©Shutterstock.com/New Africa

The Chamber of University Colleges and Adult Higher Education Institutions

The Chamber of University Colleges and Adult Higher Education Institutions

The Chamber of University Colleges and Adult Higher Education Institutions has set itself the goal of being the driving force behind collaboration between these two forms of education, which differ in several respects. This is especially important as the chamber brings together not only representatives from university colleges and adult higher education institutions, but also members from various categories, including organizing authorities, trade unions, and student organizations.

Collaborative work and the pursuit of consensus, while respecting the specific characteristics of each form of education, are fundamental principles of its operation.

The chamber operates through commissions and thematic working groups. The main topics currently addressed include accreditations, competency frameworks, work-based learning, recognition of professional reputation, and equivalency procedures.

Since 2014, its work has focused in particular on the following areas:

  • Accreditations: Based on quality and relevance criteria, the chamber selected applications that were submitted to the ARES Board of Directors. It also worked on improving the evaluation criteria and the procedures for submitting future applications;
  • Competency frameworks: The chamber led the effort to “translate” training programs into competency frameworks for university colleges. The Paramedical Commission recently worked on a graphical version of the competency framework for the Bachelor's degree in General Nursing (BIRSG);
  • Pedagogical files for adult higher education, which validate the organization of new training programs in this type of education;
  • Work-based learning: Based on the evaluation of pilot projects, the chamber developed a methodology for approving work-based learning programs;
  • The organization of a new admission exam for higher education for students who do not hold a CESS (Certificate of Upper Secondary Education).

 

Chair: Salvatore Anzalone, DGEPL

ARES contact person(s):