Since 2019, the Dean’s Office for Research and Graduate Studies (PROPPG/UEL) has been systematizing the self-assessment of Stricto Sensu Graduate Programs. In October 2019, the Institutional Graduate Evaluation Committee (CIAPG) was established under the coordination of Prof. Dr. Claudemir Zucareli, with the mission to standardize the evaluation process and support strategic planning. Each program created its Self-Assessment Committee (CAA), responsible for administering questionnaires to students, alumni, and faculty, following minimum criteria established by CIAPG.
Between 2021 and 2023, under the coordination of Prof. Dr. Lucy Megumi Yamauchi Lioni, CIAPG organized the 1st Self-Assessment Forum (May 18-19, 2023), featuring lectures by CAPES specialists and discussions across knowledge areas (Humanities, Life Sciences, and Exact/Technological Sciences). The event highlighted challenges, potentials, and goals for the programs.
On June 17, 2024, the Strategic Planning Seminar was held, consolidating continuous evaluation actions and alignment with institutional guidelines.
Main Objective: Enhance graduate education quality through participatory evaluation, strategic planning, and integration with national policies (CAPES).
Access links below:
PROPPG Institutional Self-Assessment
Graduate Program Self-Assessment Plan 2019-2021
Ordinance 003-2020 – Graduate Evaluation Committee
Graduate Program Self-Assessment Plan 2022-2026
Student Evaluation Form
Faculty Evaluation Form
Alumni Performance and Evaluation Form
UEL Graduate Programs Institutional Self-Assessment Report
PPGEO/UEL Self-Assessment
The PPGEO/UEL self-assessment process follows internal regulations, developed and executed by a specific committee composed of members from the Coordinating Committee, faculty, active researchers, alumni, and an external ad-hoc evaluator.
The strategy is defined within PPGEO-UEL’s political and pedagogical scope, reflecting the Program’s identity construction, while tactics may be adjusted based on external evaluation and self-assessment results. The self-assessment process, considering its formative and collective nature, contributes to reformulations, adaptations, and strategic planning corrections.
PPGEO-UEL has achieved important goals in researcher training, higher education and basic education personnel development, technical training in Geography-specific fields, scientific knowledge production, and societal engagement through academic dissemination, partnerships, and extension activities. These achievements are documented in external evaluation processes and national/international rankings.
The need for simple, objective instruments was identified to ensure systematic data meets communication requirements and provides clarity, objectivity, and intentionality in applying diagnostic-generated guidelines.
Principles and Methods for Self-Assessment
The methods follow these principles:
- Systematization of self-reflective processes for cumulative learning about management
- Periodicity to establish concrete stages for data collection, systematization, and dissemination
- Respect for individuality, privacy, and prevention of moral punishment
- Transparency in information collection and dissemination
- Support for individual and collective decision-making processes
Instruments
The following self-assessment instruments are implemented:
- Semester student activity plans and evaluation reports
- Annual faculty activity plans and evaluation reports
- Questionnaires for direct data collection from faculty and students
- General program planning and institutional action evaluation reports
- Biannual self-assessment seminar and digital dissemination of results
Results
Summary of Key Self-Assessment Outcomes
The PPGEO-UEL self-assessment resulted in various improvements:
Scientific Event Participation:
Increased student participation through PROAP funding redirection.
Academic Feedback:
Faculty were guided to provide feedback on student papers to enhance quality and publication potential.
Student and Alumni Profile:
54.8% chose the program for faculty qualifications; 35.5% for professional development. 58.1% cited social mobility expectations. Alumni showed increased income and professional insertion.
Foreign Language Publications:
New investments in translating articles to English, French, and Spanish.
Affirmative Actions:
Implemented quotas for Black and LGBTQIA+ students, plus support circles.
Self-Assessment Committee:
Renewed in 2024 with diverse representation, committed to methodological continuity.
2024 Biannual Self-Assessment Forum:
Reinforced research qualification, timely thesis defense, and lab permanence.
Professional Insertion and Strategic Planning:
Most students aim for higher education careers. Self-assessment has strengthened research line balance, faculty qualification, interdisciplinarity, and internationalization.
Conclusion:
Continuous self-assessment has been crucial for identifying weaknesses, implementing improvements, and planning PPGEO-UEL’s future, demonstrating concrete advances in scientific production, professional insertion, equity, and academic quality.
Self-Assessment Proposal for the Graduate Program in Geography