Polska Komisja Akredytacyjna PKA

Overview

The Polska Komisja Akredytacyjna (PKA), or Polish Accreditation Committee, is an independent statutory body established to evaluate and enhance the quality of higher education in Poland. Founded on January 1, 2002, PKA operates under the Higher Education Act and is financed by the state budget. Its primary mission is to ensure that Polish higher education institutions meet established quality standards, aligning with European and global best practices. PKA's activities encompass the evaluation of academic programs, institutional assessments, and the promotion of a quality culture within universities. The committee is recognized by the European Quality Assurance Register (EQAR) and the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA), underscoring its commitment to maintaining high standards in education quality assurance.

History and Legal Framework

PKA was established as the Państwowa Komisja Akredytacyjna (State Accreditation Committee) on January 1, 2002, pursuant to Article 38(1) of the amended Higher Education Act of September 12, 1990. The formation of PKA marked a significant step in the modernization of Poland's higher education system, aligning it with the Bologna Process and the European Higher Education Area. Over the years, the committee's role and responsibilities have evolved through legislative changes, strengthening its position and expanding its scope to include both public and non-public higher education institutions. These developments have enabled PKA to effectively contribute to the enhancement of education quality across the country.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives

PKA's mission is to ensure and improve the quality of education in Polish higher education institutions. The committee's objectives include:

• Assessing compliance with quality standards in higher education, reflecting European and global best practices.
• Supporting universities in enhancing the quality of education and developing a culture of quality.
• Providing expert opinions on the quality of academic programs and institutional operations.
• Promoting continuous improvement and innovation in higher education.
• Fostering transparency and accountability within the higher education system.

Through these objectives, PKA aims to contribute to the development of a robust and competitive higher education sector in Poland.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

PKA operates as an independent body, ensuring impartiality and transparency in its evaluations. The committee's governance structure comprises:

• President – the head of PKA, responsible for overseeing its activities.
• Secretary – assists the President and manages administrative functions.
• Presidium – includes the President, Secretary, the President of the Students’ Parliament of the Republic of Poland, a representative of employers' organizations, the Chair of the Teacher Education Section, and eight chairs of subject-specific sections.
• Sections – specialized groups focusing on specific academic disciplines, responsible for conducting evaluations and assessments.

The administrative support for PKA is provided by its Bureau, which handles day-to-day operations and coordination of activities. This structure ensures that PKA operates efficiently and effectively, maintaining its independence and commitment to quality assurance in higher education.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

PKA plays a crucial role in the Polish higher education system by evaluating and accrediting academic programs and institutions. Its accreditation processes are designed to assess compliance with established quality standards, focusing on various aspects such as:

• Curriculum design and content.
• Faculty qualifications and development.
• Student support services.
• Research activities and outputs.
• Infrastructure and resources.

Through these evaluations, PKA provides universities with valuable feedback, identifies areas for improvement, and promotes a culture of continuous enhancement. The committee's work contributes to ensuring that graduates possess the necessary competencies and skills to meet the demands of the labor market and society.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

PKA actively engages in international collaborations to align its practices with global standards and to contribute to the development of the European Higher Education Area. It is a member of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) and is registered in the European Quality Assurance Register (EQAR). Additionally, PKA has established mutual recognition agreements with accreditation agencies in several countries, including:

• Netherlands (NVAO)
• Armenia (ANQA)
• Lithuania (SKVC)
• Bulgaria (NEAA)
• Slovakia (ACSR)
• Germany (AQAS)

These partnerships facilitate the exchange of best practices, promote mutual recognition of accreditation decisions, and support the internationalization of Polish higher education.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

PKA's ongoing efforts are expected to have a significant impact on the future of higher education in Poland. By maintaining rigorous accreditation standards and fostering a culture of quality, the committee contributes to the continuous improvement of academic programs and institutional practices. This, in turn, enhances the reputation and competitiveness of Polish higher education institutions on the global stage. Furthermore, PKA's participation in international networks and collaborations ensures that Poland remains aligned with global developments in higher education quality assurance.

Summary

The Polska Komisja Akredytacyjna (PKA) is a pivotal institution in Poland's higher education landscape, dedicated to ensuring and enhancing the quality of education. Established in 2002, PKA operates as an independent statutory body, conducting evaluations and providing accreditation to academic programs and institutions. Through its rigorous processes and international collaborations, PKA contributes to the development of a robust and globally competitive higher education system in Poland.

FAQs

1. What is PKA?

   PKA is the Polish Accreditation Committee, an independent statutory body responsible for evaluating and enhancing the quality of higher education in Poland.

2. When was PKA established?

   PKA was established on January 1, 2002, as the Państwowa Komisja Akredytacyjna (State Accreditation Committee), and was renamed to its current title in 2011.

3. What is PKA's mission?

   PKA's mission is to ensure and improve the quality of education in Polish higher education institutions, aligning with European and global best practices.

4. How is PKA governed?

   PKA is governed by a President, a Secretary, and a Presidium comprising various stakeholders, including representatives from student organizations and employers.

5. Is PKA recognized internationally?

   Yes, PKA is a member of ENQA and is registered in EQAR, and has mutual recognition agreements with several international accreditation agencies.

Organization Name

Polska Komisja Akredytacyjna
Polish Accreditation Committee

Acronym

PKA

Year of Establishment

1/01/2002

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

Polish Government

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

86

Address

ul. Żurawia 32/34
Warsaw
00-515 Mazowieckie Poland

Phone

+48 (22) 622 0718

Fax

+48 (22) 621 1584

List of Universities granted institutional accreditation by Polska Komisja Akredytacyjna (PKA), the Polish Accreditation Committee :

Białystok

1. University of Bialystok
2. Bialystok University of Technology
3. Medical University of Białystok
4. University of Finance and Management in Białystok

Bydgoszcz

1. Feliks Nowowiejski Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz
2. Jan and Jędrzej Śniadecki University of Technology and Life Sciences in Bydgoszcz
3. University of Casimir the Great in Bydgoszcz

Chorzów

1. Silesian University of Information Technology and Medicine in Chorzów

Częstochowa

1. Częstochowa University of Technology
2. Jan Długosz Academy in Częstochowa

Gdańsk

1. Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk
2. Ateneum - University of Gdańsk
3. Gdańsk University of Technology
4. Medical University of Gdansk
5. University of Gdansk

Gdynia

1. Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski University of Administration and Business in Gdynia
2. Gdynia Maritime Academy

Katowice

1. Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice
2. Medical University of Silesia in Katowice
3. University of Silesia in Katowice

Kielce

1. Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce
2. Kielce University of Technology

Koszalin

1. Koszalin University of Technology

Kraków

1. Academy of Music in Krakow
2. AGH University of Science and Technology named after Stanisław Staszic in Kraków
3. Hugo Kołłątaj University of Agriculture in Krakow
4. Jagiellonian University in Krakow
5. Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow
6. Krakow Academy of Andrzej F. Modrzewski in Krakow
7. Pedagogical University of Krakow named after the Commission of National Education
8. Tadeusz Kościuszko University of Technology in Kraków
9. University of Economics in Krakow

Lublin

1. John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin in Lublin
2. Lublin University of Technology
3. Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin
4. Medical University of Lublin
5. University of Life Sciences in Lublin

Łódź

1. Lodz University of Technology
2. Medical University of Lodz
3. Social Academy of Sciences based in Łódź
4. The Grażyna and Kiejstut Bacewicz Academy of Music in Łódź
5. University of Humanities and Economics in Lodz
6. University of Lodz

Olsztyn

1. University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn

Opole

1. Opole University of Technology
2. University of Opole

Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski

1. College of Business and Entrepreneurship in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski

Poznań

1. Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań
2. Eugeniusz Piasecki Academy of Physical Education in Poznań
3. Higher School of Humanities and Journalism in Poznań
4. Higher School of Social Skills in Poznań
5. Ignacy Jan Paderewski Academy of Music in Poznań
6. Poznań University of Life Sciences
7. Poznań University of Technology

Radom

1. Kazimierz Pulaski University of Technology and Humanities in Radom

Rzeszów

1. Rzeszów University of Technology named after Ignacy Łukasiewicz
2. University of Rzeszów

Siedlce

1. University of Natural Sciences and Humanities in Siedlce

Słupsk

1. Pomeranian University in Słupsk

Szczecin

1. Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin
2. University of Szczecin
3. West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin

Tuchola

1. College of Environmental Management in Tuchola

Toruń

1. Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń

Warsaw

1. Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw
2. Christian Theological Academy in Warsaw
3. Medical University of Warsaw
4. Military University of Technology named after Jarosław Dąbrowski
5. University of Ecology and Management in Warsaw
6. University of Warsaw
7. Warsaw University of Life Sciences
8. Warsaw University of Technology

Wrocław

1. Academy of Physical Education in Wrocław
2. Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław
3. Karol Lipiński Academy of Music in Wrocław
4. University of Economics in Wrocław
5. University of Environmental and Life Sciences in Wrocław
6. University of Wrocław
7. Wrocław University of Science and Technology

Zielona Góra

1. University of Zielona Góra

Other Locations

1. Dąbrowa Górnicza - Higher School of Business in Dąbrowa Górnicza
2. Bielsko-Biała - University of Technology and Humanities in Bielsko-Biała
3. Radom - Kazimierz Pulaski University of Technology and Humanities in Radom

Official Social Media Channels

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LinkedIn

Polska Komisja Akredytacyjna's LinkedIn profile

YouTube

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

Polska Komisja Akredytacyjna's Wikipedia article

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