Diaconia University of Applied Sciences receives a quality label in a re-audit – Wide participation and a spirit of co-development are highlighted as special strengths

In 2020, the Finnish Education Evaluation Centre FINEEC conducted a re-audit of Diaconia University of Applied Sciences (Diak) and issued a Quality Label that will be valid for six years, starting from 16 December 2020. The quality system of Diaconia University of Applied Sciences meets the national criteria set for the quality assurance of higher education institutions and corresponds to the European principles and recommendations for the quality assurance of higher education institutions.

The actual audit of Diaconia University of Applied Sciences was conducted between 2016 and 2017. The institution did not fulfil the national audit criteria in the actual audit. The development of the quality management system required measures from the institution and a re-audit.

The quality system covers now the main parts of the basic duties of universities of applied sciences and supports the development of the activities.

“With the implementation of the development plan for quality management drawn up in 2017, the quality work has become more systematic and focused. Through the development work, a uniform quality management system supported by knowledge-based management processes, reformed quality documentation and efficient communication has been created for the entire higher education institution”, notes Päivi Karttunen, Chair of the audit team.

 As special strengths of the development work, the audit team highlights the following:

• Since the previous audit, the development of the quality management system has been goal-oriented and comprehensive. The quality system and the knowledge provided by it serve strategic management at different levels.
• Diak has a large number of quality management procedures that ensure the quality of degree education. Students and the student association O’Diako play an important role in the institution’s quality work.
• Since the previous audit, Diak has carried out systematic development work to clarify the objectives of its societal impact and regional development work and to develop its quality management procedures. Proactive and strategic development partnerships promote Diak’s societal impact and support the implementation of its strategy.

Further information

Chair of the audit team, Vice Rector Päivi Karttunen, Tampere University of Applied Sciences, paivi.karttunen(at)tuni.fi, tel. +358 50 568 5358.

Senior Evaluation Advisor Kirsi Mustonen, Finnish Education Evaluation Centre,
kirsi.mustonen(at)karvi.fi, +358 29 533 5515.