Newsletter of the Network of Universities from the Capitals of Europe
N° 5 - April 2000
Summary:
Message
from the President
Welcome
to the new Board
Thematic
Network Project (TNP) in the area of languages
FORUM
2000
Working
Group on Racism and Xenophobia - Recommendations
Student
Conference in Berlin, 21- 25 November 2000
EU
Research Contract Seminar, Brussels, 29-30 May 2000
What’s
beneath the UNICA label ?
UNICA
Administrators Mobility Programme - Report from Chantal
Ertveld’s (ULBruxelles) visit to the University of Helsinki
UNICA
welcomes the University of Latvia as a new member
EUNIRO:
Enhancing University International Relations Offices - To be resubmitted
News
Agenda
During the first year of the new millennium UNICA will celebrate its tenth anniversary, an event which invites time for reflection on the past and on the future. Within the new Steering Committee, which began its mandate on the 1st of January 2000, we have started our work in this spirit, intent on developing and strengthening the network.
Substantial help in realising the future development of the UNICA network will come from our new Secretary General, Ms. Sonia N. Mykletun, and our Assistant to the Secretary General, Ms. Nathalie Carton, who will continue to work for our network at the UNICA office in Brussels. Ms. Mykletun was presented to the General Assembly of 1999 and she will be officially elected at the next UNICA General Assembly. She has now started her work in the competent and enthusiastic way that the selection committee expected she would.
The conviction of the new board is that UNICA should continue to build on the work program from 1999, while expanding the agenda and adjusting its priorities. Among our intentions for the year 2000 is to continue to focus on the issue of racism and xenophobia. We want to contribute to the development of Europe by discussing issues like European identity and ideas, and by strengthening our role as an intermediary between the European authorities and universities. We would also like to develop our contacts with other networks inside and outside Europe.
The issue of racism and xenophobia was our main theme during the scientific segment of the ninth General Assembly held in Stockholm in November 1999 and has become an even more urgent issue since then. We intend to propose a statement to be discussed and hopefully adopted at the next General Assembly. In our view, one criterion for UNICA membership in the future should be to qualify as a non-racist university. This issue is inherently linked to the standards of quality adopted within our universities.
Special emphasis will be given to the themes concerning European issues in May at the University of Athens, in November at the Freie Universität Berlin and in December at the Université Libre de Bruxelles. We are of course grateful to these universities for taking initiatives that are of such importance to our network.
The University of Athens has invited UNICA member universities to participate in the Congress of European Universities of the Capitals of Europe, where the main theme is “European Identity”. The Freie Universität Berlin will organise a European Student Conference on “The Idea of Europe”. The purpose is to develop a memorandum for the making of Europe and to propose guidelines for European policy in the 21st Century. As a follow-up, we plan to deliberate these topics on Europe during the afternoon session of the next General Assembly in Brussels.
Concerning our contacts with the European Commission and our wish to construct a bridge between our universities and the European authorities, we can note the active part taken by UNICA in the European Higher Education Expert Forum on continuing education, which was held in Brussels at the end of January 2000. As shown in the report presented by our past president Pierre Ducrey, the forum identified some of the conditions essential for the accomplishment of life long education and training in Europe.
Another example of our efforts with networks is our contact with LINKS, an American network for capital cities. In April, UNICA will participate in LINKS next meeting in Virginia, where the roundtable topic will be, “LINKS and UNICA: a Transatlantic Perspective on Capital Universities”.
For other upcoming events, I want to refer to the Agenda in this issue of commUNICAtion. Here I would just like to mention the commemoration of the 360th anniversary of the University of Helsinki in March, when a seminar will be held under the theme of “Science Shaping the Future”, and also the next CRE-conference in Trondheim in June, when we plan to organise a UNICA luncheon as we have done during previous CRE-meetings.
As you can see, the first year of the new millennium will be a year full of activities for UNICA. The wish of the new Steering Committee is that it will also be a constructive and fruitful year. I am convinced that our members will continue to cooperate and actively contribute toward making this a significant year in the development of the UNICA network.
Gunnel Engwall, President of UNICA
WE THANK THE FORMER BOARD AND PAST
PRESIDENT FOR THEIR SERVICES AND WELCOME THE NEW BOARD
Gunnel ENGWALL Vice-Rector of Stockholm University. Professor of Romance
Languages.
Quotation: “ I am looking forward to a fruitful and constructive
co-operation with UNICA members in order to further strengthen our network.”
Marie-Christine ADAM Vice Rector for International Relations at the
Université Libre de Bruxelles.
Hugh GOUGH Dean of International Affairs at
the University College Dublin. Associate Professor of History.
Arthur
METTINGER Vice Rector for Educational and International Affairs at the
University of Vienna. Professor of English Linguistics.
Peter MRAZ
Vice-rector of Comenius University in Bratislava. Professor of Anatomy.
Carlos SEOANE Vice-Rector of Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Professor of
Organic Chemistry.
Sonia Noronha MYKLETUN: UNICA Secretary General
THEMATIC NETWORK PROJECT (TNP) IN THE AREA OF LANGUAGES
First Meeting of the Scientific Committee, Brussels, 22 January 2000
A
report by Arthur Mettinger
The overall aim of this project consists in a synthesis of the results of the 1996-99 TNP in the area of languages in such a way that innovations and improvements in HE programmes are stimulated. Two major themes, viz. “Languages, mobility, citizenship” and “Language studies for professional life” will be dealt with in a number of synthesis papers and disseminated in the form of a major document, provisionally entitled Language Studies in Higher Education in Europe 2000-2005. Moreover, on 23-24 September 2000 a Dissemination Conference attended by some 120 invited partners and target-group representatives will take place in Brussels. The main goal of this conference is to lay the basis for a continuing dialogue between academia and non-academic environments and to present recommendations for future action in the field of languages.
During the January meeting of the Scientific Committee the Project Coordinator, Wolfgang Mackiewicz (European Language Council and FU Berlin) superbly managed to take the SC through a detailed action plan: the SC’s main task is to set the agenda for the conference and for the task forces preparing the sections of the major document allocated to them. UNICA has been invited to join the SC for two reasons: First, European academic institutions (such as UNICA, CRE, etc.) have specific responsibility for evaluating the project and monitoring its impact. Second, the project organizers well remember the important role UNICA played in the SIGMA pilot project.
Arthur Mettinger, University of Vienna, member of the UNICA Steering
Committee
FORUM 2000
UNICA played an important
role.
“F2000” European Higher Education Expert Forum, Brussels, 24-25 January
2000
Responding to challenges for European Universities :
Implementing changes in institutional and disciplinary co-operation
Report from Pierre Ducrey to the member universities of the UNICA network
217 participants from 29 countries convened for ‘F2000’, a forum dedicated to life long learning, organised by EUCEN (European Universities Continuing Education Network) and other networks including UNICA and financed by the European Commission’s Education and Culture head office. The goal of this forum was to formulate recommendations for the European Commission concerning the initiation of university programs for continuing education.
Stages of the forum
Ms Viviane Reding, Commissioner in charge of Education and Culture, opened the forum. Ms Reding explained her conception of higher education in a rapidly changing world with particular emphasis on the mission of adult continuing education. In turn, various speakers outlined the objectives of life long learning, the results already obtained and the difficulties encountered.
The second phase of the forum, conducted in groups, produced an initial collection of conclusions, which were then prepared and presented by the Reporter General, Professor Josep Bricall (Barcelona).
The third phase, also held in groups, resulted in a draft of a substantial compilation of recommendations for the Commission.
Finally, in a comprehensive summary, the Reporter General developed a historical and social portrait of the evolution of higher education and the diffusion of knowledge in Europe at the turn of the century. The Director General, Domenico Lenarduzzi, then reaffirmed his conviction that universities would be capable of successfully facing the new challenges.
Is life long learning a legitimate activity for a university?
In response to this question of principle, the participants insisted that the university is a place where knowledge is created and diffused. In its mission of disseminating learning, the university cannot only reach out to young learners as the distributed knowledge is becoming obsolete at an ever-increasing rate. The university must therefore attract a larger public comprised particularly of diverse categories of adults: those who were not able to enter an institution of higher education, those unable to complete a degree, but also those who already have a university degree yet feel the need to update their competencies.
However, universities are currently confronted with various competitors for the activity of providing continuing education. At the moment, depending on the country, they are only reaching a very small percentage of potential users. The field of continuing education is being appropriated by large companies, which seek to satisfy their own specific needs, and private ‘para-university’ institutions, which specialise exclusively in the area of secondary or continuing adult training. Moreover, universities allocate a varied, but always modest, part of their budgets to life-long learning.
Necessary conditions for success
In order to ensure the success of life
long continuing education and training in Europe, a certain number of
conditions, on three distinct levels, must be met.
1. The universities
Universities need to orient their teaching programs to a different public. To achieve this goal, they must undergo cultural changes demonstrating a greater opening up to the outside, and in particular to the user-consumers of continuing education.
For teachers, this change entails a new attitude, which should be encouraged by incentives such as salary increases, promotions and holidays. The teachers’ role remains essential but they will need the support of updated equipment and, in particular, tools offered by new technologies. Administration and technical collaborators must also receive additional training to help them better meet the various needs of a new public.
This opening to the outside world demands updated pedagogical and technical methods. It also requires a more explicit sense of the market and necessitates calling on all potential sources of aid from former students to political, economic and social circles on local, regional and national scales.
2. National governments
By encouraging universities to seize upon new opportunities, national governments should support these institutions in their efforts to succeed in developing fields. In particular, they must allow universities the greatest possible dynamism by eliminating all administrative and legal obstacles, which could impede entrepreneurial endeavours. Institutions should be allowed to charge for courses, hire personnel without constraints, to procure necessary equipment and most of all to promote the development of those individuals who wish to become involved in this field.
3. European authorities
The European authorities must persevere in their role as a support system, in other words they should enact any measures that the universities or national governments, for one reason or another, are not able to undertake. Areas in which European influence would be particularly helpful are the mobility of students and educators, the encouragement of credit and title equivalencies as well as any effort, which fosters co-operation.
To encourage initiative, the European authorities could support pilot ventures, which implement life long learning programs according to accepted practice and could serve as models for effective methodology.
Conclusions of the forum
Higher education currently finds itself faced with challenges brought about by these new demands. Adapting to innovation creates different needs for university users. Institutions of higher education have a choice: modify their curricula to meet these new requisites or watch an important part of their potential public turn to other sources of training.
Yet, a more flexible, more entrepreneurial university could run the risk of losing its unity and sense of community. Authorities on all levels, such as institution leaders themselves, must work together to ensure that universities pursue their role in society. Once they are fully active in these new activities, universities will need to be even more vigilant than in the past to maintain standards of teaching and research.
With lighter course loads, students will complete their degrees more quickly but will return throughout their lives in search of adapted training. Teachers will find themselves faced with increased challenges as they respond to more demanding social needs. Dissemination of shared knowledge will encourage values such as democracy and culture.
Pierre Ducrey
UNICA President 1996-1999
WORKING GROUP ON RACISM AND XENOPHOBIA - RECOMMENDATIONS
Professor Charles Westin, University of Stockholm, introduced the project at the UNICA General Assembly in Stockholm, 26 November 1999, stating that some of the major obstacles to European integration are social exclusion of migrants, the marginalised position of ethnic, cultural and linguistic minorities, the high unemployment rates and ethnic tension in Eastern Europe and the Balkans.
In August 1999, a UNICA-sponsored conference with 25 participants was subsequently organized in Stockholm and papers were presented which will be published in 2000. Key concerns were the academic response to racism, the role of universities, and accessibility for students with different backgrounds. The Conference presented recommendations to UNICA outlining 12 points to be acted upon and addressed at the UNICA General Assembly in November 1999. These are available on the UNICA web site.
These recommendations were discussed in four working groups at the UNICA General Assembly in Stockholm, 26 November 1999, resulting in a series of further recommendations on general areas of concern.
UNICA is now planning on preparing a Policy Statement on this subject that will be circulated among our members.
For information: The Working Group has until now been based in Stockholm under the leadership of Professor Westin. Responsibility for this Group is now moving to Amsterdam, under the leadership of Dr. Jeroen Doomernik. Continuity of the project will be ensured by Professor Westin’s presence in the Working group.
Jeroen Doomernik: J.Doomernik@frw.uva.nl
Charles
Westin: Charles.Westin@ceifo.su.se
STUDENT CONFERENCE IN BERLIN, 21- 25 NOVEMBER 2000
Last year, the Freie Universität Berlin launched a new initiative aimed at realising a project for European students: the organisation of a ”European Student Conference” in Berlin. The Conference will take place on 21-25 November 2000 on the main campus of the Freie Universität Berlin. The goal of this event is the development of a memorandum “The Making of Europe”- Guidelines of European Policy in the 21st Century”, intended to summarise the visions of the current generation of European university students, and to make general policy recommendations. These latter should be derived from principles which reflect the fundamental elements of European identity.
The Conference will be international and interdisciplinary. Universities from a number of European capitals will be sending student delegations who will represent a variety of academic disciplines. We believe that the resulting discussions will deepen our understanding of the questions facing us today.
So far, 19 universities from the UNICA network have confirmed their intent to participate. We look forward to welcoming these student delegations and have prepared a detailed “Background Guide” to assist with conference preparations at home universities during the coming months.
We are excited about the prospect of hosting students from all regions of Europe, and about sharing the intellectually demanding challenges involved in defining our common cultural roots and our common expectations for the future.
Virginia Moukouli, project coordinator
EU RESEARCH CONTRACT SEMINAR, BRUSSELS, 29-30 MAI 2000
A seminar for officers dealing with European research contracts is being
organised in Brussels on 29-30 May 2000. The seminar is open for UNICA
staff. The aim is to discuss common problems in relation to the research
contracts funded under the Commission’s Fifth Framework Programme and to look to
the future.
Target groups:
Åke Nagrelius, Stockholm University
What’s beneath the UNICA label?
By Hélène
Ullerø
Do I see you smile? Raised eyebrows? Sceptical? Or just inquisitive about us? Well let me be honest, we in UNICA smile a little as well. With nostalgia (Ah, all that great potential!), some disappointment, some pride as well, and a lot of warmth when we think of the exciting and fruitful discussions stimulated during our meetings.
What brought us together in the first place? What was our common link? Focus
on our name: UNICA, Network of Universities from the Capitals of Europe.
Is this not an obvious common denominator? One key factor is that the member
institutions share the same profile - large (some of us very large, think of La
Sapienza, Complutense and the University of Vienna), old, prestigious,
comprehensive, research-based, and faced to a large extent with similar
challenges: cramped teaching and office facilities; competition from smaller,
younger, more focused institutions; catering to new student groups; having to
replace our senior teaching and research staff; to mention but a few factors.
Our location in capital cities, close to government, major cultural and
scientific institutions and international organisations is an immeasurable
asset. The city-university interrelationship is a fundamental concern for
us. The same is true of the concept of European identity, of what makes
European higher education specific and valuable. Imagine the potential for
research co-operation on issues concerning large cities. A few years ago
there were four UNICA working groups reflecting our urban links: Racism and
Xenophobia, Urban Studies, Public Health and Cultural Heritage/Protection of Our
Cities. The internal management of universities in large cities has become
the major theme of rectors’ meetings these past few years. At my first
encounter with the group of International Relations Managers in Lausanne (think
capital of canton) back in 1995, it struck me that we were entering a lively and
well-integrated family with no division between north, south, east and west, and
sharing a long list of common concerns: the strategic importance of the location
of the office of international relations on campus, how to get - and keep -
academics involved in such a decentralised environment, how to manage student
mobility with limited resources ...
Hard facts
Do I detect some impatience? I haven’t told you yet who
our members are and on whose initiative the network was founded. We invite
you to visit our web site for all the hard facts on
http://www.ulb.ac.be/unica/. UNICA was founded in 1990 on the initiative
of the Université Libre de Bruxelles. The network today consists of 28
member universities from 23 European countries. Some new members have
joined, others have left. We have a directly responsible governing
structure: a General Assembly of Rectors convening every autumn, a Steering
Committee of five members and a President elected for four years. UNICA’s
General Secretariat is located in Brussels. In addition there are working
groups and internal networks at several levels: the Heads of International
Relations Offices, the Summer School offices and a recent one of legal experts
managing the administration of research projects.
Impact
And what kind of impact does UNICA have? Aha. Good
question. Externally, the network, just like other large European
organisations and institutional networks, concentrates its efforts on lobbying,
advocacy and reciprocal consultations with the Commission, for instance on the
development of the SOCRATES programme, or the challenges brought about by
information technology. Our network offers us one more channel of
communication, closer to us maybe, and supplementing the national agencies, the
EAIE, CRE, ACA and similar organisations. There is otherwise no major
achievement to date within international relations, no breathtaking adventure on
foreign territory, except that UNICA is a member of the League of World
Universities and associated with a few other international networks.
But now
I come to the good part. The greatest impact of UNICA so far has been on
the network itself and its members. You’re going to understand why we
value being under the UNICA label. Some projects have been functioning
very well over the years. Oddly they are not directly linked to the
‘capital city’ dimension, but I’m convinced that our commonality has
helped. Behind each successful project is a dedicated co-ordinator.
First of all, the Université Libre de Bruxelles, its Rectors Dr Verhaegen and
Vanherweghem and the Head of International Relations, Chantal Zoller. ULB
supported the network until 1998, held the Secretariat with great skill and
developed a close relationship with the Commission. The efficient International
Relations Managers group took charge of student and administrative staff
exchanges. The Sigma project within foreign language instruction (now
European Language Council) developed with the success we all remember under the
vigorous chairmanship of the Freie Universität Berlin. The work of the
research group on Racism and Xenophobia, with Stockholm University as its
champion, culminated last year in a conference for young researchers and a
rectors’ workshop and will result in a common declaration and action
programme. The Summer Schools advertise jointly under the banner ‘Want to
study in a capital of Europe?’ Many conferences and seminars have been
organised by network members on matters relevant to UNICA. The newly
elected leadership of the network has launched ‘The Idea of Europe’ as its main
theme for the next period, and already the University of Athens and Freie
Universität Berlin are responding with a seminar and a students’ conference this
coming year. The list is longer. UNICA is a magnetic field with projects
coming and going, following the demands of time, some failing because
co-operation turned out to be too loose, some successful because of their
quality. For each university, UNICA is a laboratory for benchmarking and
exploring solutions on a larger scale than at our own institutions.
Individually, we have all benefited and become better managers of higher
education.
UNICA and the EAIE
Competing with the EAIE? In a sense, certainly,
since both UNICA and the EAIE are service organisations with a mission of
developing standards of good practice within the management of higher education
and research. But I’d rather talk of fertile complementarity here.
UNICA, based on the institutional membership of a limited group, profits from
the broad arena provided by the EAIE. We meet at the annual conference,
many among us are dedicated EAIEans, the current Vice-President and two members
of the Executive Board come from UNICA universities. The EAIE is
invaluable to UNICA.
Time now to thank Hans de Wit (Amsterdam) one of
UNICA’s early and most steadfast bâtisseurs, Carlos Seoane (Madrid) and Arthur
Mettinger (Vienna), for their constructive contribution. I take the entire
responsibility for these reflections, and hope they will stir reactions - some
good discussion, and dissent, maybe? - within the network!
Hélène Ullerø is Head of the International Office Department of Education and Research Administration at the University of Oslo
This article is being reprinted with the kind permission of
the EAIE and first appeared in the Spring 2000 issue of the EAIE
FORUM
UNICA ADMINISTRATORS
MOBILITY PROGRAMME
Report from Chantal Ertveld’s (Université Libre de
Bruxelles) visit to the University of Helsinki
My visit to the
University of Helsinki had various aspects:
1. A comparative approach of Erasmus / Socrates program management and the
processing of incoming and outgoing students
2. Exchange of experience on
the technical aspects of data bases
3. Intensive practice of English
4.
Consolidation of the links between our two universities
1. This week gave me the opportunity to analyse the differences and the similarities of two international relation offices. I think that the differences I have noticed were from structural differences between two educational systems (for example: in Finland, students have to choose a major but are able to choose minor courses almost from any faculty; exchange students have the possibility to attend almost any course given in the university, which is not the case at ULB). I realised that we work in the same direction trying to give the students the best information and services possible but also endure the same kind of problems with the students and academicians. During the week I had the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus evaluation seminar organised by the Finnish Centre for International Mobility where I met some exchange students (Finnish and foreigners). It was very interesting to hear their experiences and to be able to look at the program from the student’s side.
2. Concerning the computer-processed treatment of information concerning the Erasmus/Socrates program, we are also working with the same pattern. We use the same software and we have built a similar data-base that enables us to process the incoming and outgoing student files (accommodation, personal data, grants, final report to national agencies) and also the Institutional Contract (information on partners, number of incoming and outgoing students and duration of their stay). These data-bases were, in both cases, built to give the possibility to the staff to have all information on hand and to print reports and mailings which save a lot of time.
3. In my everyday work life I often use English in my relations with incoming students and with our partners but conversations are quite short. This week gave me the chance to practice it all day with my Finnish colleagues who I must say have amazing language skills. Nothing can be compared with an intensive use of a language.
4. Beside the UNICA agreement, we do not have any bilateral ERASMUS agreements with the University of Helsinki. During my visit I received information about the courses given in English which are those that might interest our students. I think that it will be a good foundation to help our faculties and departments to sign several agreements.
I would like to conclude by saying that my stay was a wonderful experience, I was very warmly received and had all opportunities to see a lot of different aspects of the International Relations Office tasks at the University of Helsinki. This kind of administrators mobility program should be considered a very important step in the improvement of our work by giving us the chance to exchange views with our colleagues across Europe.
Chantal Ertveld, Université Libre de Bruxelles
UNICA WELCOMES THE UNIVERSITY OF LATVIA AS A NEW MEMBER
The University of Latvia is the largest Latvian state institution of higher
education, where the leading study and research potential in natural sciences,
humanities and social sciences of the Republic of Latvia is concentrated and
developed.
The University of Latvia named at that time “The Latvia Higher
School” was founded on 28 September 1919 on the basis of the former Riga
Polytechnic (founded in 1862). In 1923 this school received its now resumed name
- the University of Latvia (Universitas Latviensis).
In the period between
1919 and 1940 the University of Latvia was the greatest centre of higher
education, science and culture. The former building of Riga Polytechnic in 19
Rai?a bulv?ris serves as the symbol of the University even nowadays.
In the
pre-war years it was possible to gain higher academic education not only at the
University of Latvia but also at the Conservatoire of Latvia and Academy of
Arts.
The University of Latvia is the first of classical universities in the
history of Latvia and follows the slogan “Scientiae et Patriae”.
In the
course of time such higher educational establishments as Latvian University of
Agriculture, Latvian Academy of Medicine, Riga Technical University separated
from the University of Latvia and became well-known centres of education and
research.
With Latvia regaining freedom the Supreme Council of the Republic
of Latvia confirmed the Constitution of the University of Latvia on 18 September
1991. It stated that the Higher School is “a state establishment of academic
education, science and culture which serves the needs of Latvia and people”.
Alongside with the Constitution the flag, the hymn, the University’ s emblem,
the Rector’s chain and the official garments for the Rector, Vice-Rector and
deans were renewed as attributes of the University of Latvia.
Now the
University of Latvia is a bearer of the highest academic and democratic
traditions of the classical European universities in Latvia.
Number of full-time students – 16 110,
Number of part-time students – 14
095,
Number of academic staff – 2 220.
There are 12 faculties :
Faculty of Theology, Faculty of Law, Faculty of
Medicine, Faculty of Philology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Faculty of
Foreign Languages, Faculty of History and Philosophy, Faculty of Biology,
Faculty of Physics and Mathematics, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences,
Faculty of Chemistry, Faculty of Economics and Management.
There are 30 research institutes, among them: Institute of Human Rights, Institute of Educational Research, Institute of Atomic Physics and Spectroscopy, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, Institute of Biology, Institute of Electronics and Computer Science, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Institute of History of Latvia, Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science, Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Polymer Mechanics, Institute of Solid State Physics, Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Botanical Garden, etc.
The University of Latvia has a long tradition of international co-operation.
The internationalisation processes take place in the following areas: bilateral
co-operation agreements (with 44 universities in 20 countries), membership in 7
international university associations, participation in international
educational and research programmes and projects, international co-operation on
the faculty, institute, department and individual levels.
International
Office is a planning and co-ordinating unit of international activities on the
institutional level.
Additional information: http://www.lu.lv/
EUNIRO: ENHANCING UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OFFICES - TO BE RESUBMITTED
Following the discussion at the International Officers meeting in Brussels,
UNICA Secretariat was authorised to prepare a submission under the SOCRATES
Accompanying Measures with a view to fund a project that would examine, using a
survey, the present University International and other related administrative
services with a view to determine the present situation (THE NOW). The
goal is to determine the future needs in human and technological infrastructure
of IR and other services so as to enhance international collaboration.
(THE
FUTURE) will be determined through a Training Workshop in collaboration with the
European Association for International Education (EAIE), using specialist
speakers from the European Commission, Academia and other sources. Based
on the results of the survey and the presentations and brainstorming of the
Workshop, it is targeted that an Action Plan will be formulated, (THE HOW), as
to the means to achieve the objectives and demands of international
collaboration in the future. The project, which will be submitted to the
EC on 1 June 2000, and has the title: ENHANCING UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS OFFICES (EUNIRO). At the suggestion of the EC the EAIE has
agreed to collaborate in our project, which is welcomed by UNICA, since it
provides added value to UNICA's activities, because it provides an opportunity
to expand our collaboration with other organisations and thus broaden UNICA's
horizons.
Dr Andreas Mallouppas, EUNIRO Project Co-ordinator, University of Cyprus Admall@ucy.ac.cy
NEWS
UNICA is happy to welcome its new member, the University of Latvia. Its
application will have to be officially approved at the next General Assembly, in
Brussels, on 15-16 December 2000. The Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest has elected Prof. István
Klinghammer as its new Rector. He entered office on 1 January 2000. Reorganisation at the International Office of University College Dublin:
Ann Nolan has taken a Sabbatical year.
The person responsible for
Administration of International Office is Marie Lawlor, Manager, International
Office Marie.Lawlor@ucd.ie
The person responsible for European Programmes is Catherine Convery, Senior
Executive Assistant Catherine.M.Convery@ucd.ie
The e-mail address of the UNICA president, Gunnel Engwall has changed
and is now: gunnel.engwall@fraita.su.se
The updated UNICA presentation leaflet is available at the General
Secretariat. Copies have been sent to the IRO at your university. 2000 summer school brochures to be published soon. Please display the
promotional posters and postcards that you will soon receive. UNICA is re launching its ‘Administrator mobility programme’ for 2000. The
network has created a grant programme to encourage study visits of
administrative staff between member universities. The individual grant amounts
to 300 Euros. For more information and application forms:
http://www.ulb.ac.be/unica/admin_mob/admin_project.html
Bologna Declaration: The Steering Committee members will consult the UNICA
members for their comments and reactions to the Declaration. Call for tender IB/AMS/451 Lot 9 Framework contract
Strat & Com and its consortium partners have been awarded by the SCR
(European Commission) with the framework contract related to the provision of
short-term experts and services – in the field of culture and information – in
favour of third world countries benefiting from EU support. UNICA is one
of the possible collaborators to the consortium (letter of intend) and might be
asked to provide experts. Other collaborators are: Canning House,
TIPS/DEVNET, SEPIA, S.O.A.S., EPPC, ASIA-EUR. FOUNDATION, I.A.P.C., EURONET,
ACSE, A.I.C., BANQUE MONDIALE …etc. Across Europe Summer school proposal (to be organised together with the
VUB-Brussels) did not succeed in receiving the EC grant (under the European
Integration budgetary line) Please Note that a discussion group ‘UNICA Forum’ is available on the
web site. UNICA has produced various articles: Hélène Ullerø in the EAIE newsletter,
Gunnel Engwall in “LaVie Bruxelloise”, the secretariat in the Erasmus Student
Network newsletter. EAIE lunch: UNICA held an informal lunch at the EAIE Conference, Maastricht,
4 December 1999 for its UNICA participants. Arthur Mettinger chaired the
meeting and 16 members attended. On 23 January 2000, UNICA organised a diner for its members who participated
in Forum 2000 in order to meet each others, share views and introduce the new
President.
If you wish to contribute to the next issue of ‘commUNICAtion’,
please send your article to the General
Secretariat in Brussels.
Editor: Sonia Mykletun
Collaboration: Nathalie Carton