Hcéres Report: “An undeniable success”
Last April, the High Council for the Evaluation of Research and Higher Education published its report on the University of Montpellier. From strategy and governance to research, education, and student life, these experts scrutinized every aspect. Here is a summary of this “very positive” evaluation with Sébastien Pons, Deputy Director General of Services, responsible for strategic analysis and change management.
This is a cycle that shapes the rhythm of life at higher education and research institutions. Every five years, the High Council for the Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (Hcéres) submits its report to university presidents. This document concludes the previous five-year contract (2015–2020) between the government and the University of Montpellier and serves as the basis for the new contractual period, 2021–2026 [see box: A three-step evaluation].
“A strong sense of belonging”
“This is a very positive evaluation and a high-quality report that we believe is based on an accurate understanding of the institution’s strategy and operations,” said Sébastien Pons, Deputy Director General of Services at the UM. “We agree with many of the key findings and are taking into account the weaknesses and critical assessments, which will serve as a basis for our next contract with the government,” he continued, taking the opportunity to thank all staff members for their dedication and assistance throughout an evaluation process that involved more than 200 people.
This evaluation is the first since the 2015 merger and the creation of the University of Montpellier. A point on which Hcéres is particularly effusive, describing this merger as “an undeniable success […] evidenced by a strong sense of belonging and shared practices among the majority of the institution’s members.” Feedback 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 specific scientific culture and historical heritage, which, according to observers, constitute “a source of pride and identity.” The institution’s approach to social and environmental responsibility is described as “sincere and active.”
" Research " and international reach
The report is also positive regarding research at UM. Observers note the high quality of the research and its “dynamic and visible” commercialization policy, featuring “a significant portfolio of patents” that aligns with UM’s rise in international rankings. The I-Site Muse and the target institution project are praised as “drivers” of the University’s and its research organizations’ partnership engagement with the socio-economic sector. Finally, the High Council highlights scientific integrity , which is “particularly taken into account” within the framework of the policy on responsible conduct in research, 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” as well as to “strong expertise in management and support for setting up European projects.” Hcéres nevertheless recommends establishing an international advisory board. “The target institution will address this issue since new intermediary structures will be created there,” explains Sébastien Pons. “To this end, an international advisory committee will be established to analyze the University of Montpellier’s transformation and development process and provide guidance on international matters.”
The "central" role of students
With regard to training, the independent authority commends “the constructive dialogue between central services and the constituent units, ” thereby affirming the autonomy granted to those units. 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 implemented in university libraries, “with very long opening hours, appreciated by students and staff.”
Hcéres also took note of the vibrancy of student life at UM, the richness of its cultural offerings, and the wide range of resources available to students on campus. It highlights the “central role” students play in governance but calls for greater harmonization of this quality of life by extending it further to off-campus locations. The report also laments the absence of a student master plan. This observation has already been taken into account by UM (read: Student Life Takes Shape at UM).
Recommendations regarding certain support functions
Among the recommendations issued by the High Council, the report emphasizes the need to implement a strategic management plan for jobs, staffing, and skills (GPEEC). “We take this comment to heart,” says the DGSA, “and the institution will undertake this work for the next contract.” It also recommends developing a master plan for the institution’s real estate assets . “The goal is to better understand the condition of our buildings, to know exactly where our square footage is located, how much energy we consume…”
Other planned initiatives include the digital master plan and the decision-support information system. “It is indeed necessary for the information systems deployed within the institution to enable reporting tailored not only for the management team but also for the various units for management purposes.” Finally, a network of quality representatives linking central services, academic departments, schools, institutes, and research units will be established to facilitate the harmonization of practices in this area as well.
The next step for UM is to draft, by the end of 2021, the new contract it will sign with the government for the 2021–2026 period. “The University of Montpellier is pleased to see its efforts and development trajectory affirmed in this evaluation report,” concludes its president, Philippe Augé. “It will take into account all the comments made to strengthen its commitment to continuous improvement.”
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 contracts with the government. This evaluation takes place in three stages.
Step 1: Self-assessment
Prior to the evaluation conducted by Hcéres, institutions prepare a self-assessment report covering all areas audited by the High Council and the entire period covered by the five-year contract. “It’s a real opportunity for reflection, during which stakeholders can take a step back and try to take a clear-eyed, 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 submitted to Hcéres (in September 2019 for the UM).
Step Two: The Hcéres visit
Based on this self-evaluation report, independent experts from Hcéres come on-site for a three-day visit. “This year, due to the health situation, this had to be conducted remotely from November 3 to 5,” explains the DGSA. “Seventy-five time slots were organized, and more than 200 people participated in the interviews.” Among them were deans, directors of research units and doctoral schools, administrative executives, and representatives of labor unions. External partners were also consulted: representatives from research organizations, healthcare institutions, and local governments—this year, Michael Delafosse, mayor of Montpellier, notably participated in these interviews—as well as representatives from industry and directors of foundations such as the Jardin des Plantes. Following this visit, the experts draft a preliminary report.
Step 3: The Final Report
This draft report is then sent to the university, which must review it and flag any factual errors, but without commenting on the substance of the report. The final report is then finalized by Hcéres, which may not make it public until it has been submitted to the president and the president’s comments have been appended.