University of Helsinki: The University of Helsinki receives a quality label – The university’s strength is its research-based and data driven approach
According to the FINEEC, the university has for example good systems and structures in place for planning, management, follow-up and improvement of its activities.
Link between the strategic plan and research as well as consistent planning of education as strengths
In the audit, the consistency and transparency of the planning of education was highlighted as one of the strengths of the University of Helsinki. In addition, the deployment and expansion of the HowULearn tool in the assessment and development of education were commended.
The strong link between the University’s strategic plan and research activities was considered another merit. Furthermore, the University has an extensive research, partnership, alumni and societal network, which makes it a significant operator in Finnish society.
According to the audit report, attention has clearly been paid at the University of Helsinki to promoting societal engagement and impact, also establishing fit-for-purpose steering structures.
Audit results will be taken into consideration in the development of University operations
The report also sets out development targets, with the management of partnerships and the development of students’ course feedback included in the related recommendations. Furthermore, the relationship between societal engagement and impact on the one hand, and teaching and research on the other should be defined more clearly.
Rector Sari Lindblom, who chaired the audit steering group, emphasises that the development suggestions presented in the audit report will already be taken into consideration in the development of University operations from this spring onwards.
“The recommendations will be assessed as part of the University’s operations management process, and development measures will be launched on their basis, whenever necessary. Many of the are already in the pipeline,” Lindblom says.
The audit, which was carried out in autumn 2021, assessed the functioning and impact of the higher education institution’s quality system. The audit was based on a self-assessment report drawn up by the University, the University’s quality documentation and an audit visit at the end of October 2021. The audit process was based on the FINEEC audit model.
The audit was carried out by a five-member international group of experts composed of academic leaders, a business specialist and a student member.