A visible sign of the growing cooperation in higher education world-wide is the increasing number of associations, consortia, networks, etc. in the field. Their aims, history and activities, however, are less tangible for outsiders. Why were they founded? Who and where are their members? What do they do and how can they be contacted? The new ACA Handbook answers these questions by systematically presenting one hundred non-governmental networks in higher education with an international membership.
The book is divided into five main sections. The first four are dedicated to “portraits” of regional associations that were selected for inclusion in the publication. The last section comprises of associations with a world-wide coverage. All portraits follow the same structure, for easy comparability. Beyond technical information, such as contact details, legal personality, chief executive officers and presidents, the year of foundation and the last operational budget available, the entries strive to yield an insight into the vitae of the organisations, under the headings: aims, history, membership, governance, standard activities and regular events, projects and initiatives, publications and other information sources. In short, the entries seek to give the reader a concise but palatable overview of the particular association’s both “outer and inner life”.
What kind of assocations are listed in the publication? In essence, there are three types. First, groupings of universities and other higher education institutions themselves (e.g. the Coimbra Group, the Association of Pacific Rim Universities, the World Cities University Network, to name a few). Second, networks of individuals belonging to these institutions (academics, administrators, students). The third type are European, Asian, etc., or global “umbrellas” of national academic associations (i.e. associations of associations).
The Handbook is standard reading for anyone involved in higher education cooperation across borders. The overarching aim of the publication, however, is to showcase the interrelation among these associations and, by doing so, to provide information for future cooperation, partnerships and true networking
The publication is supported by the Asia Europe Foundation (ASEF) through the ASEM Education Hub (AEH).
It can be ordered only via the ACA Secretariat (www.aca-secretariat.be/handbook2009.htm) atinfo@aca-secretariat.be.
To download a copy of the publication flyer, please click here.
