Studiju kokybes vertinimo centras SKVC

Overview

The Studijų kokybės vertinimo centras (SKVC), or Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education, is Lithuania’s primary national agency responsible for the external quality assurance of higher education. Established in 1995 by the Ministry of Education and Science, SKVC operates as an independent public institution with a mandate to evaluate and enhance the quality of higher education institutions (HEIs) and study programmes across Lithuania. It also plays a key role in the recognition of foreign qualifications and the promotion of international cooperation in higher education.

History and Legal Framework

SKVC was founded on January 24, 1995, by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania. It was established as a public agency with the aim of implementing external quality assurance policies in higher education. The Centre's legal framework is grounded in Lithuanian national legislation, including the Law on Higher Education and Research, and is aligned with European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG). SKVC is also registered in the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR), affirming its compliance with European quality assurance standards.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives in Higher Education

SKVC's mission is to contribute to the development of human resources by creating enabling conditions for the free movement of individuals and to implement the external quality assurance policy in higher education in Lithuania. Its objectives include:

• Evaluating the quality of higher education institutions and study programmes;
• Assessing qualifications obtained abroad;
• Providing information on higher education systems and qualifications recognition;
• Supporting higher education institutions in improving quality;
• Promoting public awareness of the quality of higher education.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

SKVC operates as an independent public agency under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania. It is governed by a Director, who is appointed for a five-year term, and is supported by a team of professionals responsible for various functions, including quality evaluation, qualification recognition, and information dissemination. The Centre maintains its independence by adhering to principles of transparency, accountability, and impartiality in all its activities.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

SKVC is responsible for the external evaluation and accreditation of higher education institutions and study programmes in Lithuania. The Centre conducts:

• Institutional evaluations to assess the overall quality management and strategic development of HEIs;
• Ex-ante (new) programme evaluations to assess the quality of newly proposed study programmes before their implementation;
• Study field evaluations to assess the quality of education within specific academic disciplines across all HEIs in Lithuania.

These evaluations are conducted by expert panels composed of national and international specialists, and the results are used to inform decisions on accreditation and to provide feedback for continuous improvement.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

SKVC actively participates in international networks and collaborates with various organizations to enhance the quality assurance processes in higher education. The Centre is a member of:

• European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA),
• European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR),
• European Consortium for Accreditation (ECA),
• Central and Eastern European Network of Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (CEENQA).

Through these memberships, SKVC aligns its practices with European standards and contributes to the development of quality assurance frameworks in higher education.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

SKVC continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of higher education in Lithuania. By conducting rigorous evaluations and providing constructive feedback, the Centre helps institutions enhance the quality of education and align with international standards. Looking forward, SKVC aims to:

• Further streamline accreditation processes to reduce administrative burdens;
• Enhance the recognition of foreign qualifications to facilitate mobility;
• Promote the adoption of innovative teaching and learning practices;
• Strengthen international collaborations to share best practices and experiences.

Summary

The Studijų kokybės vertinimo centras is a cornerstone institution in Lithuania's higher education sector, committed to ensuring and enhancing the quality of education through rigorous evaluations, accreditation processes, and international cooperation. Its work supports the development of a robust and globally competitive higher education system in Lithuania.

FAQs

• What is the role of SKVC?

  SKVC is responsible for the external evaluation and accreditation of higher education institutions and study programmes in Lithuania, as well as the recognition of foreign qualifications.

• How does SKVC conduct evaluations?

  Evaluations are conducted by expert panels composed of national and international specialists, who assess the quality of education based on established criteria and standards.

• How can I contact SKVC?

  SKVC can be contacted at A. Goštauto g. 12, LT-01108 Vilnius, Lithuania. Email: skvc@skvc.lt. Phone: +370 5 210 4772.

• How can I access SKVC's evaluations?

  Evaluation reports and other publications are available on SKVC's official website: https://skvc.lrv.lt/en/.

• Is SKVC involved in international collaborations?

  Yes, SKVC is a member of several international networks, including ENQA, EQAR, ECA, and CEENQA, and collaborates with various organizations to enhance quality assurance in higher education.

Organization Name

Studiju kokybes vertinimo centras
Center for Quality Assessment in Higher Education

Acronym

SKVC

Year of Establishment

1/01/1995

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

Suvalku g. 1
Vilnius
03106 Vilnius Lithuania

Phone

+370 (5) 210 4777

Fax

+370 (2) 232 553

n.a.

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