Title of publication
Audit of the University of Oulu
Authors
Kerstin Norén, Guðrún Geirsdóttir, Damon Mohebbi, Siamäk Naghian, Hilla Vuori & Mira Huusko
Self-assessment of the University of Oulu (eds.) Johanna Bluemink & Johanna Flyktman
The Higher Education Evaluation Committee’s decision
The University of Oulu passed the audit on 22 March 2024.
The Quality Label is valid until 22 March 2030.
The audit team’s evaluation of evaluation areas I-III
I: HEI creates competence: good level
II: HEI promotes impact and renewal: excellent level
III: HEI enhances quality and well-being: good level
HEI as a learning organisation – evaluation area chosen by the University of Oulu
Internationalisation of degree programme curricula and the student experience
Theme and partner for benchlearning
Theme: Enhancing quality culture in doctoral schools
Partner: Erasmus University Rotterdam
Key strengths and recommendations
Strengths
- The University of Oulu offers opportunities for interdisciplinary studies and other interdisciplinary activities, which are encouraged through various ways. This adds value to the student experience and strengthens the relations between the degree programmes, the university community, and the university’s stakeholders.
- The University of Oulu has a key role and well-established position in the regional knowledge, innovation, and competence creation ecosystem. The university contributes significantly to the renewal and strengthening of the region of North Ostrobothnia.
- Staff, students, and external partners are involved in the quality system and continuous improvement according to the PDCA cycle.
- The university is committed to robust internationalisation efforts with many initiatives to enhance the international experience of students.
Recommendations
- In enhancing education, the University of Oulu should increase the utilisation of student feedback, provide students more feed forward on their learning and emphasise feedback on feedback.
- The university should strengthen the visibility of its Arctic research activities and its role in international research networks, to highlight the research potential of the Arctic region.
- To support the proactive enhancement of its activities, the university should strengthen the identification and use of internal and external information.
- The university should promote consistent opportunities in internationalisation, by strengthening the visibility of international mobility windows and exchanges as well as enhancing the internationalisation of curricula.