Introduction of systemic quality assurance in Slovenian higher education

Abstract

The paper aims to describe some characteristics of Slovenian higher education and the new endeavour to establish a quality higher education system. A draft plan for gradually introducing a system of quality assurance has been developed on the basis of foreign experiences, with due attention being given to national circumstances and particularities. Higher education in Slovenia comprises two universities, the University of Ljubljana and the University of Maribor, together with some free-standing higher education institutions. In such a small higher'education system, a key challenge is the introduction of flexible quality assurance mechanisms which can be implemented without too great a difficulty. The evaluation process is to be supported by research and development work from the very start. It will include continual development .of evaluation methodology and procedures. as well as an analysis of the institutional effects of quality assurance.