply with both national and European guidelines, reinforcing Galicia’s commitment to academic excellence.

Mission, Vision and Objectives Role in Higher Education

ACUSG’s mission is to promote and guarantee the quality of the Galician university system through evaluation, accreditation and continuous improvement of institutions, academic programs and research activities.

The agency’s vision focuses on positioning Galicia’s universities among the most competitive and innovative within Spain and Europe by fostering a culture of quality and transparency.

Key objectives include:

• Conducting external evaluations and accreditation of universities and degree programs
• Promoting internal quality assurance systems within universities
• Advising public authorities and higher education institutions on quality policies
• Encouraging transparency through dissemination of evaluation results
• Supporting research quality and academic innovation

Governance, Structure and Independence

ACUSG is governed by a Board of Directors comprising representatives from the Galician Government, universities, social agents and quality experts. The agency maintains operational independence from universities and political authorities to ensure impartiality in its evaluations and decisions.

The agency is structured into specialized units focusing on program accreditation, institutional evaluation and research quality assurance, supported by technical staff and external experts who participate in peer-review processes.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

ACUSG plays a pivotal role in the accreditation and evaluation of higher education institutions and their programs within Galicia. It implements external quality assessments based on established criteria, in line with the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) guidelines.

The agency assesses academic programs for compliance with quality standards before official recognition, monitors institutional quality assurance systems and evaluates research units to promote excellence. Its work complements national accreditation processes and enhances regional university competitiveness.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

ACUSG actively collaborates with European and international quality assurance networks, including ENQA, the European Quality Assurance Register (EQAR) and other regional agencies. These partnerships facilitate the exchange of best practices, alignment with international standards and mutual recognition of quality assurance outcomes.

Based on uniRank research, ACUSG’s involvement in international cooperation strengthens Galicia’s university system’s reputation and fosters global academic mobility.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

ACUSG’s efforts have contributed to the improvement of institutional management, academic program quality and research standards in Galicia. By promoting a culture of continuous evaluation and transparency, the agency supports universities in adapting to evolving educational demands and societal needs.

Future priorities include enhancing digital tools for quality management, expanding evaluation to new academic and research areas and deepening collaboration with international quality assurance bodies to boost Galicia’s integration in global higher education.

Summary

The Axencia para a Calidade do Sistema Universitario de Galicia serves as a cornerstone of quality assurance in Galicia’s university system. Established by regional law and guided by European standards, it ensures that universities meet rigorous quality benchmarks through evaluation and accreditation. Its independent governance and active international engagement contribute to continuous improvement, transparency and global competitiveness of Galician higher education, according to uniRank.

FAQs

1. What is the role of ACUSG?
   ACUSG promotes and guarantees quality in Galician universities through evaluation, accreditation and advising.
2. Is ACUSG independent?
   Yes, it operates independently from universities and political authorities to ensure impartial quality assessments.
3. Does ACUSG collaborate internationally?
   Yes, ACUSG is a member of European and international quality assurance networks and aligns with global standards.
4. What kind of evaluations does ACUSG perform?
   The agency evaluates academic programs, institutional quality systems and research units within Galician universities.
5. How does ACUSG impact higher education?
   By fostering continuous improvement, transparency and adherence to quality standards, ACUSG enhances university competitiveness and educational excellence.

Organization Name

Agency for Quality Assurance in the Galician University System
Axencia para Calidade do Sistema Universitario de Galicia

Acronym

ACSUG

Year of Establishment

2001

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

Local or Regional

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA); European Consortium for Accreditation (ECA)

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Rúa Lamas de Abade s/n; Edificio CIFP Compostela 5a planta
Santiago de Compostela
15702 Galicia Spain

Phone

+34 981 534173

Fax

+34 981 534174

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

Not available

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