Hcéres Report: “An Undeniable Success”
Last April, the High Council for the Evaluation of Research and Higher Education published a report on the University of Montpellier. From strategy and governance to research, education, and student life, these experts examined every aspect in detail. Here’s 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 institutions of higher education and research. 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 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 sidebar: A Three-Step Evaluation Process].
“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 theUM. “We agree with many of the key findings and are taking into account the areas for improvement and critical assessments, which will serve as a foundation for our next contract with the government,” he continued, taking the opportunity to thank all staff members for their dedication and support throughout an evaluation process that involved more than 200 people.
This evaluation is anticipated as the first since the 2015 merger and the creation of the University of Montpellier. Hcéres is particularly effusive on this point, describing the merger as “an undeniable success […] evidenced by a strong sense of belonging and shared practices among the majority of the institution’s members.” Sébastien Pons welcomes this assessment, highlighting “the very strong commitment of the staff at theUM to this merger.” ” Other factors contributing to this sense of belonging include the scientific culture and unique historical heritage of theUM , 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 proactive.”
"High-quality ' Research ' and international influence"
The report is also positive regarding research at theUM. Observers note the high quality of the research and its “dynamic and visible” commercialization policy, featuring “a significant portfolio of patents” that aligns with theUM ’s rise in international rankings. The I-Site Muse and the university’s strategic plan 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 “given particular consideration” within the framework of the policy on responsible research conduct, 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 assistance with 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" square for students
In terms of training, the independent authority commends “the constructive dialogue between central services and the constituent units, ” thereby endorsing 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 extended opening hours, which are appreciated by students and staff.”
Hcéres also took note of the vibrancy of student life at theUM, the richness of its cultural offerings, and the wide range of resources available to students on campus. It highlights the “central role” reserved for students 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 the “UM ” (read: Student Life Is Being Reinvented at theUM).
Recommendations regarding certain support functions
Among the recommendations issued by the High Council, the report emphasizes the need to implement a strategic plan for jobs, workforce, and skills (GPEEC). “We take this comment seriously,” says the DGSA, “and the institution will begin this work for the next contract.” It also recommends developing a master plan for the institution’s real estate portfolio. “The goal is to gain a better understanding of the condition of our buildings, to know exactly where our square meters are located, how much energy we consume…”
Other planned initiatives include the digital master plan and the decision-support information system. “It is indeed necessary that the information systems deployed within the institution enable reporting tailored not only to the management team but also to the various units for steering purposes.” Finally, a network of quality liaisons will be established among central administrative offices, academic departments (UFRs), schools, institutes, and research units to ensure consistency in practices across the board.
The next step for theUM is now 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,” concluded its president, Philippe Augé. “It will take all of the comments into account 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-Evaluation
Prior to the evaluation conducted by Hcéres, institutions prepare a self-evaluation 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 consider the actions to be implemented for the coming period, ” says Sébastien Pons. This document is then submitted to Hcéres (in September 2019 for theUM).
Step Two: The Hcéres Visit
Based on this self-evaluation report, independent Hcéres experts visit the site for a three-day assessment. “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 scheduled, 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 the business sector and directors of foundations such as the Jardin des Plantes Foundation. Following this visit, the experts draft a preliminary report.
Step 3: The Final Report
This draft report is then forwarded to the university, which must review it and flag any factual errors—but without commenting on the substance. 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.