Quality Assurance requirements according to the AVA3 model

In Domain A – Strategy, Planning and Organization, the aim of this assessment is to evaluate the University’s ability to define, formalise, and implement, through policies, strategies, as well as operational and strategic objectives, a clear, coherent,  structured and public vision of the quality of teaching, research, third mission/social impact, and institutional and management activities.
The implementation of such policies, strategies, and operational and strategic objectives must be guaranteed through the implementation of a Governance and Quality Assurance (QA) System equipped with an effective planning and monitoring process for plans and results achieved, as well as clear and transparent procedures for critically reviewing its functioning, involving the various components of the University and taking into account both self-assessment processes and external evaluations received.
In the Strategic Planning and Organization processes, the University must ensure the active involvement of all internal and external stakeholders.
In particular, students should be given an active and participatory role at all levels in the decision-making processes of the governing bodies.
The aspects highlighted above are summarised in the five Points of Attention into which Domain A is structured.

In Domain B – Resource Management, the University’s ability to manage both tangible and intangible resources in support of policies, strategies, and related implementation plans is assessed.
Universities must have an adequate system for the planning, recruitment, qualification, and development of human resources, covering both academic and administrative staff.
They must demonstrate the full financial and economic sustainability of their activities, supported by a system for planning and management financial resources that ensures long-term viability.
Furthermore, universities must demonstrate possession of an effective system for the planning and management of infrastructure, equipment, technologies, data, information, and knowledge used in teaching, research, third mission, and services.
Domain B is structured into five sub-domains, each corresponding to one or more Points of Attention (PdA) referring to the aspects considered.

In Domain C, the Quality Assurance processes are evaluated, with particular attention to the University’s ability to implement a self-assessment system for Study Programmes and Departments, through monitoring and review activities of the processes and outcomes related to teaching, research, and the third mission.
The QA System must include monitoring activities of its effectiveness, involving all relevant bodies and functions at the different levels of responsibility.
To this end, the critical considerations expressed by the NdV are examined.

As part of its institutional functions, the NdV is responsible for evaluating the QA System and the processes related to teaching, research, and the third mission.
All these aspects are considered in Domain C and are summarized the three Points of Attention that define it.

In Domain D, related to the Quality of Teaching and Services for Students, the University must demonstrate a clear overall vision of the planning and structure of its educational provision, also in relation to the national and international context.
The planning and updating activities of Study Programmes must take into account the development needs expressed by the society and by the relevant context, including internationalization objectives and the various modes of teaching delivery (in-person, remote, or blended).
The educational provision of the Study Programmes must be developed consistently with the available teaching, logistical, infrastructural, and research resources.
Study Programmes must focus primarily on students, through the planning and implementation of effective guidance and support activities at entry, during the programme, and upon completion.
These should include clear and transparent admission procedures for the various Study Programmes, as well as systems for career management and tutoring.
The University must also establish a system for managing resources and services to support teaching and students.
Domain D is divided into three Points of Attention and the Quality Assurance Requirements for PhD Programmes (D.PHD) and Study Programmes (D.CdS) are considered relevant.

Within Domain E, the Quality of research and of the third mission/social impact is evaluated, with particular emphasis on the University’s ability to maintain a coherent and comprehensive vision of how Departments (or equivalent entities) define their strategic directions, especially regarding research and third mission/social impact.
In alignment with the University’s strategic guidelines, Departments establish systems for planning, monitoring, and evaluating processes, results achieved, and improvement actions.
The definition and dissemination of criteria for resource allocation at the departmental level are also assessed, ensuring consistency with the Department’s strategic programme and the University’s directives. Additionally, the management system for resources and services supporting research and third mission is evaluated.
Domain E, which is divided into three Points of Attention, includes the Quality Assurance Requirements of the Departments (E.DIP).