Lithuanian Sports University has received excellent evaluation from international experts
Reassessment of Lithuanian Sports University activities took place in the beginning of October 2014. The expert evaluation was positive and Lithuanian Sports University was accredited for the maximum period of 6 years. The first assessment of the University activities in 2011 was negative, and the University was accredited for the minimum period of 3 years. After the reassessment the experts expressed surprise at faultlessly implemented recommendations and obvious changes.
The reassessment aimed at objective comparison and evaluation of changes in the institution. For this purpose the Head of the group Prof. Geoffrey Robinson (an educational consultant, Professor Emeritus at the University of St. Andrews, United Kingdom) and a social partner Dr. Linas Tubelis, the Director of Lithuanian Olympic Sports Centre (Lithuania) participated in both the first and the second evaluation process. Other experts involved in the reassessment: Dr. Norma Ryan (secretary of the group), former Director of Quality Promotion Unit at University College Cork (Ireland); Prof. Dr. Paolo Parisi, the President of European Network of Sport Science, Education & Employment, former Rector of Universita degli Studi di Roma “Foro Italico” (Italy); Prof. Dr. Jostein Hallen, the Head of the Department of Physical Activity, Professor of Sports Physiology at Norges Idrettshogskole (Norway); Darius Varanius, a PhD student in Biology at Vilnius University (Lithuania).
During the first assessment, experts expressed the most criticism on the management of the institution. Therefore, they recommended developing more detailed structures for strategic planning and documentation procedures, including a clear structure of plan implementation and the effect as well as systematic change in management and monitoring; ensure feedback from interested persons and promote their contribution. “LSU in 2011 and now seem to be completely different institutions. They did everything that was recommended, but the biggest changes can be seen namely in strategic management. All personnel has been involved In the process of improving the performance; the structure and some employees have been changed in order to strengthen the organization”, noted the Head of the expert group Prof. Geoffrey Robinson of 2014. The most important change in the university, according to the professor, is that "they are not only trying to do something, but they do. And do it effectively. "
All the members of the group agree that there is culture of academic quality in this higher education institution, as different events take place every day, there are a lot of international students and lifelong learning is promoted in a variety of ways.
A member of the group Prof. Dr. Paolo Parisi acknowledges that LSU, as a very specialized university, plays a very important role and influences the country. “It is important not only for LSU to be successful, but also to be visible at national level and contribute to the achievement of national sports-related objectives”, said Prof. Dr. Paolo Parisi. The experts also praised the University for developed internationality. However, they advise not to forget to focus on the needs of the country.
The experts believe that there was little time for the changes indeed, but LSU has proven that a lot of important reforms can be implemented within 3 years. Although the University has received some recommendations for the improvement of its activities, the experts involved in the evaluation stated that the University performance is really outstanding.
The Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education organizes the evaluation of the activities of higher education institutions in Lithuania. Conclusions and recommendations of all Lithuanian higher education institutions that have been assessed can be found on the website of the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education.
Information of the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education
