The second-cycle degree programme Solidarity Studies, launched at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Gdańsk, has received ex ante accreditation from the Polish Accreditation Committee, confirming the high quality of the study programme and its compliance with current educational standards.

The coordinator of the programme’s development, prof. Maria Mendel, points out that, following the ex ante accreditation by the PAC, Solidarity Studies will be entered into The European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education and the programme will be listed in the DEQAR (The Database of External Quality Assurance Reports): ‘This increases the chances of information about our programme reaching potentially interested applicants both in Europe and beyond. It must be admitted that the process of preparing for ex ante accreditation was labour-intensive, but it also helped the staff - affiliated with several units at the University of Gdańsk and other higher education institutions - to get to know one another better and to consolidate their team. Today, we feel that we are a team. Furthermore, through the activities related to accreditation, the programme has raised its profile and enhanced its reputation. Among other things, there was a very positive response from international academic circles - from which some of our lecturers will be recruited - whilst non-academic organisations, which had already reacted enthusiastically to the idea of launching Solidarity Studies in Gdańsk, were joined by others, committing to systematic, multi-faceted cooperation.’

‘Obtaining ex ante accreditation for the Solidarity Studies programme is of particular significance to the University of Gdańsk. This is the first ex ante accreditation in the history of our university (and one of the first in the history of the PAC), confirming the high quality of the study programme and the effectiveness of the collaboration between all the teams involved in its development. This is an important step in the development of the University of Gdańsk’s academic offering and proof that we are capable of creating modern, innovative degree programmes that respond to contemporary challenges. I am convinced that Solidarity Studies will become a recognised degree programme with international potential and will strengthen the University of Gdańsk’s position as an institution setting new standards in education,’ says the Vice-Rector for Education at the University of Gdańsk, dr Ewa Szymczak, prof. UG.

As emphasised by the Director of the Education Office, Anna Smykowska, obtaining ex ante accreditation confirms that the programme design process was carried out thoroughly and that there was close cooperation between the academic and administrative teams responsible for preparing the new course offering.