The International Association for Quality Assurance in Pre-Tertiary and Higher Education (QAHE) has added three new thought-provoking articles to its QAHE Insight platform, bringing diverse international perspectives on the future of higher education quality and campus experience.
The latest contributions move beyond traditional compliance-focused discussions to explore the deeper human, relational, and spiritual dimensions of university life — from more meaningful accreditation processes to the importance of genuine human connections in learning environments.
Challenging Traditional Accreditation Practices
In her article titled “The Visit That Changed Nothing: Why Accreditation Must Evaluate What Really Matters in Universities”, Dr. Carmen Vásquez, a Peer Evaluator for the National Accreditation Council and former Director of Quality Assurance at Universidad de Venezuela, offers a candid critique of current audit practices. Drawing on her extensive experience, she argues that accreditation processes often prioritize administrative checkboxes over the true essence of university education and calls for a fundamental shift toward evaluating what genuinely impacts student learning and institutional vitality.
The Power of Human Connection in the Classroom
Mg. José Uyehara, University Lecturer and Student Wellbeing Coordinator at Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos in Peru, contributes a reflective piece: “The Class That Didn’t Want to End: Why the University Needs to Recover Time for Encounter”. He emphasizes the post-pandemic urgency of restoring authentic student-teacher and peer interactions. Uyehara highlights how spontaneous dialogue and meaningful encounters in the classroom play a vital role in fostering student wellbeing and holistic development.
Faith, Encounter, and Spiritual Growth in Catholic Higher Education
The third article, “The Seminarian Who Doubted: Why Catholic Universities Must Teach Encounter Before Doctrine”, comes from Juan Aguilar Jimenez, Vice-Rector for Pastoral Care at the American Pontifical Catholic University. He advocates for a more relational approach in faith-based institutions, suggesting that prioritizing authentic personal engagement and shared experiences can lead to deeper spiritual growth than the rigid transmission of doctrine alone.
A Platform for Global Dialogue
QAHE Insight serves as an open platform for academic leaders, quality assurance professionals, and educators worldwide to share insights on pressing issues in pre-tertiary and higher education. The newly added articles reflect QAHE’s commitment to enriching the global conversation on quality assurance by incorporating diverse cultural, regional, and philosophical viewpoints.
All articles are now available on the QAHE website and are free to read.
