Hcéres report: "An undeniable success"
Last April, the High Council for Research and Higher Education Evaluation published its report on the University of Montpellier. These experts scrutinized everything from strategy and governance to research, training, and student life. Sébastien Pons, Deputy Director General of Services, responsible for strategic analysis and change management, summarizes this "very positive" evaluation.
It is a cycle that punctuates the life of higher education and research institutions. Every five years, the Higher Council for Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (Hcéres) submits its report to university presidents. This document concludes the five-year contract (2015-2020) between the State and the University of Montpellier, and serves as the basis for the new 2021-2026 contract period [see box: A three-step evaluation].
"A strong sense of belonging"
"This is a very positive assessment and a high-quality report that we believe is based on an accurate perception of the institution's strategy and activities," says Sébastien Pons, Deputy Director General of Services at UM. "We agree with many of the key findings and will take into account the weaknesses and critical assessments, which will serve as a basis for our next contract with the government," he continued, thanking all staff for their commitment and assistance throughout the evaluation process, which involved more than 200 people.
This evaluation is the first since the 2015 merger and creation of the University of Montpellier. Hcéres is particularly enthusiastic about this point, describing the merger as "an undeniable success [...] reflected in a strong sense of belonging and shared practices among the majority of the institution's members." This feedback is appreciated by Sébastien Pons, who highlights "the very strong involvement of UM staff in this merger. Other factors contributing to this sense of belonging include UM's unique scientific culture and historical heritage, which, according to observers, are "a source of pride and identity." The consideration of social and environmental responsibility issues is described as "sincere and active."
Research and international influence
The report is also positive about research at UM. Observers note the high quality of research and its "dynamic and visible" promotion policy, with "a significant portfolio of patents" consistent with UM's progress in international rankings. The I-Site Muse and the target establishment project are praised as "levers" for the University and its research organizations' partnership engagement with the socio-economic world. Finally, the High Council highlights scientific integrity , which is "particularly taken into account" in the context of responsible research conduct policy, and, of course, "international recognition in the field of ecology and the environment in the broadest sense."
Experts attribute this influence to an international policy described as "effectively structured" and to "strong expertise in terms of management and assistance in setting up European projects." However, Hcéres recommends the establishment of an international advisory board. "The target institution will enable this issue to be addressed, as new intermediary structures will be created there," explains Sébastien Pons. "To this end, an international advisory committee will be set up to analyze the transformation and development process at the University of Montpellier and provide advice in the international arena."
The "central" place of students
In terms of training, the independent authority welcomes "the constructive dialogue between central services and departments, " thereby validating the autonomy granted to departments. The growing activity in continuing education and apprenticeships, as well as the development of digital technology and its effectiveness during the health crisis, are also noted, as is the proactive accessibility policy pursued in university libraries, "with very long opening hours, which are appreciated by students and staff."
Hcéres also noted the dynamic student life at UM, the richness of its cultural offerings, and the many resources available to students on campus. It highlighted the "central place" reserved for students in governance, but called for greater harmonization of this quality of life by opening it up more to off-campus locations. The report also deplores the absence of a student master plan. This observation has already been taken into account by UM (read: Student life is being reinvented at UM).
Recommendations on certain support functions
Among the recommendations made by the High Council, the report emphasizes the need to implement forward-looking management of jobs, staffing levels, and skills (GPEEC). "We hear this comment," says the DGSA, "and the institution will embark on this work for the next contract. " It also recommends the development of a master plan for the institution's assets. "This involves gaining a better understanding of the condition of our buildings, knowing precisely where our square meters are, how much we consume, etc."
Other planned projects include the digital master plan and the decision-making information system. "It is essential that the information systems deployed within the institution enable reporting that is tailored to both the management team and the various departments for management purposes." Finally, a network of quality representatives between central services, departments, schools, institutes, and research structures will be developed to enable the harmonization of practices in this area as well.
The next step for UM is to draw up, by the end of 2021, the new contract it will sign with the State for the period 2021-2026. "The University of Montpellier is delighted to see its actions and development trajectory confirmed in this evaluation report," concludes its president, Philippe Augé. "It will take all the comments made into account to strengthen its continuous improvement process."
A 3-step assessment
Hcéres is an independent administrative authority responsible for evaluating higher education and research institutions every five years to enable universities to prepare for the renewal of their five-year contract with the State. This evaluation takes place in three stages.
First step: self-assessment
Prior to the assessment carried out by Hcéres, institutions produce a self-assessment report covering all areas audited by the High Council and the entire period covered by the five-year contract. "This is a real opportunity for reflection, during which stakeholders can take stock and try to take a clear and objective look at the past period and begin to think about the actions to be implemented for the coming period," says Sébastien Pons. This document is then sent to Hcéres (in September 2019 for the UM).
Step two: the Hcéres visit
Based on this self-assessment report, independent experts from Hcéres come on site for a three-day visit. "This year, due to the health situation, this had to be done remotely from November 3 to 5," says the DGSA. Seventy-five slots were organized, and more than 200 people participated in the interviews." Among them were deans, directors of research structures and doctoral schools, administrative executives, and representatives of trade unions. External partners were also heard: representatives of research organizations, health institutions, and local authorities—this year, Michael Delafosse, mayor of Montpellier, participated in these interviews—as well as representatives from industry and directors of foundations such as the Jardin des Plantes. At the end of this visit, the experts draft a preliminary report.
Step three: the final report
This provisional report is then sent to the university, which must review it and report any factual errors, but without commenting on the substance. The final report is then finalized by Hcéres, which can only make it public after sending it to the president and appending the latter's comments.