The aim of the ambassador programme is to enable academics—particularly Early Career Researchers (ECRs)—in European higher education institutions to understand and explore the role higher education and research play for democracies in Europe and to become ambassadors for democracy within their institutions, their research communities, as well as in society. Particularly in this moment when both democracy and many of the fundamental values, such as academic freedom and autonomy, are under threat across Europe, it is crucial to ensure that we as the academic community have a concrete, shared understanding thereof to strengthen and safeguard both higher education and democracy. The programme consists of three parts. PART III  – INSTITUTIONS, LEGISLATIONS, AND QUESTIONS OF ALIGNMENT focuses on the three international institutions (UNESCO, CoE, and EU) that structure the EHEA and the ERA and thus provide the frameworks for research and higher education in Europe.

What competences will the participants have acquired by the end of the course (ValDem I-III)?

knowledge

• understands the role of higher education in and for democracies in Europe

• understands their own role as academics and citizens in Europe 

• understands their own role and responsibilities in the higher education and research environment, as well as other stakeholders’ roles and responsibilities

• knows and understands the ‘democratic mission’ of higher education and the six EHEA fundamental values as formulated by the Council of Europe

• understands the legislative and governance context in which research and teaching at HEIs take place 

• understands the key frameworks of the EU and the EHEA and the European Higher Education Policies, especially the democratic principles, and is familiar with the respective policy documents

• understands the difference of the global/European role of higher education and local contexts

• understands the current challenges higher education and research face

skills

• is able to advocate effectively for democratic principles and values-based higher education policies and governance

• is able to analyse local circumstances and find local solutions and interacting points

• is able to communicate EHEA values and principles effectively and in an understandable and engaging manner

• is able to mobilize others to participate in advocacy and local solutions

values

• is committed to democratic principles and the human rights

• is committed to academic freedom, academic integrity, and institutional autonomy

• is committed to diversity, intercultural dialog, respect, equity, and equality 

• is committed to ethical standards and the elimination of discriminatory practices

• is committed to student and staff participation in higher education governance 

• is committed to public responsibility for higher education and public responsibility of higher education

• respects different practices that are grounded in fairness, democratic procedures, and the democratic rule of law