Quality Monitoring and Evaluation
Quality assurance within the university represents a fundamental commitment, supported by a coherent and consistent system that integrates both core and support processes. The Internal Quality Assurance System (SIAC) implemented within the university is an essential component of the institutional strategy. Developed in accordance with the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG), approved at ministerial conferences, and with the national legislation in force, SIAC aims to meet the diverse requirements and expectations of students, academic staff, and other stakeholders, including employers, graduates, and society at large.
Quality Assurance Structures
At POLITEHNICA Bucharest, a set of structures operates synergistically within the Internal Quality Assurance System:
Evaluation and Quality Assurance Directorate
The Evaluation and Quality Assurance Directorate is a technical-administrative structure at university level, subordinated to the Rector, which provides support and consultancy to the University Commission for Evaluation and Quality Assurance (CEAC) and to the university management;
University Commission for Evaluation and Quality Assurance (CEAC)
University Commission for Evaluation and Quality Assurance Established in accordance with legal provisions, with its own organizational and operational regulations, and led by the Rector through the delegated Vice-Rector;
University Quality Council
The University Quality Council, chaired by the Rector, brings together quality specialists from the university’s faculties and from outside the university, as well as students.
Quality Assurance Officer
At the level of each doctoral school, a quality assurance officer is appointed to support the Director of the Doctoral School in coordinating quality monitoring and assurance activities.
Evaluation and Quality Assurance Directorate
The Evaluation and Quality Assurance Directorate is a technical-administrative structure at university level, subordinated to the Rector, which provides support and consultancy to the University Commission for Evaluation and Quality Assurance (CEAC) and to the university management;
University Commission for Evaluation and Quality Assurance (CEAC)
University Commission for Evaluation and Quality Assurance Established in accordance with legal provisions, with its own organizational and operational regulations, and led by the Rector through the delegated Vice-Rector;
University Quality Council
The University Quality Council, chaired by the Rector, brings together quality specialists from the university’s faculties and from outside the university, as well as students.
Quality Assurance Officer
At the level of each doctoral school, a quality assurance officer is appointed to support the Director of the Doctoral School in coordinating quality monitoring and assurance activities.
Role of SD-AC
Through the Doctoral School Council, SD-AC adopts the necessary field-specific measures to ensure the quality of doctoral studies, the proper conduct of periodic evaluations of the Doctoral School and doctoral supervisors, compliance with ethical and professional conduct standards, and the external evaluation process for accreditation/reaccreditation or provisional authorization of the Doctoral School. At Doctoral School level, there is a single quality assurance officer, in accordance with the CEAC Rules of Organization and Operation.
Criteria for Thesis Defense
The SD-AC Council and the quality assurance officer establish eligibility criteria for the thesis defense, as well as minimum criteria for awarding grades, as specified in the SD-AC regulations, published on the SD-AC website, and doctoral supervisors together with the advisory and academic integrity committee will monitor compliance with them. The SD-AC criteria for thesis defense and the minimum criteria for awarding grades are equivalent to the national minimum standards.
SD-AC Awards
The Doctoral School awards the following prizes for each field:
Studio et opere excellens
An annual award granted by field for the best doctoral thesis defended in the previous two years;
High-Impact Doctoral Thesis
An annual award granted for the doctoral thesis with the greatest impact over the previous two years;
Nomination for awards at events organized by POLITEHNICA Bucharest (Excellence Gala, etc.);
Other awards may be proposed by the SD-AC Council or by the academic community. Awards are granted based on regulations and/or an evaluation methodology.
Monitoring and Evaluation Process
SD-AC Rules of Operation describes the process for monitoring and evaluating quality and completeness:
Activity Evaluation
The quality monitoring and evaluation process at SD-AC level covers: (1) Evaluation of doctoral students’ activities; (2) Evaluation of doctoral supervisors’ scientific activity and supervision of doctoral students; (3) Evaluation of the infrastructure required for doctoral research activities and doctoral students’ access to it;
Evaluation Forms
The evaluation forms are the standard forms required institutionally (such as the self-evaluation form for academic staff) or nationally (such as the CNATDCU criteria compliance form);
Evaluation Guidelines
The SD-AC Council, together with the specialist committees, develops and publishes evaluation guidelines for quality monitoring on the Doctoral School website;
Periodic Feedback
Doctoral students will periodically provide feedback by completing anonymous online forms, such as: (1) Doctoral Student Satisfaction Evaluation Questionnaire regarding the Advanced Training Program (PPA); (2) Doctoral Student Satisfaction Evaluation Questionnaire regarding the Scientific Research Program (PCS); (3) Alumni questionnaire.
