From 22 to 24 November, EURASHE participated in the International Association of Universities (IAU) International Conference, hosted by Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan. This year’s theme, “University Values in a Changing World,” provided an excellent opportunity to explore the evolving role of higher education institutions, with a special focus on Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS).
Parallel Session: Showcasing the Contributions of Universities of Applied Sciences
On 23 November, EURASHE hosted a parallel session titled “Values in Universities of Applied Sciences.” Moderated by EURASHE Secretary-General John Edwards, the session featured insightful contributions from three distinguished speakers:
- Ulla Preeden (Tartu Health Care College, EE)
- Christine Qi (Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications, HK)
- Janet Welch (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, CA)
Together, the panellists discussed how Universities of Applied Sciences foster inclusion, accountability, and work-based learning within the regions they serve. A key highlight was the introduction of the AppliedEdX assessment framework, developed under the UNESCO Chair Programme on Strategic Foresight in Higher Education, designed to adapt quality assurance approaches to the unique missions of UAS.
Core Values of Universities of Applied Sciences
While Universities of Applied Sciences share the fundamental values of all higher education institutions, they also emphasise two critical priorities:
- Accountability to Regions and Cities. UAS maintain strong ties to their local contexts, addressing the challenges of rapid technological advancements and economic transitions. By equipping learners with skills tailored to emerging industries, they play a pivotal role in driving innovation and workforce development.
- Inclusion in Higher Education. UAS expand access to higher education for underrepresented groups, offering flexible learning pathways and work-based education models to meet diverse learner needs. These efforts promote equity and help to close social and economic gaps.
Introducing the AppliedEdX Framework
The session also showcased the AppliedEdX framework, an innovative quality assurance model that aligns with the mission of UAS. This framework places emphasis on:
- Supporting work-based learning approaches.
- Promoting inclusivity in the assessment of adult and non-traditional learners.
- Ensuring regional accountability and societal impact.
By adopting this framework, the higher education sector can better acknowledge the unique contributions of UAS and create environments where applied education can flourish.
Image 1: EURASHE parallel session at IAU International Conference 2024. From left to right: Hilligje van’t Land (IAU), Janet Welch (SAIT), John Edwards (EURASHE), Ulla Preeden (Tartu Health Care College), Christine Qi (HKCAAVQ).
