MORoccan Higher Education Leadership (MORHEL)
First study visit to the European Mediterranean University (EMUNI)
28 September – 2 October 2023, Piran – Slovenia.
The MORHEL Consortium participated to the first study visit to the European Mediterranean University (EMUNI) in Piran, Slovenia, from September 28 to October 2, 2023. This milestone event brought together twenty participants from various partner institutions, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of higher education.
During the study visit, participants representing the MORHEL Consortium had the unique opportunity to engage with esteemed higher education institutions from Slovenia, including EMUNI, the University of Ljubljana, the University of Maribor, the IEDC Bled Management School, and Primorska University. Additionally, the delegation interacted with their counterparts from the University of Trieste in Italy.
The comprehensive programme featured a series of engaging activities, including informative presentations, dynamic panel discussions, and hands-on workshops. The diverse array of topics covered during the visit ranged from innovative teaching methods to administrative best practices, enriching the participants with valuable insights and expertise in higher education.
Building on the success of this initial study visit, the MORHEL Consortium is excited to announce that a second study visit is already on the horizon. In early November, the delegation will convene at the University of Granada in Spain. This visit promises to explore the unique aspects of higher education in Spain, further enhancing the consortium’s understanding of global educational practices.
Study Visit 2- EU Best Practices in HE Leadership Development
28 University of Granada, 6 – 10 November 2023
From November 6th to 10th, 2023, delegates representing 11 Moroccan higher education institutions – including Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (AUI), the Euro-Mediterranean University of Fez (UEMF), Moulay Ismail University in Meknes (UMI), the Agronomic and Veterinary Institute Hassan II in Rabat (IAV Hassan II), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Benguerir (UM6P), Chouaib Doukkali University in El Jadida (UCD), Hassan 1st University in Settat (UH1), Ibn Zohr University in Agadir (UIZ), Abdelmalek Essaadi University in Tetouan (UAE), Ibn Tofail University in Kenitra (UIT), Sultan Moulay Slimane University in Beni Mellal (USMS)- alongside representatives from the Moroccan Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation (MESRI), the Università Telematica Pegaso in Italy (UniPegaso), and the EMUNI University in Slovenia participated in the second study visit that took place at a partner university -University of Granada, Spain (UniGranada). This visit was part of the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) project known as the “Moroccan Higher Education Leadership Project (MORHEL).”
The delegation’s primary focus throughout the week was on understanding European best practices in leadership development within higher education. UniGranada’s department heads, including figures like the Dean of the School of Economics and Business, the Chair Co-Director of the Talent Incubator, Head of the Modern Languages Centre, Vice-Deans of Research, Postgraduate Studies, and International Relations, among others, delivered presentations and hosted visits. These engagements provided invaluable insights into the University of Granada’s effective leadership practices, renowned as one of Europe’s leading educational institutions.
In addition to these presentations and visits, representatives from Moroccan higher education institutions participated in workshops facilitated by Dr. Moustaghfir, MORHEL Project Coordinator, Dr. Dawson, Leadership Development Consultant, and Dr. Alice Buzdugan, MORHEL Project External Evaluator. These sessions focused on several critical areas: (a) the National Leadership Development Centre (NLDC), exploring its constitution, structures, operating processes, and satellite hubs; (b) the National Leadership Development Programs (NLDP), covering module content, duration, and delivery methods; (c) designing, implementing, and evaluating NLDPs, drawing insights from comparable projects such as UoG in the UK, MHELM in Moldova, and iHilead in Indonesia; (d) project management, emphasizing coordination for subsequent activities and reinforcing university partners’ responsibilities and deadlines for their assigned work packages; and (e) the project’s quality assessment methodology, identifying key issues for the project team to address.
Train-the-Trainers Program – MORHEL Erasmus+ CBHE Project
May 8-10, 2024, at Al Akhawayn Conference Center in Ifrane, and with the support of the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, represented by Professor Tahar EL QOUR, Director of Human Resources, and Professor Amal LAARIBI, Advisor to the Minister, Al Akhawayn University presided over a gathering of 50 participants from 11 Moroccan universities and 3 European universities for a Train-the-Trainers program. This program aimed to facilitate collaboration and ensure the effective implementation of the National Leadership Development Program.
The Train-the-Trainers program sought to cultivate positive synergies among trainers, share program expectations, and establish a common understanding of design, delivery, and assessment procedures. It focused on developing modules centered on three key themes: Leading Strategy & Governance, Leading Operations & Systems, and Leading People & Change.
Simultaneously, sessions on project management covered topics such as activity and financial reporting and the setup of the National Leadership Development Center.
