Krasoslovje

The sample evaluation of the postgraduate and doctoral program (3rd level) in Karstology at the University of Nova Gorica (UNG) was conducted online by a group of experts, in accordance with the recommendations, criteria and specifications of the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (NAKVIS). Formally, the Karstology program, as a part of the studies at UNG, meets the requirements of the evaluated areas. The higher education institution evaluates and updates the content, composition, and delivery of the program of study (Standard 1). The higher education institution regularly monitors, reviews, and improves the implementation of the program of study (Standard 3). It also properly implements the study program (Standard 4) and ensures the rights of participants in the study program (Standard 5). To a certain extent, Standard 2 is also fulfilled, namely the implementation of the tasks resulting from the selfevaluation reports. A necessary opportunity for improvement is the direct participation of all stakeholders in the process of preparing a self-evaluation report and informing the stakeholders about the actions taken. Therefore, we believe that the quality loop is not completely closed. Otherwise, UNG operates in accordance with the law and educational programs in the sense that all its higher education institutions fulfil their mission in accordance with national and their own regulations. The advantages of the Karstology study program are undoubtedly numerous. It should be emphasized that it is an extremely high-quality, interdisciplinary program study that produces highly qualified karstologists. A small and entirely sufficient number of students allows for an in-depth, individualized approach with plenty of practical work, including field work, where the mentor can fully dedicate himself to his candidate, ensuring maximum final results. At the same time, the number meets market demands, employment opportunities, and funding in the form of scholarships. Tuition is high, but it covers the program financially and allows for the ongoing purchase of missing research equipment. Lecturers and students collaborate intensively with domestic and foreign institutions that offer high quality studies. An individual approach taken by all parties involved (including students) enables prompt, quick, direct, and efficient resolution of all problems and complications. 17 However, during the evaluation we noticed some minor shortcomings that could be given some attention to in the future, depending on the possibilities. Ongoing and individual problem solving is quick and effective but may fail for larger problems and violations. Therefore, we suggest the introduction of formal meetings that are attended and minuted by all stakeholders. The material can then be used in self-evaluation reports. The report should be short, concise, and contain relevant information. We suggest records in the form of bullets, the principle of SWOT analysis. Curricula should be updated to have a more modern form and content that reflects the actual state of implementation of each subject. Researchers/teachers should participate in professional development courses in higher education. Detailed instructions for writing dissertations and a formal student complaint procedure should also be developed. UNG should make every effort to build a campus that facilitates study, especially for foreign students. A major shortcoming concerns Standard 2, where we found a quality loop that is not closed. The reports are too similar over the years, are the work of a small number of people, and do not include an adequate action plan. The program of study needs to establish a complete quality system in which all stakeholders (including students) are directly involved. The system must allow for ongoing evaluation of stakeholders and recording of initiatives, requests, and even opportunities for improvement in a clear and concise manner. However, the report must clearly indicate what has been done of the above, how, and why (not). All stakeholders (including students) should learn about these results directly. Finally, the fact that Slovenia represents the cradle of karstology and research should be emphasized. We believe that Slovenia will continue to maintain this pre-eminence thanks to the study program of karstology and the activities of the Institute for Karst Research ZRC SAZU as the institution overseeing the program. Finally, the members of the group would like to thank all those who ensured that the online "visit" of UNG took place at a very high level, Ms. Nataša Kramar - NAKVIS expert, UNG management, especially the Dean Prof. Dr. Iztok Arčon and the Director of the Study Program Prof. Dr. Martin Knez and all other participants for their constructive participation in the interviews.