The private Faculty of Pedagogy in Podgorica has not yet received approval for its operation from the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, "Vijesti" was told by the ministry.
This summer, this private faculty received a five-year accreditation from the Agency for Quality Assurance and Control in Higher Education (AKOKVO), after which they requested a work permit (license) from the Ministry of Education and Science.
Although it does not yet have permission from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, the faculty continues to advertise "pre-enrollment" on its website.
The procedure before the Agency was challenged by representatives of the University of Montenegro, informing the Police Directorate about suspicions of illegality and possible corruption.
"The aforementioned entity submitted a request to the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation for the issuance of an operating license, along with supporting documentation. In accordance with the procedures prescribed by the Law on Higher Education, the Ministry will, within the legal deadline, form an expert commission whose task is to determine whether the conditions for the establishment and operation of the institution have been met," the MoESI response states.
They specify that the Commission's work includes a detailed analysis of the submitted documentation, as well as a direct tour of the institution's premises to determine whether all standards have been met in terms of adequate space and equipment, teaching and other staff, and financial guarantees for smooth operation.
"Given that the procedure is currently ongoing, the Ministry cannot prejudge the Commission's decision or provide details on whether the institution may not meet certain conditions at this time. The final decision on issuing a license will be made solely on the basis of the Commission's report and the established facts," the Ministry of Education and Culture emphasized.
UCG STARTS ACCREDITATION PROCESS AGAIN
The UCG Governing Board recently adopted studies on the justification for establishing the Special Education and Rehabilitation study program at the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Montenegro, as a basic academic study program, lasting three years (180 ECTS credits) and a master's academic study program, lasting two years (120 ECTS credits). They also announced that they will soon resubmit an application for accreditation to the Agency headed by Goran Danilović.
"The studies define the goals of the study program at both levels of study, which are aimed at improving general and acquiring specialist knowledge in the fields of defectology, speech therapy and social pedagogy, as well as developing abilities and skills for independent professional and research work," the University of Montenegro announced.
The program, they specified, enables the development of professional identity and competencies for work in the areas of diagnostics and treatment of developmental, speech, language, communication, learning and behavioral disorders, as well as providing psychosocial support to people with disabilities and disorders and their family members, while creating conditions for continuing education at doctoral studies after completing master's studies.
"The strategic goals of the study program are achieved through the education of highly qualified experts, improving the quality of professional and scientific work, promoting young staff, applying acquired knowledge in practice, as well as through research and application of research results in order to improve the system of protection of persons with disabilities and developmental difficulties. The studies concluded that the study program was designed in accordance with the needs of the labor market, with the aim of strengthening the education, health and social protection systems," the University of Montenegro emphasized.
They emphasize that the studies include all necessary elements, including the structure of the study program, the content of the curricula (ECTS catalog), modules and learning outcomes, teaching methods and comparative practices, and are substantively and formally aligned with accreditation standards. The University of Montenegro also states that positive opinions were previously obtained from the Senate and the Center for Quality Improvement of this state higher education institution.
"In accordance with the decision, the Center for Quality Improvement of the University of Montenegro will implement the accreditation procedure of the study program, by submitting a request with the necessary documentation, in the form and content prescribed by the Law on Higher Education and the Rulebook on the Accreditation Procedure of Study Programs," the statement states.
NO ANSWER FROM PRIVATE UNIVERSITY
The Police Directorate previously told "Vijesti" that, based on a report from the University of Montenegro and in cooperation with the Podgorica Basic State Prosecutor's Office, the Crime Prevention Sector is checking whether there were any illegalities, as well as elements of corruption, during the accreditation of the private Faculty of Pedagogy in Podgorica.
The editorial team also sent questions to the private Faculty of Pedagogy, but it never responded to questions about when the first generation of students will be enrolled and how much the tuition will be. They also did not respond to questions about who the lecturers are, given that they are not presented on their website. The question of whether practical classes for future special educators are planned and, if so, where they will be organized, also remained unanswered.
The new faculty has not responded to questions about whether it plans to apply for state funding for students, in accordance with the still-in force Higher Education Law. The institution's website also does not provide answers to most of the editorial staff's questions.
The AKOKVO then responded that the Board of Directors considered the objection of the University of Montenegro at its session on June 10th.
"The meeting concluded that the Board of Directors, in accordance with regulations, does not perform tasks related to handling complaints in the accreditation process. However, in accordance with the norms of academic conduct, the Board of Directors has nevertheless carefully considered the allegations in the complaint," states the response to "Vijesti" signed by the director of AKOKVO, Goran Danilović.
It was specified that, after a detailed presentation of the facts by the coordinator in charge of the accreditation process, the Steering Board proposed that the entire procedure be reviewed.
"...To determine all circumstances so that the entire accreditation process would be completely clear and in accordance with all applicable regulations, which the Agency then implemented, and the Director of the Agency confirmed and made a decision in accordance with the procedures," said AKOKVO.
New law - new, stricter rules
The recently adopted Law on Higher Education tightens the criteria for approval to operate, so that an institution can advertise enrollment if it has a certificate of accreditation of the study program, and has provided appropriate space in its ownership or on a lease basis - classrooms, laboratories, library, teaching aids, equipment...
The institution must have a full-time employment contract concluded with at least one teacher for each academic year for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, and for other academic staff, an employment contract, a contract for additional work or a contract for work engagement in accordance with a special law for each academic year.
Teachers must be elected to academic titles according to the regulations of Montenegro.
"By way of exception to paragraph 2 of this Article, persons referred to in paragraph 1, point 4 of this Article may be elected to academic titles according to the regulations of other countries if the Council for Higher Education (hereinafter: the Council) has given a positive opinion on academic titles acquired abroad in relation to the conditions and criteria for election to academic titles in Montenegro," the new regulation specifies.
In addition, the institution must prove that it employs at least half of the total number of associates required to teach each course in each academic year.
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