Erasmus + Staff Mobility Training Week at the University of Liège

15 Mar 2024

From left: Ms Dominique Thewissen (University of Liège), Dr Silvia Brandi (University College Cork) and Ms Catherine Vandeleene (University of Liège)

Dr Silvia Brandi, Quality Enhancement Advisor, recently attended the University of Liège, Belgium, as part of the Erasmus+ staff mobility programme, where she engaged with Liège's quality enhancement and assurance unit known as Service de Management et d’Accompagnement de la Qualité (SMAQ).

This was a very rewarding developmental experience which gave keen insights into their policies, procedures, and practices that underpin a robust quality culture within the university. By shadowing colleagues within SMAQ, Silvia gained invaluable insights into their well-established programme review process and witnessed firsthand their transition to a new faculty and institutional-based evaluation approach.

Some parallels between UCC and Liège were noted, not only in the size of the institution but also in their shared values. Both institutions, members of the UNIC European University Alliance of Post-Industrial Cities, are advocates for sustainability and Equality Diversity and Inclusion, laying a solid groundwork for potential collaboration and networking.

Reflecting on her experience, Silvia expressed profound enjoyment and inspiration from her time spent in Liège. From refreshing her use of the French language, to participating in internal meetings, including those with the Belgian national quality agency (AEQES), every moment was both enriching and enlightening.

Overall, Silvia's journey to Liège not only broadened her professional horizons but also fostered meaningful connections and insights that promise to enhance UCC's quality standards and institutional ties.