RKRN

RKRN – Estonian Rectors’ Conference of Universities of Applied Sciences (RCUAS) is the cooperation body for Estonian universities of applied sciences. The purpose of the RCUAS is to participate in the shaping of Estonian educational politics and development of applied higher education of Estonia in accordance with established international standards. In order to achieve these objectives, the RCUAS is entitled to:

1. discuss subjects of common interest to universities of applied sciences, take decisions and form opinions on issues of common interest;
2. submit proposals for introduction and amendment of draft Acts and conduct their analysis in the preparation (coordination) stage;
3. initiate and participate in projects that have a beneficial effect on the education of Estonia;
4. generalize and share the experience of universities of applied sciences operating in Estonia and abroad;
5. organize study-related/scientific conferences, workshops and symposiums;
6. develop international relations;
7. establish work groups and committees, invite experts to take part in these and submit proposals regarding the arrangement of educational affairs in Estonia;
8. communicate with other unions, authorities and organizations;
9. to send its representatives to participate in their work groups and committees.

In accordance with the contract, the RCUAS consists of rectors of universities of applied sciences of Estonia or their representatives appointed by a higher organ independent of departmental subordination or form of ownership of the university.

Rectors represent their universities of applied sciences in the RCUAS, their membership is based on their rector status.

The main form of work of the RCUAS is session.

The Chairman of RCUAS manages the work of the RCUAS. The Chairman and Vice Chairman are elected for a one-year term and their positions are filled by members of the RCUAS who are appointed at the last ordinary session of a year for the following year.

RCUAS is the member of EURASHE. EURASHE is the European Association of Institutions in Higher Education that offer professionally orientated programmes and are engaged in applied and profession-related research within the Bologna cycles. EURASHE represents universities of applied sciences and university colleges; other members of EURASHE are national and sectorial associations of higher education institutions, and other individual institutions, such as universities. EURASHE members operate within and across different national systems whether these are unitary or binary, professional and/or academic. EURASHE was founded in Patras, Greece in 1990. EURASHE is represented over 40 countries within and outside the EHEA.