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Following ESSEC’s successful application for maintenance of AACSB accreditation last year, the energies of many at ESSEC are currently focused on EQUIS re-accreditation. The European Quality Improvement System, in tandem with EFMD, strives to raise the quality of management education worldwide. The accreditation system offers a stamp of approval for all institutions that successfully go through the accreditation process.
Recognizing academic excellence
Covering all programs from first degree level through to Ph.D., EQUIS and, by extension, accredited schools receive international recognition for excellence. The goals of the system are numerous, as indicated on its official website:
“EQUIS attaches particular importance to the creation of an effective learning environment that favors the development of students’ managerial and entrepreneurial skills, and fosters their sense of global responsibility. It also looks for innovation in all respects, including program design and pedagogy.” Having met these and many other stringent criteria 5 years ago, ESSEC has been preparing for the visit of the EQUIS Peer Review Team on March 11-13. Over the three days, the members of the team (all representatives of world-class institutions of education) meet with senior members of ESSEC Business School as well as representatives of the various programs (including students).
Prior to their visit, they were able to study a comprehensive report compiled by the Dean of the Faculty’s service that details the many developments at ESSEC over the past 5 years.
Having successfully gone through the process in record time (January-June 2003) for its initial accreditation application 5 years ago, expectation is high for the renewal of this prestigious mark of quality. Further news will appear in future issues of the International Newsletter.
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