The Inter-University Network for Quality Assurance (RIAC) marked a milestone last Monday, December 4th, by holding its first in-person workshop on the theme "Towards Institutional Quality Assurance Systems." The meeting took place at the Buenos Aires headquarters of the [university name missing]. Universidad Australwhere more than 170 representatives from 55 national, private and provincial universities met in a hybrid format, combining face-to-face and virtual participation.

The initiative takes on special significance as it consolidates over two years of efforts by RIAC, a network that, since March 2021, has brought together professionals, technicians, and researchers in the field of Higher Education. The event was held within the framework of Resolution APN-ME No. 2597/2023, which aims to create and strengthen management units for the implementation of Institutional Quality Assurance Systems (SIAC). According to national regulations, these systems will be responsible for promoting and strengthening a culture of quality assessment within the framework of institutional development plans.

The event was attended by the Rector of the Universidad AustralJulián Rodríguez, who highlighted the importance of advancing educational quality and the commitment of university institutions to continuous evaluation. In this regard, María Pita, Director of Evaluation and Institutional Analysis at Austral University, noted the importance of being part of the RIAC: “This interaction positions the Universidad Austral as a benchmark in the field of quality assurance in the Argentine university system.” He added that “in 2024, activities will continue to be organized with the overarching goal of holding a Congress with presentations on the topic.”

The day's program included two panels of experts who addressed various topics related to university management and quality assurance policies. In the first panel, leading researchers offered their perspectives:

• "Advances in research on public policies for quality assurance and university configuration: the SIACs", led by Dr. Mónica Marquina (CONICET-UNTREF)
• "International experience in evaluating internal quality assurance systems," presented by Dr. Ariana De Vincenzi (INQAAHE-UAI)
• “Rethinking institutional evaluation in contexts of educational inclusion” with Dr. Martín Aiello (UNTREF)

In the second panel, the experts addressed equally relevant topics:

• "The system for ensuring the quality of teaching performance at the University. A case study," with Dr. Ángela Corengia (Universidad Austral)
• "Institutional Quality Assurance Systems (SIAC) and the evaluation and accreditation processes in Argentina," with Professor Carlos Pérez Rasetti (UNPA)
• "Information and Indicators for the Evaluation of the University Budget," with Dr. Juan Doberti (UBA)

The day also provided a space for sharing work experiences, where specialists in the management of national and private universities presented on institutional evaluation, program accreditation, and the production of statistical information. The presentations were given by María Pita (Universidad Austral), Graciela Giménez (UNRN), Marina Quiroga (UNaM) and María Eugenia Maldonado (UNLu).

This RIAC Working Session provided a valuable exchange of knowledge and experiences to advance the strengthening of Institutional Quality Assurance Systems in Higher Education. RIAC reaffirms its commitment to continuous improvement and academic excellence in all participating institutions.

Along these lines, the “Universidad Austral“The Directorate of Institutional Evaluation and Analysis is currently defining its own system, based on existing evaluation and accreditation processes, and in line with the University's strategic plan. The network provides a framework for continuous improvement and the exchange of experiences that contributes to its development,” concluded María Pita.