Membership in BALKANETUP
BALKANETUP includes apart from HEIs, a diverse range of members, including professors, lecturers, teaching assistants, academic support staff, instructional designers, members of international offices, researchers and (post)doctoral students, CTLs, stakeholders and experts, and all kinds of educational organizations. The networking of this community provides to its members with an opportunity to collaborate, exchange knowledge and best practices, and work together with their colleagues to improve the quality of teaching and learning in higher education. All members are committed to promoting excellence in teaching and learning in higher education.
There are three types of membership:
An Institutional one, for HEIs interested in innovative learning methods associated with a curriculum and for all kinds of organizations and foundations supporting active learning methods in the Western Balkan region. HEIs could claim their membership through their CTL, if it exists. Institutional membership is represented by an authorized member of the Academia of each HEI.
An individual membership is available for interested individual scholars, researchers and members of HEIs who have a strong interest for University Pedagogy.
Associated memberships regarding educational organizations (via an authorized representative) who do not have an existing / official relation to HEIs or CTLs but they study or they are willing to work in the field of University Pedagogy or in relevant scientific areas. All pedagogical / adult education/ lifelong learning institutions which carry out research work and show interest in the field of University Pedagogy are eligible to become an associated member.
The procedure to become a member is to fill an application, a statement of adherence to network policies and guidelines, a summary of qualifications and expertise regarding University Pedagogy, and a will for active participation in network activities. Additionally, logos and link on the official web pages of the institution are required.
The network's governing body (Steering Committee) reviews applications for acceptance and decision on entering the BALKANETUP is taken by a simple majority vote of the presented within an Assembly meeting which takes place twice a year.
All HEIs and members of the MAGNET project are eligible for participating in the BALKANETUP. In addition to the initial members, future memberships include other HEIs, CTLs, individuals or educational organizations/ foundations located in the Western Balkans region or all over Europe, thus the network expands to organizations and institutions that share a similar vision and mission.
Duties and Responsibilities of members
All HEIs, individuals and organizations active in teaching and learning in higher education and lifelong learning or with an interest and firm commitment to invest resources in University Pedagogy can become a member.
Entering the BALKANETUP includes some ethical requirements and expectations. Members are expected to demonstrate an interest and/or excellence in teaching and learning in higher education, active engagement in research and development activities related to teaching and learning in HEIs, quality assurance and accreditation, respect for all members and their work, ethical scientific attitude and a collaborative and student-centered culture.
Members have both obligations and rights. They should have an active participation, sharing knowledge and resources, and dissemination activities. They must contribute to the network's goals, including supporting initiatives and other members of the BALKANETUP, complying with the rules and regulations of the network. Additionally, they are required to share relevant information related to teaching and learning in higher education. Online networking is needed to provide relevant and timely content to their members, encourage participation and interaction, foster a sense of community, use technology to enhance engagement, and provide ongoing support and professional development opportunities to their members.