Hcéres report: "An undeniable success".
Last April, the Haut conseil de l'évaluation de la recherche et de l'enseignement supérieur published its report on the University of Montpellier. Strategy, governance, research, training and student life were all scrutinized by the experts. Sébastien Pons, Deputy Director General of Services, in charge of strategic analysis and change management, sums up this "very positive" assessment.
It's a cycle that punctuates the life of higher education and research establishments. Every five years, the Haut conseil de l'évaluation de la recherche et de l'enseignement supérieur (Hcéres), the French High Council for the Evaluation of Research and Higher Education, delivers its report to university presidents. This document concludes the five-year contract (2015-2020) between the French government and the University of Montpellier, and serves as the basis for the new contractual period 2021-2026 [see box: A three-stage evaluation].
"A strong sense of belonging
"It's a very positive assessment and a high-quality report, which we feel is based on a fair perception of the establishment's strategy and activities," says Sébastien Pons, UM Deputy Director General of Services. " We agree with the many strong points and take into account the weak points and critical assessments, which will serve as a basis for our next contract with the State", he continues, thanking all the staff for their investment and help throughout the evaluation process, which involved more than 200 people.
The evaluation is expected to be the first since the 2015 merger and creation of the University of Montpellier. A point on which the Hcéres is particularly dithyrambic, describing the merger as "an undeniable success [...] evidenced by a strong sense of belonging and shared practices for the majority of the institution's members." Sébastien Pons appreciates this feedback, underlining "the very strong involvement of UM staff in this merger." Other factors contributing to this sense of belonging are the UM's specific scientific culture and historical heritage, which, according to observers, constitute "an object of pride and identity." The UM's commitment to social and environmental responsibility is described as "sincere and active".
" Research and international influence
The report is equally positive about research at UM. Observers note the high quality of research and its "dynamic and visible" commercialization policy, with "a substantial patent portfolio" in line with UM's progress in international rankings. The Muse I-Site and the establishment-target project are hailed as "levers" for the commitment of the University and its research organizations to partnerships with the socio-economic world. Last but not least, the High Council underlines the scientific integrity "particularly taken into account" as part of the policy of responsible conduct in research and, of course, "international recognition in the field of ecology and the environment in the broadest sense".
The experts attribute this reputation to an international policy that they describe as "effectively structured", as well as to "strong expertise in terms of management and assistance in setting up European projects". The Hcéres nevertheless recommends the creation of an international advisory board. Sébastien Pons explains: "This will be corrected in the target institution, where new intermediary structures will be created. To this end, an international advisory board will be set up to analyze the University of Montpellier's transformation and development process, and to formulate opinions in the international arena".
The "central" role of students
In terms of training, the independent authority praises "the constructive dialogue between central services and the components", thus validating the autonomy devolved to the components. The growing activity of 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 policy of accessibility implemented in university libraries, "with very wide opening hours, appreciated by students and staff alike".
Nor was the Hcéres indifferent to the dynamism of student life at the UM, the richness of its cultural offering and the many facilities available to students on campus. It notes the "central role" reserved for students in the UM's governance structure, but calls for greater harmonization of this quality of life by opening it up more fully to off-site locations. The report also deplores the absence of a student master plan. This observation has already been taken on board by the UM (see : Student life invented at UM).
Recommendations for certain support functions
Among the recommendations made by the High Council, the report stresses the need to set up a forward-looking management of jobs, staff and skills (GPEEC). We have taken this on board, " explains the DGSA, " and the establishment will be undertaking this work for the next contract. He also recommends drawing up an asset master plan. "The aim is to gain a better understanding of the state of our buildings, to know exactly where our square meters are, how much we consume...".
Other planned projects include a digital master plan and a decision-making information system. "It is essential that the information systems deployed within the establishment enable appropriate reporting both to the management team and to the structures for steering purposes". Last but not least, a network of quality coordinators will be set up between central departments, UFRs, schools and institutes, and research organizations, in order to harmonize practices.
The next step for the UM is to draw up, by the end of 2021, the new contract it will sign with the French government for the period 2021-2026. "The University of Montpellier is delighted to see its action and development trajectory reinforced in this evaluation report," concludes its President, Philippe Augé. It will take into account all the comments made to reinforce its continuous improvement approach."
A 3-stage assessment
Hcéres is an independent administrative authority responsible for evaluating higher education and research establishments every five years, to enable universities to prepare for the renewal of their five-year contracts with the French government. This evaluation takes place in 3 stages.
First stage: self-evaluation
Prior to the Hcéres evaluation, the institutions draw up a self-evaluation report covering all the areas audited by the High Council and the entire period covered by the five-year contract. "This is a real moment for reflection, during which those involved can take a clear, objective look at the past period and begin to think about the actions to be implemented for the period ahead", says Sébastien Pons. This document is then forwarded to the Hcéres (in September 2019 for the UM).
Second stage: Hcéres visit
On the basis of this self-assessment report, the independent experts from Hcéres visit the site for three days. This year, due to the health context, this had to be done remotely from November 3 to 5," explains the DGSA. Seventy-five slots were organized, and over 200 people took part in the interviews. Among them were deans, directors of research structures and doctoral schools, administrative executives and union representatives. External partners were also interviewed: representatives of research organizations, healthcare establishments, local authorities - this year, Michael Delafosse, Mayor of Montpellier, took part in these interviews - as well as representatives of the industrial world and directors of foundations such as the Jardin des Plantes. At the end of the visit, the experts draw up a provisional report.
Third stage: the final report
This provisional report is then forwarded to the university, which is asked to read it and point out any factual errors, but without making any substantive observations. The final report is then finalized by Hcéres, which can only make it public once it has been forwarded to the president, with the latter's comments appended.