Institutional self-assessment model (and process) for universities: the case of Universidad Austral

Abstract

In this article is presented the model, the instruments of data collection and the process (phases of design, implementation, data analysis, communication of results) of the second institutional self-evaluation carried out by the Universidad Austral, Argentina. It is noteworthy that this process has been faced more as an internal necessity facing a new phase of the University and not so much as a response to the requirements of article 44 of the law on higher education N° 24.521. Pair evaluators of the CONEAU Committee concerning the second self-assessment process performed by this University says: note the significant progress between this second process of self-assessment and the first; it has been detected “failure or absence of methodologies and/or adequate information systems” for the task of self-assessment (Final report of the external evaluation year 2000, p.72); now it is clearly defined and followed a model that has allowed to increase relevant information, engage and involve more people in the Community College and, most importantly, has given credibility to the process.” (CONEAU external evaluation report N °49: Austral University, page 30, paragraph 3). Although no model or process of these characteristics is transferable in whole to another University, is that it can serve as “deck” readapting to the characteristics of context, type of management, size, age, institutional profile, culture, historical genesis, etc. of the institution which adopts it