Arqus defines itself as a laboratory for institutional learning, and will continue its experimentation in innovative actions for deep university integration and inter-university cooperation.
As such, it will continue to design and test a wide variety of innovative actions. The results of this experimentation will provide a sound and informed source for deep evidence-based institutional learning within the Alliance, and for the enhancement of higher education policies at national and European level. Findings will be shared with other universities and networks and with the higher education sector in general.
Arqus partners share a strong tradition and long experience in student and staff mobility at both European and global levels, and are fully committed to the principles of the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education, in particular to full and automatic recognition of all mobility study periods and of all diplomas and certificates awarded by partner institutions, including microcredentials. This principle of recognition extends also to various forms of recognition of staff mobility. The Alliance is deeply aware of the centrality of staff and researcher mobility to the attainment of its long-term objectives, and as such is working towards feasible shared policies for recognition in both workload systems and evaluation processes.
Building on this experience and existing cooperation, the Alliance has taken up the challenge of implementing seamless mobility of all kinds with full recognition for all members of the community, by promoting physical and blended mobility, alongside virtual exchange in a wide variety of formats, including – where appropriate structured and embedded mobility in the form of joint programmes in all cycles. Intersectoral mobilities during which students engage in work based learning, research-based learning and service learning are also priorities, as a special form of experiential learning, strengthening employability, entrepreneurial mindset and societal engagement.
In order to enhance the quality of student learning and employability, the Alliance will both share existing academic offer and develop new joint flexible programmes in all three cycles, and in the form of microcredentials.
To this end, Arqus is committed to exploiting new forms of mobility and best practice for recognition of all kinds:
Similarly, Arqus is committed to innovative and inclusive teaching and learning methodologies and staff development initiatives, including promoting the use of the opportunities offered by digital technologies, and of virtual and hybrid formats to enhance academic offer.
Arqus will promote student agency in the co-creation of flexible learning opportunities.
Arqus subscribes to UNESCO’s position that “universal access to information through high quality education contributes to peace, sustainable social and economic development, and intercultural dialogue”, and is thus especially committed to the use of Open Solutions, Open Educational Resources (OER), Open Access and Open Data.
Arqus acknowledges that Open Science (OS) can increase diversity, equity, inclusion and the notion of scientific knowledge as a public good; the quality of, trust in and public understanding of science; as well as efficiency, innovation and wealth.
Therefore, Arqus is committed to fostering OS – including Citizen Science, Open Innovation and Open Education – and to coordinating efforts in order to enhance Openness within and beyond the Alliance in a strategic way.
Arqus is convinced that OS practices and measures must be implemented in a transparent and participatory process in an accountable manner, paying attention to concerns regarding the transition to OS. Arqus commits itself to address OS at all institutional levels and to act on all political levels – regional, national and international – in order to contribute to a worldwide transformation towards Openness in science.
To this end, Arqus will foster partnership, exchange of knowledge and consultation throughout the alliance to achieve the mutually-agreed goals and to align strategies and practices with universities across and beyond Europe.
Arqus believes firmly that an essential element for its success and sustainability is the close link between its joint goals and policies and those of each partner’s institutional strategy already in place and developed since 2018.
Partners are committed to investing in implementing and sustaining joint activities, within the bounds of their financial possibilities.
The cross-cutting participation of staff and students at all levels in partner universities in Arqus governance structures and work plans is the basis for sound community and identity building, thus ensuring strong potential for lasting cooperation in teaching and learning, research, transfer, cultural and outreach activities.
