"Evaluation and mission of universities in European perspective"

The University of Elbasan turns into a promoter of changes for higher education in Albania. Under the auspices of the Rector of the University of Elbasan "Alexander Xhuvani", Professor dr. Skender Topi, in cooperation with the University of Bari "Aldo Moro" and the University of Foggia Italy, organized the symposium on "Evaluation and Mission of Universities in the European Perspective".

The purpose of this symposium was to compare the systems of evaluation and accreditation of universities in various cultural and scientific contexts. This symposium referred to the harmonization of university systems in the prospect of a European framework for university education, according to the Bologna process.

The event was attended by rectors and administrators of Albanian universities, who praised it as the first activity to focus on the problems of the management of higher education institutions.

A subthema of this symposium was related to Europe, ie the development of innovative skills, for the creation of professionals capable of carrying out projects funded with EU funds, as a fundamental tool for projects and innovative development activities in all sectors .

In his speech, the Rector of the University of Elbasan prof. dr. Skender Topi said that the University of Elbasan took this initiative based on European perspectives. "Our dream - he said - is European integration, but to get there, we must prepare spiritually and morally in all areas."

He further underlined: “An important element is that a group of Bar University professors unveiled in this symposium all their many years of experience in relation to the changes that higher education in Albania has been undergoing in recent years. Let this meeting serve as a good omen to see ourselves where we are in relation to Europe. "

Vice. The Minister of Education, Ervin Demo, welcomed the initiative and said that higher education institutions are being organized. "The ministry gladly ascertains that internal organization, which is divided into two main pillars, into academic and administrative organization, is being concluded within 2018. The law has clearly provided, not only the division, but also in the harmonization of this division." .

Given the case of the University of Elbasan, he invited other universities to promote scientific research and the creation of the best models of higher education institutions, both from public and private universities.

Rector of "Aldo Moro" University, Prof. Antonio Felice Uricchio, expressed high considerations for the Rector of the University of Elbasan prof. Skender Topi, highlighting the fact that, all the academic career, he has ended up in Italy. Prof. Uricchio has welcomed the good reports of cooperation between Albanian and Italian universities and relations with the Ministry of Education.

He was also ready to demonstrate the experience of the University of Bari in the context of reforming Albanian universities.

This symposium was spoken by renowned professors of Italian universities, professors and administrators of Albanian universities who exchanged experiences for a European Higher Education Approach in Albania.

In the end the materials of this and the symposium will be distributed to all Albanian universities.