Q³UoC Institutional Evaluations

Institutional evaluations are a central instrument of quality assurance and quality development at the University of Cologne and also support the university's profile building. As a cross-functional instrument, they complement Q³UoC’s quality assurance and quality management within the performance areas with a focus on institutional development of the Faculties, the administration and other units.

Institutional evaluations place particular emphasis on quality development and the strategic level, and take a formative approach. To this end, they examine all key areas of activity and performance of the units being evaluated from an institutional and strategic perspective, especially with regard to the success of the current strategy and the validity of the future strategy.

They are carried out in a multi-stage process consisting of

1. preparation of a strategic plan and self-report including a data annex by the unit being evaluated,
2. an on-site-visit with recommendations by external peers (informed peer review)
3. joint discussion of the recommendations between the Rectorate and the evaluated unit and binding agreement on measures
4. integration, implementation and monitoring of the measures through Q³UoC
5. re-evaluation of the unit after approximately seven years.

All six Faculties and the (central) administration are evaluated regularly, as are university-wide centers and service units.

In addition, ad hoc evaluations are carried out, for example when strategic opportunities arise, when Q³UoC identifies a need for action in a particular area, or when overarching strategic processes are to be reviewed in terms of their success and further development.

The evaluation procedures are organized and coordinated by the Department Strategy & Evaluations.