The AVA system (Self-Assessment - Periodic Evaluation - Accreditation) aims to improve the quality of teaching and research carried out in universities, through the application of a Quality Assurance (QA) model based on internal procedures for the design, management, self-assessment and improvement of training and scientific activities and on a clear and transparent external verification.
The verification results in a judgment of Accreditation, the outcome of a process through which the possession (initial accreditation) or permanence (periodic accreditation) are recognized to a University (and its Degree Courses) of the Quality Requirements that make it suitable for the performance of its institutional functions.
PERIODIC EVALUATION OF UNIVERSITIES
The task of carrying out the periodic evaluation of individual universities is assigned to ANVUR. Aspects of efficiency, the economic and financial sustainability of the activities and results achieved in the field of teaching and research must be taken into account. ANVUR is also define the procedures, criteria and indicators for carrying out the periodic evaluation activity and to propose them to the Ministry, which adopts them by decree. The proposed indicators have to be consistent with the standards and guidelines established by the European Association for Quality Assurance of the University System and take into account the general guidelines of the three-year programming of the Universities. Finally, ANVUR is responsible for monitoring and verifying the indicators.
SELF-ASSESSMENT OF UNIVERSITIES
The self-assessment and internal evaluation are institutional activities which must follow methodologies, criteria and indicators developed by the individual universities in compliance with those defined by ANVUR.
Evaluation Units have to monitor the application of the criteria and indicators established by ANVUR for the evaluation, and to verify the adequacy of the self-assessment process of the Degree Courses. The Joint Teacher-Student Commissions have to monitor the educational offer and the quality of teaching, as well as the assistance received by to students from professors and researchers and to deliberate on the possible activation and suppression of Degree Courses.