On 09.09.2021. the University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj hosted a workshop on WP2/Activity 2.1. University Autonomy Scorecard Assessment in partner countries, involving STAND national HEI partners on Kosovo level and a MESTI representative, intending to shed new light on the situation with the University Autonomy, its dynamics, legal aspects, and implementation of rules and regulations in practice.

The Workshop was opened by the Rector of the University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj, prof. Agron Bajraktari who welcomed the participants to Ferizaj, introducing the participants to the University of Applied Sciences Ferizaj’s long history and successes. STAND Project Coordinator prof. Mihone Kerolli Mustafa thanked Rector Agron Bajraktari for
the exquisite organization of the Workshop, greeted all the participants of the event, expressing her satisfaction with the national partners taking concrete steps in the direction of actual reforms in Higher Education. Prof. Mihone Kerolli Mustafa emphasized that the Scorecard development will depend on various aspects of project partner level of involvement, the leadership commitment, engagement on both at the system and the institutional level, but also on the capacity to reform the Higher education, lowering the threshold and discrepancies between regulations and practice. Prof. Bujar Gallopeni (IBC-M), being the STAND WP2 Task Leader, informed the participants that following the Workshop in Tirana held on 06/07 May 2021, this would be the second step in the realization of the HEIs assessment. Albania and Montenegro’s partners have
completed the Scorecard assessment while Kosovo worked hard on it during May, June, and July. This whole process aims to agree on a level of assessment, come up with a report, and only then share the report with the Council of Europe for
discussion and approval.

Prof. Avdulla Alija (University of Prishtina), Kosovo Scorecard Task Force Leader, assisted by prof. Bujar Gallopeni, presented the scorecard document sheet and guided the participants through each step of University Autonomy dimensions, comparing different indicators with national HEI systems in place, assessing alignment between regulations and practice, discussing coordinated responses, and feedback from representatives of national HEIs and a representative of MESTI. Since the debate turned out to be rich and fruitful and ensued throughout the day, the participants haven’t had a chance to go through all aspects of Autonomy dimensions; therefore, the Scorecard development was continued on Wednesday, 15th of September 2021, in an online environment, in line with new anti-COVID-19 measures introduced.

On both days, a debate focused on the data, including the national regulatory framework and misalignment between regulations and practice. Participants discussed and covered five (5) aspects of University Autonomy: Organizational, Financial, Academic, Staffing, and Governance. Each of the 25 participants at the Workshop actively discussed the Scorecard development and practice at their institutions, contributing and providing valuable information on the topic by giving their views and opinions on the current situation in education in Kosovo.

Prof. Avdulla Alija and prof. Bujar Gallopeni informed the participants that the first draft of the Scorecard Assessment for Kosovo would be ready by the beginning of October. In November, during the first international Workshop, the report will be presented to all participants, and everyone will be given a chance to discuss the findings and recommendations, trying to unite efforts in identifying measures and changes that could potentially improve it. They thanked all participants for bringing their expertise to this two (2) day event, their active participation, hard work, and continued commitment to timely delivery of each project WP.