The University of Szeged has become the first higher education institution in Hungary to receive the “Engaged University” certification from the Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities (ACEEU). The certificate was awarded on September 19, 2024, at the ACEEU Europe–Africa Forum. This achievement marks yet another significant milestone for the university, highlighting its commitment and responsibility to both its immediate sphere and the broader community.
The University of Szeged was the first university in Hungary to undergo the comprehensive accreditation process of the Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities (ACEEU), successfully earning the “Engaged University” certification. ACEEU evaluates the operations and impact of higher education institutions based on non-traditional criteria, including the economic and social application of intellectual resources and the intensity and diversity of a university’s connections with the world beyond the institution itself.
A major milestone in the university’s progress
Earning the ACEEU accreditation, awarded for a period of five years, represents a significant milestone for the University of Szeged. During the rigorous evaluation process, various aspects of the university’s operations were assessed, including its strategic vision, organizational culture, and the impact of its innovative and third-stream activities. In addition to recognizing the university’s current achievements, the certification also establishes benchmarks for its future aspirations.
Regarding the achievement, Prof. Dr. László Rovó, Rector of the University of Szeged, emphasized: “About a hundred years ago, when the university was relocated to Szeged, it became our key mission to be the intellectual center of southern Hungary. The accreditation we have now earned is a recognition of our collective efforts to create an environment that will benefit those around us for generations to come. We believe this role will become increasingly important in the coming decades, which inspires us to regularly rethink how we, as a university, can further strengthen our engagement. The evaluation process for this accreditation provided us with an excellent opportunity to do just that.”
Committed to service across both local and wider contexts
The University of Szeged has been promoting social responsibility and innovation through a variety of initiatives for several decades. These include education and research collaboration with industrial partners and non-profit organizations; community outreach programs; support activities, awareness raising, and talent management; and the fostering of entrepreneurial endeavors within the university community. The ACEEU accreditation recognizes all these efforts as well as the university’s transformative impact on society.
The ACEEU Certificate of Engaged University Accreditation was received by Dr. Dénes Mátyás, Deputy Director and ACEEU Accreditation Manager at the University of Szeged.
“The Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities is a globally active organization specializing in quality assurance, with a focus on recognizing social engagement and entrepreneurship in higher education. The certificate we have obtained signals to our students, staff, partners, and all stakeholders the effectiveness and excellence of the work being done at the University of Szeged. It demonstrates that our university’s influence extends far beyond its walls. We would like to thank all the instructors, researchers, staff, and students who contributed to the accreditation process,” said Dr. Judit Fendler, Chancellor of the University of Szeged.
The accreditation certificate was presented to the University of Szeged at a formal ceremony on September 19, 2024, at the ACEEU Europe–Africa Forum event.
For more information about the ACEEU organization and ACEEU accreditation, visit the following sites:
Website: https://www.aceeu.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aceeu/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ACEEU_org
Source: SZTEinfo
