Implementing the Bologna Process in the Republic of Moldova:

1. Informal Conference of Ministers of Education from the five new countries in the Bologna process Strasbourg, 12-13 December 2006 Implementing the Bologna Processin the Republic of Moldova: Achievements and Problems Viorelia Moldovan-Batrinac, Deputy minister of education and youth Ministry of Education and Youth Republic of Moldova

2. Pre joint Bologna Process stage • Structural reforms • two-tier system of higher education with doctoral programs as third cycle • Mandatory implementation of ECTS • Distance learning regulated by law • Standards for higher education qualifications based on competencies • Diploma supplement offered at request Ministry of Education and Youth Republic of Moldova

3. Post joint actions Organizational and policy measures: • Established National Council for monitoring of the Bologna Process goals implementation • Established institutional group of Bologna Promoters • Elaboration of national action plan • Strategy of national education system modernization, inclusive HE • National service for qualification recognition Ministry of Education and Youth Republic of Moldova

4. Post joint actions New regulations • Classification of Fields and Specialisation in HE according to ISCED/EUROSTAT • The framework of curricula elaboration for 1 cycle • The guide for implementation of the national system of study credits • New quality of Diploma Supplement: bilingual model, unique soft and guide for its completion, compulsory and free of charge for Licentiate and Master degrees Ministry of Education and Youth Republic of Moldova

5. Post joint actions • Quality Assurance • At institutional level: established quality management unit in organizational structure, position of vice rector for quality assurance, quality manual elaborated, student involvement in quality evaluation and institutional policy development • At national level: improved the methodology for institutions and programs evaluation and accreditation, medical program evaluated by the external evaluators, enhanced transparency, stakeholders involvement Ministry of Education and Youth Republic of Moldova

6. Post joint actions • Quality Assurance • Regulations for practical internship of students in enterprises and its evaluation • Interuniversity and national workshops (Tempus projects) • National student forum organized by club of youth prime ministers on issues of QA • Regional Seminar “Quality Assurance-Trends and Perspectives in Higher Education and in Vocational Education and Training”, 30 Nov-1Dec 2006, ETF /ERI SEE/ Kultur Kontact, Austria/ EUA/ENQA Ministry of Education and Youth Republic of Moldova

7. Post joint actions • National Qualifications Framework for HE • Prepared an action plan designed to elaborate NQF for HE • Elaborated methodology for educational area qualifications framework • Nominated leadership university for each broad field of education • Workshops with stakeholders • International workshop “NQF – Quality and Transparency”, 6-7 December,2006 with support of Council of Europe Ministry of Education and Youth Republic of Moldova

8. Post joint actions • Academic mobility • Regulation regarding the mobility of students and staff • Provision in Medium Term Cost Framework of 23 bursaries for students mobility in Europe • Extended mobility trough Tempus Program and Erasmus Mundus • Students participation • 8 student senate were created (from 31 HE) • Students participate in: decisions process, policy and regulations elaborations, institutional and national evaluation etc. • Associated in various organizations promoting youth involvement in reforming Moldova's HE system Ministry of Education and Youth Republic of Moldova

9. Post joint actions • Social dimension • More state bursaries • Extended state scholarships: based on excellencies in learning and public life of institutions or country (republican, presidential, prime minister, Gaudeamus), regular based on learning achievements, social • Other stakeholders scholarships: ministries, private companies • New regulations on state scholarships provide equity for both budget and contract based students Ministry of Education and Youth Republic of Moldova

10. Post joint actions • Promotion of attractiveness of EHEA and dialogue with stakeholders regarding the ways of implementation of Bologna process goals • Elaborated communication planin mass-media • Regular meetings with Council of Rectors • Press conference – after one year of joint Bologna Process • Local informative meetings with pre-university teachers, students and other stakeholders Ministry of Education and Youth Republic of Moldova

11. Problems • Complexity of the issues…. • Time… • Cost… • Resistance to changes…. • Birocracy at national and international level in implementation the reform and respecting the agreed issues associated with recognition process and mobility … • Barriers for visa, social and health guarantees… Ministry of Education and Youth Republic of Moldova

12. Next steps • Supporting implementation by updates, surveys, case studies • Organisation of discussions and producing position papers, ensuring more visibility and comprehensiveness of HE reform • Elaboration of NQF for HE • Strengthening the capacity of bodies responsible for quality assurance at national and institutional levels • Preparation of action plan for improving the process of recognition of foreign qualifications • Development of a synergy between HE and Research Ministry of Education and Youth Republic of Moldova