Karlstad University has a well-functioning quality assurance system according to the Swedish Higher Education Authority (UKÄ). The overall assessment is that the university meets the requirements of satisfactory quality assurance processes, with some reservations.
– The overall assessment is that we meet the requirements of a satisfactory system in close to all of the assessment areas, says Acting Vice-Chancellor, Margareta Friman.
UKÄ’s assessment panel has reviewed the university’s quality-assurance processes for education and research.
– The panel consists of a group of experts with different specialisations who have looked at our activities and identified many strengths. Everyone in the organisation should be proud. This shows that we have a quality assurance culture that is worth building on, says Margareta Friman.
In terms of education, the assessment panel identifies the following strengths:
• Periodic evaluations that have an impact on the educational environments and promote participation.
• Well-functioning system for planning dialogues, followed up by measures for improvement.
• Results and action plans are available on the university’s website.
• Reasonable balance between university-wide principles and local adaptations at faculty level.
In terms of research, the assessment panel identifies the following strengths:
• Established principles, systems and methods that assure high-quality research and further development.
• The new system of periodic external review according to six-year plans with annual follow-ups provides a good basis for assessing quality and further development.
However, the assessment panel also remarks on some areas where quality assurance is not deemed as satisfactory.
With regard to research, the goal of periodic review from a national and international perspective is not deemed to be met. With regard to education, the goal of continuous monitoring and publication of review results and measures is not deemed satisfactory. In addition, the panel notes shortcomings in terms of student influence.
Margareta Friman emphasises that development and improvements are underway within all of these areas, such as the new, external review system for research, the development of a new course evaluation system, as well as measures for increased student influence.
– The assessment panel encourages us to keep developing our processes, says Margareta Friman.
UKÄ writes in its decision that measures should be taken within a two-year period to remedy the shortcomings identified in the review. Karlstad University shall report implemented measures by 21 February 2025.
