The Quality Development Unit (QE) is responsible for the implementation and further development of the Stuttgart Evaluation Model (SEM), a comprehensive quality management system in the field of teaching and learning. In addition, the QE's field of activity extends to consulting and concept development, as well as the management and implementation of strategically important projects in the area of quality development, for example university-wide, for central institutions or for externally funded projects.
The Stuttgart Evaluation Model (SEM) was assessed and accredited by the Swiss accreditation agency AAQ in 2012. This confirms that the SEM is an adequate instrument for reviewing the quality and further development of the university's study programs. Since then, system accreditation has replaced the accreditation of individual study programs. In September 2019, the system accreditation of the University of Stuttgart was renewed without conditions.
All accredited degree programs at the University of Stuttgart are listed in the database of the German Accreditation Council.
The Stuttgart Evaluation Model comprises three interlinked levels that implement different quality control loops:
The first level evaluates the didactic quality of the courses and the interaction among courses within the individual modules using module assessments. The main instruments for the first level are the course and module surveys.
The second level looks at the overall quality of the respective study programs. Key elements are the study program report and the study program review, which takes place at regular intervals.
For the third level, the results are condensed into an overall report for teaching and learning.
The foundation of quality assurance and development at the University of Stuttgart lies in defining quality objectives. The Stuttgart Evaluation Model (SEM) reviews the implementation of these objectives and makes it possible to derive further development measures with the involvement of all those involved in achieving the objectives.
Projects
- digit@L – Digital Teaching and Learning
The digit@L project develops digital teaching and learning material as Open Educational Resources (OER), promotes digital skills and tests innovative digital tools. The Quality Development Unit is responsible for the accompanying and final evaluation. - QUSProm – Quality Assurance in Doctoral Studies
Within the framework of the QUSProm project, the Quality Development Unit and the Graduate Academy (GRADUS) are developing a quality assurance system for doctoral studies. The aim is to create the best possible conditions for doctoral candidates, supervisors and those involved in research-support.